Resort Suggestions?

[billt4sf]

Looking for suggestions for resorts in Raja Ampat or elsewhere in Indo. We are getting on in years and although we still dive well (600 dives each) we have increasing limitations in other ways, so unfortunately our requirements are rather specific. Hoping some of you knowledgeable people can help us out.



It has to be land-based, and the dive sites have to be close to the resort to limit my wife’s exposure on boats as she loves to dive, but gets seasick more and more easily. She has tried everything and now it is time to limit boat trips.



For the same reason as above, it would be best - almost a requirement – for the resort to be reachable from the harbor within, say a 30 minute boat ride.



We need a private DM, someone experienced and attentive.



We don’t need aircon but good beds are essential.



Our budget can handle most things and we prefer four star but it doesn’t have to be.



Hello to anyone who may remember me from a few years ago. Have not been active here recently.



Thanks and happy bubbles!



Big Bill

 

[matts1w]

I remember you and hope all is well...

I don't think much has changed in the last few years. Sorrido Bay in Raja Ampat fits your needs as much as any in R4, minus the 30 minutes from the harbor to the resort. Unless something happens with the airport on Waisai, Raja Ampat is always going to be about 75 km from Sorong.

I know you know Bali well... What else? Wakatobi Dive Resort. Gangga Island Resort. Lembeh Resort.

Komodo is tough with the boat times.

Lombok's Gili Islands (Gili Air or Gili Meno) would work, but not the best diving compared with the places above.

My favorite muck diving in Ambon and Spice Islands divers is the best option, but not quite four-star. It does tick all the boxes besides super luxury.

There are maybe some options on Sumbawa worth researching, but I don't know much. Resorts like Aman or Kalimaya look amazing, but I have no idea about boat trips.

 

[JonnieB]

Someone says you know about Bali but for a couple getting on in years I think it's ideal. The easy shore or boat diving all the sites in Amed and Tulamben and the plethora of nice resorts between the two makes for diving heaven in my book. The restoS, spaS, and view point bars just adds to the mix. PM if you want more detailed shop or resort reccos.

 

[Centrals]

@billt4sf
I remember you were quite active/knowledgeable on Indonesia diving scene.
Welcome back.
I can think of two places outside Indonesia if you are interested. Koh Lipe in Thailand and Puerto Galera in Philippines offer short boat ride to most of the dive sites ie. one dive at a time.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Bangka, North Sulawesi

 

[Luko]

Unless Sorong airport is moved to Waisai, it won’t happen to get you to any resort within 30 minutes boat ride.
Forget R4.

In Indonesia, I would state :
Bangka/NSulawesi is a good idea ( Coral eye fits the bill, closer to the interesting dive sites than Gangga)
Alor as well, depends on where you are located but sites are not that far away.10 to 20 minutes boat ride .

On the other places that have been cited , Kalimaya is a no go, sites can be quite far away with some open sea crossing . So is Komodo.

I don’t see you mucking in Ambon, clearly.

Probably one forgot you have to take a long speedboat transfer to get to Lipe which btw is mundane diving compared to Indo.

 

[Mr.Poseidon]

Bill,
Welcome back! I’m glad to hear things are going well for you!

My recommendation would be Alami Alor. They have a solid house reef and all muck site are within 5 to 20 minutes from their dock.

We were there in 2023 and are going back later this year. It’s a solid operation and they really try hard to accommodate your preferences for muck vs reef. Plus, they did a great job timing the currents so all dives were minimal current. (Granted, dive sites like Current Ally had current but you know that going into it).

It’s an A+ resort and ranks in my all time favorites. Please pm me if you have any questions.