First Indonesia Dive Trip - Manado Area

[CajunDiva]

We are in the initial planning stages of a trip to Indonesia next fall. The basic destination is Manado. From there we would like to sample diving at Bunaken Marine Park, Lembeh Strait and Bangka Island. Unfortunately, we do not have an unlimited budget

In doing some research, I found a resort called Bastiano's that has a location on Bunaken Island and another location at Lembeh Strait. Logistically and financially this resort might fit the bill. Does anyone have any recent experience with Bastianos? Any other recommendations for the area?

Thanks...

 

[JHB]

CajunDiva, Hey we saw your post- Bastianos is quite OK, if you want a bit more info- have a look see at www.manadosafaris.com- although they are not actually listed , we do offer them - but the most important thing is to know what your requirements are , budget etc- drop us a line if we can assist- BTW- I have lived here 13 years, originally from Connecticut. Best regards, Jeremy

 

[CajunDiva]

Thanks for the reply Jeremy. Can you tell me...what is "Quite OK"?

 

[Quero]

"Quite OK" is Manglish or Singlish (Malaysian or Singaporean variety of English) and it means something like "pretty good." I actually find it amusing that somebody from Connecticut has incorporated this into their usage, but who am I to talk? When I lived in Malaysia I sometimes said things like "he offed the aircon" meaning he turned it off, not destroyed it!

Back to your original question, CD, Bastianos is a budget-level operation. In the past they've had some management problems, but I haven't seen any recent complaints. Don't expect luxury, especially if you are thinking of booking one of the fan-cooled rooms. Avoid the rooms on the hillside. IMO, there are better options. I suggest looking at this website and supporting the member businesses: North Sulawesi Watersports Association. This group of operators and resort owners banded together to push for the marine park fee structure to fund enforcement of the marine park status, install mooring lines, patrol against illegal fishing, and have consistently put conservation and responsible use at the forefront of their activities.

 

[Magrone]

Check this sight out and fill out the survey of what you want. Klaus gives free advice for people traveling and diving in the Manado area. He was very quick to get back to me and recommended a place that sounds perfect for my budget needs. I can't see anything suspicious about him being affiliated with any dive resorts. He just seems to be a nice guy willing to help people out with their travel plans.


Dive Resorts: Accomodation on Bunaken-Sulawesi

 

[Midget]

I've stayed at Bastianos Lembeh twice and Bastianos Bunaken once.

I absolutely recommend them on all fronts. Neither of the resorts is splash, but the prices are better than fair for what you get. The food is plentiful and each meal had a good variety of dishes. The divemasters are excellent. Rental equipment was fine, and we never had more than 4 divers to one divemaster.

I have no idea what management problems Quero brings up because I experienced no problems with bookings or operations in '09 or '10. Their Lembeh operations is being efficiently managed by the energetic i gypsy the world now.

Manado Safaris is a middle man/tour agent. No need to book through them when you can book with Bastianos directly.

If you want to dive amazing sites at an affordable cost and have comfortable accommodation with friendly staff.....go with Bastianos!

Do allow time to visit Tangkoko Park to see the hornbills, black-crested macaques, and tarsiers.
One afternoon/early evening is enough time to do a hike.

N. Sulawesi people are so friendly. You will love it!

 

[CajunDiva]

Thanks Midget...just the kind of information I was looking for. We are not high maintenance people, but we would like to stay at a decent place with available air conditioning. Bastianos seems to fit the bill on all counts...except that I wish they had nitrox available at Bunaken. We plan to do at least three dives every day for at least a week and would be much more comfortable with nitrox.

We would definitely book directly with Bastianos...they have been very attentive and professional about answering questions for me. I have so far been very pleased with them. Thanks for taking the time to reply

 

[mjgoodman]

Check 2 Fish. Great DMs, well run, easy on the wallet, and tasty food.

 

[Luko]

We are not high maintenance people, but we would like to stay at a decent place with available air conditioning.

Not sure Bastianos complies with your aircon requirement tho.
It's been a long time I stayed with them on Bunaken (2002) ...wasn't very impressed at the time. But they certainly have improved since.

Manado Safaris is a middle man/tour agent. No need to book through them

Of course, Jeremy is a travel agent but he often provides better prices than direct bookings! (probably due to his ex resort manager background ).
Pls note I have absolutely no interest in Safari Tours business but I have used their services a few times and can testify they were VERY efficient, besides that not the sales pushy kind.

 

[CajunDiva]

Not sure Bastianos complies with your aircon requirement tho.
It's been a long time I stayed with them on Bunaken (2002) ...wasn't very impressed at the time. But they certainly have improved since.

Their website says they have five A/C Beach bungalows...

We would book with 2Fish in a heartbeat if they had air conditioning. I know...people say you don't really NEED air conditioning, but we live in south Louisiana where the daytime temperatures are in the 90's and the humidity is often 100%. We know what it's like in the heat and humidity