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.

 

[billt4sf]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I forgot to say that we don't care much for muck as we are not photographers. Once in a while it is interesting but we definitely want to dive reefs.

I made the list to check further for Wakatobi, Gangga or Coral Eye, Bangka, and Alor Alami. Without knowing a lot about any of them I am inclined more for Alor and Bangka but we'll try to research them more carefully. The time of year will be late Dec, early January BTW.

We could also consider returning to Sorido Bay. We have had great times there and terrible times there. The dives sites are close, and generally good as I recall. Last time we were there, Jan 2024, there was new management and it was a cluster-****. Anyone been there recently?

We lived on Bali for two+ years and honestly we're not inclined to go back, not because it's a bad place but just "been there, done that". Tulamben is a good site but us walking in from the shore ... probably not. There comes a time when one needs to recognize one's limitations, and for us, this is that time. We're grateful to the gods to still be able to dive, quite honestly.

Thanks again!

 

[cetacean]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I forgot to say that we don't care much for muck as we are not photographers. Once in a while it is interesting but we definitely want to dive reefs.

I made the list to check further for Wakatobi, Gangga or Coral Eye, Bangka, and Alor Alami. Without knowing a lot about any of them I am inclined more for Alor and Bangka but we'll try to research them more carefully. The time of year will be late Dec, early January BTW.

We could also consider returning to Sorido Bay. We have had great times there and terrible times there. The dives sites are close, and generally good as I recall. Last time we were there, Jan 2024, there was new management and it was a cluster-****. Anyone been there recently?

We lived on Bali for two+ years and honestly we're not inclined to go back, not because it's a bad place but just "been there, done that". Tulamben is a good site but us walking in from the shore ... probably not. There comes a time when one needs to recognize one's limitations, and for us, this is that time. We're grateful to the gods to still be able to dive, quite honestly.

Thanks again!

@billt4sf

You mentioned you've been to Sorido Bay in Jan 2024... we were there in June of 2024 and had a great time diving (10 days). What specifically got screwed up when you were there?

Given that you've been there, you know the ride from Sorong is both lengthy and can be quite uncomfortable. My wife also suffers from seasickness (she's sees a boat, she starts feeling queasy
We managed the trip to/from Sorong, but that was the least fun part of the trip - however she very much enjoyed the diving and the resort.

We're headed back to Wakatobi for our 5th trip in June (with our adult kids). It likely meets all your needs... the boats are also a bit larger (very stable) so my wife has had no issues on these (the water in the area is also exceptionally calm around most of the sites). The Wakatobi region generally has the nicest reefs in Indonesia - in part because they've taken the development of their MPA extremely seriously...it's paid off (although some divers have complained about the "no gloves" and "no touching" policies they've put in place). Private guides are not an issue at Wakatobi, they have a dive plan (for a few extra $) that includes a private guide for all your dives (which also gives you the ability to pick your dive sites from any scheduled for that day).

 

[Luko]

I made the list to check further for Wakatobi, Gangga or Coral Eye, Bangka, and Alor Alami. Without knowing a lot about any of them I am inclined more for Alor and Bangka but we'll try to research them more carefully.

The time of year will be late Dec, early January BTW.

The last sentence should have been the first of your post : forget Alor and Bangka at time of the year. (All Alor resorts are closed in between december and end of march).

For the April to Nov period I would suggest you extend your Alor resort list outside Alami which is not located near to the best spot for you (inside Kalabahi mucky bay). Other than the Alor divers option (having a pretty housereef and the closest to yellow corner), a couple of comfortable resorts opened these past 2-3 years.