Best resorts in Lempeh and Gangga Island?

[viva1]

Hope to dive at Lempeh and Gangga Island in July, 2009. Any tips on best dive resort (best dive operation, rental equipment, room # to request, etc)? I'm thinking of about 4-5 days each. Does that sound like enough? Also will be in Bali and may dive there, too. Any suggestions for best dives in Bali?

What is the current like at these places? I don't like much current and know it is unpredictable, but are there spots where there is usually less current?

 

[BigJeff]

Welcome Viva1,

A couple of weeks ago I posted a trip report on this area, you can find it on the second page of this forum or with some luck this link will work:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/in...trip-report-northern-sulawesi-part-1-2-a.html

In amongst the rather excessive number of photo's you'll find my opinions of the resorts I stayed at.

You'll probably have as many opinions on the resorts as there are divers on the forum, and in this area I don't think there are any "bad" resorts - however you certainly do get what you pay for.

In the area your looking at I would have to say Kasawari for Lembeh, and Gangga Island Resort for Gangga/Bangka area are very good - that's based on my time in those resorts.
The diving should be fantastic wherever you are, but once outside Lembeh (and sometimes inside) currents are possible. The good news is that most of the local guides will avoid diving on sites at the wrong times of the day and will take you too a more sheltered alternative.

The 4-5 day time should be enough to get a good taste of the area, but if you're a photographer then a little more time in Lembeh would be good.

Happy Diving

 

[TJ_Diver]

We stayed at KBR (Kungkungan Bay Resort) a couple of years ago and had a great experience with them. The accomodations, food, staff and dive experiece were all great. I would recommend them from my experience. I'm suprised that they didn't answer Jeff's inquiries - and I have a real problem with operations that don't quickly respond to e-mails. I think they are worth considering, as long as they respond to your request.
When we went we stayed 5 days in Lembeh - It's never enough. We are currently trying to find a time to go back and we will probably return to KBR.

 

[BlueBayDivers]

if you dont need AC and salt water pool then check out Blue Bay Divers for the Bangka area. its a small resort, max 14 guests, very individuall diving (2 divers share one dive guide), 3 Dive boats (so never crowded on board or under water at the dive spot). and last but not least, the best Bangka dive spots are just around the corner (5-15min boat drive). check out our web page Blue Bay Divers | Home
in lembeh i can recommend the Lembeh Lodge. small resort as well and very good dive service.
see you in north sulawesi
anke

 

[tzeyap]

Best resorts in Lembeh : 1. Kunkungan Bay Resort

2. Kasawari

3. Lembeh Dive Resort

4. Black Sand

The above are all excellent. Lembeh has some rooms at the top of the hill from which you can have a great view but it is hard work climbing up after your dive.

Most dives in Lembeh straits are fairly easy diving. Best dives in Bali are where there can be strong currents.

 

[Allison Finch]

While in Lembeh, I stayed at Kasawari Lodge. It was fantastic!! Good food, lovely buildings, careful attention by a happy staff, and very camera saavy. Here are a few pics;

the dock

The pool

The native dive boats were among the most comfortable to dive from I've seen. You wouldn't know to look at them.

All in all, you will love it there. They make it as effortless as if you were on a liveaboard.

 

[Travelnsj]

I was at the Lembeh Resort in December and going back in October. I loved it.

 

[scubabum2]

We had a great stay at Nomad Adventure Dive Resort on Lembeh. Not as upscale as KBR, but also not as pricey. We had wonderful service both topside and underwater.

 

[viva1]

Best resorts in Lembeh : 1. Kunkungan Bay Resort

2. Kasawari

3. Lembeh Dive Resort

4. Black Sand

The above are all excellent. Lembeh has some rooms at the top of the hill from which you can have a great view but it is hard work climbing up after your dive.

Most dives in Lembeh straits are fairly easy diving. Best dives in Bali are where there can be strong currents.

I see you rated KBR over Kasawari. What did you like better about it?

 

[tzeyap]

I see you rated KBR over Kasawari. What did you like better about it?

They are all very good. I feel that kasawari is great for honeymooners. More for people who prefer to be by themselves after the dives.

There is another option. I shall be going to Benteng next month,. From Benteng, which is on the edge of the Tangkoko forest reserve, it is possible to dive Lembeh and Bangka and also land activities in between dive days.