My wife and I are considering a trip to Indonesia in Oct. or Nov. We are planning on diving Raja Ampat and Lembeh. We were in Lembeh a few years back, and dove with SDQ. Overall we had a good experience with them, but the lack of airconditioning made the nights almost unbearable. I have been looking at various websites, and like the looks of Bastianos. They offer airconditioning, and they look like they have a nice pool, and they seem to be reasonably priced. There doesn't seem to be much feedback on this resort in these forums. Has anybody out there had any experiences with them? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
bastianos lembeh
- Thread starter kgbeaton
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Travelnsj
Contributor
I knew Harley who managed it for awhile. When I was there in October I went over from the Lembeh Resort to have dinner. It was very basic compared to Lembeh Resort but nice and yes the pool had a great view.
Kilili
Contributor
Gone there the last two years, 4-5 weeks last time. Another 3 weeks this Sep. I really like the place a lot. Low key, great staff. The A/C rooms are great, the others, down below are not. Some rooms have nice view of strait, and you can watch the illuminated fishing boats at night.
The place has a lot of steps coming up from the water, well for me, Ive had surgery on one knee, two ankles, plus damage to hamstring.
Hot water sometimes, sometimes not. Not a bit deal, and most places have none. If you're a Guinness fan, like me, they will keep it in stock for you.
Boats run on time [not Swiss time though], good ratio of guides to divers, not much limit on dive time. Make the boat crew happy and bring along a carton of cigarettes to dish out. [I don't smoke, and they're not going to stop.]
What else you want to know?
The place has a lot of steps coming up from the water, well for me, Ive had surgery on one knee, two ankles, plus damage to hamstring.
Hot water sometimes, sometimes not. Not a bit deal, and most places have none. If you're a Guinness fan, like me, they will keep it in stock for you.
Boats run on time [not Swiss time though], good ratio of guides to divers, not much limit on dive time. Make the boat crew happy and bring along a carton of cigarettes to dish out. [I don't smoke, and they're not going to stop.]
What else you want to know?
Thanks for the input. It sounds like it would serve our needs. As long as the place is clean and airconditioned, we are happy. How was the food when you were there? I am glad to here that they didn't run out of beer. The most important thing for us is diving with good dive guides, and in small groups, especially in Lembeh where there are so many photo opportunities. We haven't decided on when we are going to go. We are planning a week or ten days in Lembeh, followed by a week in Raja Ampat ( possibly Sorrido Resort ), and then a couple of weeks in Bali where we will do a few dives, and tour around the island.The side trip to Raja Ampat would add alot to the cost, but I really want to get there if we can afford it. We are looking at the best time to go, because Bali has different weather trends.( rainy seaon from Nov. to March.) We are leaving in a couple of weeks to Grenada, so are busy planning that trip right now. We have been to Asia a few times, and the extra cost and time to get there is considerable, but we have found that to be the best diving. We will return either this fall or next year for sure.
Travelnsj
Contributor
I have been to Sorido twice in one year and going back in November does that tell you what I think of the diving? Bali is also good diving I have been there three times also. Have gone in September thru November and weather has been perfect.
I had one dinner at Bastianos and was good.
I had one dinner at Bastianos and was good.
KG, I was the Manager at Bastianos Lembeh for most of last year, so I still have many "contacts" there. If you have specific questions regarding diving, accommodation, food etc... you may PM me and I will do my best to answer you.
Most of the Guides from my time are still working there; almost all the kitchen Staff are the same as during my tenure..it's definitely not a "5 star" resort, but it is generally decent and overall good value for money. It really depends on your expectations and budget.
Have a great trip.
HB
Most of the Guides from my time are still working there; almost all the kitchen Staff are the same as during my tenure..it's definitely not a "5 star" resort, but it is generally decent and overall good value for money. It really depends on your expectations and budget.
Have a great trip.
HB
Went there in April 09. We were very impressed. Had a beautiful room with 4 poster bed overlooking the bay. Everything was excellent. If I had complaints they would be the fact that it lacks atmosphere - at 8pm most guests are in bed. Also there is no drinks menu - think it was Bitang or nothing. Excellent value for money - thinking of going again next year.
I think I caught this dive resort on a bad week. Most of these reviews are really great. It had great recommendations from a few people I dove with in Yap Dec 2009 so I booked 5 nights with them to start my great Indonesia dive trip. I am understanding that a/c doesn't always work and that others things might not be perfect. The dive operation was great with non stop wonders. The loading area was always filled with fumes of the outboards - something that just can't be fixed. I am still suffering from the ill affects. Roaches in the bathroom are common but rats among the coffee cups that people were using was totally not so good. Also the eating tables had droppings from whatever. Most of the clients were returning clients so I gather they have been pleased with this operation. The price was right and the rooms had a great view with all of the chatter from the workers down on the water. All of the employees where polite and hard working. In the future I will do some extra homework on places to stay when I am told, "This is a great place to stay".
Kilili
Contributor
Usually 3-4 weeks at a time, last trip in Sep. Hot water in shower can be a bit twitchy sometimes, but that's it as far as any problems. Have only good things to say about the place, and I think the staff are great. Very good value. It isn't Lembeh Resort, but neither is the bill.
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