Anyone do the Passport and think it was worth it? Looking for a nice trip with good to great hard coral gardens but also want to include something like Lehmbe for critters. This trip will be for four 2 divers 2 non any beaches in the area the non divers could enjoy while we dive? Don't care if we see big stuff more macro and reef fish is the idea. Maybe a different area would work better for this type of trip? 3 of the 4 like nice accommodations not looking to blow the bank but don't mind paying for a nice place. Thanks for any help never been on that side of the world so I need any I can get lol.
Passport to Paridise Murex?
- Thread starter Wicket
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Luko
Contributor
I like Bangka very much for the variety and the coral colors, that said Bangka may not be the hard coral destination you are looking for, this is more like this below :
If hard coral's your kick, then Komodo might fit your taste better even though it's also full of soft corals :
Both destinations are good for snorkelling.
Bangka Murex has a great beach and excellent adjacent snorkeling, but nothing around.
Komodo (that you can couple with Bali for instance, eastern Bali is EXCELLENT for macro) has outstandingly alive sites in term of fish density (better than N/Sulawesi for me), a couple of fantastic shallow snorkeling that will take a boat to go to. The problem with Komodo on a budget is that you will have to ride a boat every morning. On the other hand Komodo has more activities (dragons, beaches in the bay being downtown LBJ for eating out and live music) than what Bangka provides.
If hard coral's your kick, then Komodo might fit your taste better even though it's also full of soft corals :
Both destinations are good for snorkelling.
Bangka Murex has a great beach and excellent adjacent snorkeling, but nothing around.
Komodo (that you can couple with Bali for instance, eastern Bali is EXCELLENT for macro) has outstandingly alive sites in term of fish density (better than N/Sulawesi for me), a couple of fantastic shallow snorkeling that will take a boat to go to. The problem with Komodo on a budget is that you will have to ride a boat every morning. On the other hand Komodo has more activities (dragons, beaches in the bay being downtown LBJ for eating out and live music) than what Bangka provides.
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outofofficebrb
HARRO HUNNAYYY
Agree that Komodo has good hard coral but not for muck. Lembeh or Ambon would be excellent for that. Plenty of reef fish at Komodo! How many days do you have for your trip? Komodo will work well for non divers because you can either get a liveaboard for not very much compared to other regions of Indo because of supply and your non divers can swim and snorkel during certain times of the day (not necessarily at dive sites due to currents). Alternatively, you can do day boat based diving and your non divers can stay on land or can join you for the day trip. Komodo Resort might be a good option for you. You can also stay in Labuan Bajo proper but lose out on the beach - but can gain a hotel pool.
Luko
Contributor
There are a few macro sites in Komodo that can be accessed on daytrips (Wainilu, Siaba Besar) but honestly not the level of Lembeh, that is why I was suggesting coupling your trip with eastern Bali where muck diving is for me as good as anywhere else.
I would not recommend Ambon for non divers !
Alor staying at Alor Eco Divers might be another option the beach and the house reef is excellent, snorkeling Anemone city pools is fantastic (provinding there is no current) and there is a good mix of muck sites.
But it's even more remote than Bangka...
Dogbowl
Contributor
I think you mean this? 3 resorts in one trip? My LDS is also offering this trip.
I found a 3-part trip report by @Searcaigh
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 1
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 2
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 3
I found a 3-part trip report by @Searcaigh
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 1
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 2
Murex Passport to Paradise Part 3
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Thanks everyone so far.
Looking to do 12-14 days. I'd be okay with moving locations just don't want to add flying to other places.
Yes thats what I was looking into.
outofofficebrb
HARRO HUNNAYYY
Tippytoes12
Contributor
I am in Lembeh at thé moment for all 13 nights. Personally I would find three destinations in 12 days too busy. But if you are transférred by boat and/ or if this is your travelling style, then to for it. I lové Sulawesi , but as has been said above , Bali is wonderful for diving , extremely varied and amazing value.
Lembeh is a must for me if I'm going this far around the world. The 2 non divers would be okay spending time by a pool or in a spa for 3-4 days. My problem is flights and no dive days because of that. Would Bali and Lembeh be a possibility? Say 9 days in Bali and 3-4 Lembeh or would that be too much time in Bali? Maybe I'm trying to fit too much into one trip.
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