Introduction
Discover Lembeh Resort – The Critter Capital of the World for Macro Diving & Underwater Photography in Indonesia
Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia — the ultimate destination for macro diving, muck diving, and underwater photography. If you dream of photographing flamboyant cuttlefish hatching from eggs inside a coconut shell, hairy frogfish free-swimming, giant frogfish perfectly posed, mimic octopuses, blue-ringed octopuses, reef octopuses, or your favorite — the clever coconut octopus — then Lembeh is paradise.
Welcome to Lembeh Resort, an award-winning boutique resort nestled in a private cove at the northeastern tip of Sulawesi. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and overlooking the Lembeh Strait with views of majestic volcanoes, this serene enclave offers the perfect blend of world-class diving, photography excellence, and relaxing tropical luxury.
At Family Dive Adventures, we are recognized leaders in dive travel to Indonesia. Margo and Tom Peyton have extensive personal experience across Indonesia, including Lembeh and its sister properties in Manado and Bangka. Our team knows Lembeh intimately — we have not only attended the renowned Critter Capture underwater photography workshops but have also hosted them with top pros like Dr. Alex Mustard, Erin Quigley, and others.
We specialize in creating fully customized Indonesia dive trips, from single-resort stays to our signature Passport to Paradise island-hopping experiences (10–14 days across Lembeh, Bangka, and beyond). Whether you’re a passionate macro photographer, a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, we handle every detail: optimal room choices, private boats, dedicated guides, domestic flights, land excursions, and seamless logistics.
Why Book Lembeh with Family Dive Adventures?
- Unmatched Expertise — Our dive staff knows every critter site, photo pro, and hidden gem in Lembeh Strait.
- Photography Excellence — Lembeh Resort boasts one of the most advanced underwater photography centers in the world. Expert guides (many marine biologists and trained photographers) assist with everything — gear setup, rinsing, carrying your camera, snooting, and finding elusive subjects. The facilities leave nothing to be desired for both beginners and pros.
- Incredible Marine Life — Known as the Critter Capital of the World, Lembeh delivers hundreds of nudibranch species, schooling knife fish, special moments watching critters lay eggs, and endless “wow” encounters on relaxed muck dives.
- Personalized Service — We arrange private boats, private guides, special workshops, and tailored itineraries to match your skill level, interests, and pace.
Your Tropical Garden Paradise Awaits
Explore expansive gardens bursting with vibrant hibiscus, orchids, mango, jackfruit, and starfruit trees. Spot colorful butterflies, sunbirds, kingfishers, flying lizards, praying mantises, stick insects, and rhinoceros beetles. From your terrace, enjoy the symphony of tarsiers, sloths, birds, and cicadas in this true jungle paradise.
Relax by the pool with sunset cocktails overlooking the Lembeh Strait, or unwind in the brand-new spa (opened February 2025). Professional massage therapists deliver restorative treatments in a peaceful, nature-connected setting — the perfect way to recover after exhilarating dives.
Unforgettable Diving & Photography
Dive with confidence on short boat rides to legendary muck sites teeming with bizarre and beautiful marine life. The resort’s professional dive operation (with Murex Divers) features excellent boats, Nitrox, and guides who excel at spotting the smallest critters for your camera.
Whether you’re capturing award-winning macro shots or simply enjoying the wonders of Lembeh, every day brings new adventures both underwater and on land.
Ready to experience the best of Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, and Indonesia? Let Family Dive Adventures design your perfect macro diving and underwater photography trip. We make booking easy and your experience extraordinary.
Contact us today to start planning your customized Lembeh adventure!
Rates, Prices & Specials
Text
7 nights package with 17 dives and free Nitrox, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily, airport transfers.
Group special is 9 paid +1 Free space. A group of 28 paid + 4 free.
- Garden View Room: Standard package from $2.365 p.p. double
- Premium Luxury Cottage: Premium package from $3.471 p.p. double
- Cliffside Villa: Premium package from $4.801 p.p. double
Packages
Lembeh Popular - Standard
Immerse yourself in Lembeh, where you will discover a multitude of the world’s most famous, rare, and unusual critters. Stay in a Garden View Room, which is ideal for friends, solo travelers, couples, and those who want to be close to where the action is.
Package Details:
- 7 nights accommodation in a Garden View Room
- 15 guided boat dives with Nitrox
- Unlimited house reef dives
- Full board meal plan
- Return airport transfers
- Starting from USD 2,161 per person based on double/twin occupancy
Lembeh Popular - Premium
Dive into the myriad wonders of Lembeh, where you will discover an endless array of critters. Accommodation is in a Premium Luxury Cottage, which is ideal for those who enjoy the comforts of a spacious, well-designed room with a touch of luxury. Ocean views add a little extra ‘wow’ factor.
Package Details:
- 7 nights accommodation in a Premium Luxury Cottage
- 15 guided boat dives with Nitrox
- Unlimited house reef dives
- Full board meal plan
- Return airport transfers
- Starting from USD 3,176 per person based on double/twin occupancy
Accommodations
Cliffside Villa
Max. 3 guests / 124 m2
Our Cliffside Villa is a private enclave that provides 180-degree views of the Lembeh Strait, with volcanoes on the horizon. Two secluded sundecks are the ideal spot to enjoy sunsets, while a king-sized canopy bed adds a touch of luxury to an already opulent interior. With dedicated butler services, a large infinity pool, and a range of convenient amenities at your disposal, this villa is ideal for romantic getaways and elegant retreats.
Features & Amenities:
- Large infinity pool (32m² )
- 180-degree panoramic ocean and volcano views
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- King-size canopy bed
- Spacious lounge
- Two private sundecks with sun loungers
- A covered veranda
- Large desk, perfect for photo editing
- Private butler service
- Hot water outdoor and indoor rainfall showers
- Elegantly decorated bathroom with two sinks
- Air conditioning
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Reading lights
- Flatscreen satellite TV
- Bluetooth speaker
- Electronic safe
- Espresso machine & French press
- Well-stocked minibar
- Water dispenser
- Fruit basket
- Homemade cookies
- Rain umbrellas
- Complimentary spa treatment (per person)
- Complimentary bottle of wine (per stay)
- Complete privacy
- Extra bed can be added to the lounge
Premium Luxury Cottages
Max. 3 guests / 60 m2
Each of our thirteen Premium Luxury Cottages are comforting and stylish hideaways, surrounded by tropical greenery. Interiors are well-appointed and spacious, while outdoor verandas provide spectacular ocean and sunset views. Built with sustainability and privacy in mind, each cottage provides comfort, convenience, and a connection to nature.
Features & Amenities:
- Beautiful ocean views
- King-size or twin beds
- Custom-made furniture and décor
- Spacious veranda with outdoor seating
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors for natural light
- Sofa with table & chairs
- Comfortable working desk
- Spacious indoor bathroom with rain shower
- Minibar
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Drinking water dispenser
- Air conditioning
- Reading lights
- Telephone
- Convenient charging stations (including USB)
- Electronic safe
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Umbrellas
- Extra bed can be added
- Free-standing and adjoining options
Garden View Rooms
Max. 2 guests / 41 m2
Our six Garden View Rooms are simple, comfortable, and convenient. With four located at ground level and two on the second floor, all are just a few steps from the restaurant, photo center, pool, and dive center. This makes them easy to access and close to the action. The ideal accommodation for active divers.
Features & Amenities:
- Lush garden views
- King-size or twin beds
- Connecting veranda with outdoor seating
- Work desk
- Ensuite indoor bathroom
- Hot water shower
- Minibar
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Drinking water dispenser
- Air conditioning
- Reading lights
- Telephone
- Electronic safe
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Rain umbrellas
- 24-hour electricity
Diving / Diving Site(s)
Critters at Lembeh Resort
Dive or snorkel into Lembeh’s weird and wonderful underwater world! The Lembeh Strait is legendary for its abundance of rare and spectacular marine life. At Lembeh Resort, we turn diving into a luxury adventure. Get ready to meet the wildest critters—Lembeh style.
Lembeh is world famous for its muck diving. But that’s just the beginning—we also offer coral reef diving, wreck dives, and exciting night dives. So whether you’re spotting hairy frogfish or exploring coral gardens, our dive center’s expert guides and first-class facilities make every dive a discovery.
At Lembeh Resort, we offer top-notch dive services to make your experience unforgettable. Our Marine Biologist and Photo-Trained dive guides ensure you see the best of Lembeh, while our clean, fast boats and camera-savvy crew make every trip smooth and worry-free. With careful, organized gear handling, Nitrox, and Bauer Certified clean air, your safety and comfort are always a priority. Our caring Dive Center are here to provide attentive support throughout your journey.
Everything A Diver Needs
Our dive center is equipped with everything you need for a smooth, worry-free dive experience. Personal lockers keep your gear safe and organized, while our selection of full rental equipment ensure you’re always dive-ready. Dedicated rinse tanks for gear and cameras mean your equipment stays in top shape after each dive.
Our dive guides are more than just experienced; they’re dive butlers, expert underwater photographers, and critter connoisseurs. Our guides know every critter by name—even in Latin! They’ll make sure your dives are as unforgettable as they are unique.
Whether you’re headed to a nearby site or further out, we’ve got the perfect boat for your dive. Equipped with clean, efficient four-stroke engines (we were the first in Lembeh to adopt them), our boats are fast, quiet, and eco-friendly.
Our boats include facilities such as:
- Onboard Toilet
- Ample Storage Space
- Oxygen & Medical Kit
- Easy to Climb Ladders
- Rinse Tanks for Cameras
- Twin four-stroke engines
- Water, snacks, towels
A private boat gives you the freedom to set your schedule and explore the dive sites you want, when you want. Whether you’re after a quiet, relaxed dive or seeking specific critters, our private services ensure the day is all about you.
Our Facilities
Lembeh Resort’s facilities are designed for ultimate convenience. Store your gear in individual lockers at our Dive Stations, and let our expert Photo Pro at the Cameras at Lembeh Resort Photo Center handle all your imaging needs. Our custom Camera Room is equipped with everything an underwater photographer could want—perfect for prepping for your next dive.
Our dedicated photo center offers sales and rental equipment, courses, coaching, and technical support aimed at both photographers and videographers. We have the knowledge, inspiration, and gear you need to capture incredible underwater images in the Critter Capital of the World.
The camera room provides individual workstations, each of which have power outlets for charging batteries, so you have a place to prepare and care for your equipment. This makes it easier to organize your gear before a dive, store it safely when not in use, and clean up after your adventures.
Book Your Course with Our Team
Dive into underwater exploration with our range of dive courses at Lembeh Resort – Critter Capital of the World! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver looking to sharpen your skills, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
PADI e-learning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever and wherever suits you.
Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.
Practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) until you are comfortable. PADI training includes practice – or ‘mini dives’ – to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water. Our guides are here to help!
Dining / Restaurant(s)
A Taste of Indonesia, With a Touch of Home
Enjoy an exquisite dining experience with fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection by a team of expert chefs. Each and every meal is a feast for the senses. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can look forward to international standards of cuisine with a local flavor, served with a smile.
Our semi-open restaurant is framed by views of sea and jungle, the perfect place for a private dinner or gathering with newfound friends. Throughout the day and into the evening, our passionate culinary team strives to provide a variety of culinary creations to suit every taste.
Tantalizing options for everyone
The Langka Restaurant serves an eclectic range of fresh and fulfilling recipes, designed to support a wide range of dietary requirements and personal tastes.
All dishes at Langka are fresh and natural. We do not use MSG or any other artificial flavor enhancers.
Bar - Flavors to Savor
After a day of diving, enjoy a range of indulgent spirits, international wines, fresh juices, coffees, and cocktails at our well-stocked bar. Sit back and enjoy the sunset with us, as we serve up a selection international favorites with a tropical twist.
Learn the Art of Local Cooking
Learn to prepare a selection of authentic Minahasan recipes with one of our talented chefs. Our immersive cooking course can also be combined with a trip to the market to gather local spices and ingredients, and get a flavor of local living.
Activities
Kayaking & Snorkeling
Our very own house reef is home to colorful corals, tropical fish, and critter habitats. Whether snorkeling or exploring Lembeh’s verdant coastline by kayak, Lembeh Resort has wonderful surroundings that are waiting to be discovered.
Land Tours
Tangkoko Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Russell Wallace and discover incredible biodiversity of North Sulawesi.
Highland Tour
Explore the natural beauty of volcanoes, historical sites, and local delicacies.
Market Tour
Delve into the bustling morning markets of Bitung, alive with the energy of local life.
Lembeh Island Tour
Traverse the hills and jungles of Lembeh, stopping at villages, beaches, mangroves, and monuments on the way.
Village Tour
Enjoy a warm welcome from the locals at Pintu Kota Kecil Village, home to traditional island life.
Birdwatching Tour
Witness the incredible diversity of bird species endemic to North Sulawesi, at Tangkoko National Park.
Sunset Cruise
Explore the magical Lembeh Strait at sunset, or set off on a romantic cruise beneath the stars.
Mangrove Tour
Embark on a boat trip to explore the rich mangrove forests of Batu Angus, where reef and rainforest meet.
Tasisoki Tour
Visit a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center, and meet some of the animals in their care.
Know Before You Go
How do I get to North Sulawesi?
Manado International airport is currently serviced six times per week (every day except Sunday) direct from Singapore by Scoot Air, the regional carrier of Singapore Airlines. There are also several daily non-stop flights from Jakarta and services from Bali.
How do I get to Lembeh Resort
Our 24/7 transfers to Lembeh Resort are carried out using the resort’s comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. Since the opening of a new toll road in early 2022, transfers from Manado Airport take approximately 60 minutes by road, followed by a short 10-minute boat journey to the resort. For guests staying at another location in North Sulawesi before visiting Lembeh Resort, a point-to-point transfer will be arranged by the resort. All transfers are point-to-point – if you are coming from Bunaken/Siladen, transfers will be arranged directly from the other Resort’s nominated pier to the resort.
Other Info
Visa requirements for Indonesia
You will need a tourist visa to enter Indonesia, which can be issued on arrival at Manado Airport to citizens of most nationalities.
Foreigners with Visa Exemption facilities will be granted Visit Stay Permit for 30 (thirty) days
This visa is not extendable and can not be converted into another type of stay permit.
If you opt to pay for Visa on arrival ($35 US), you will receive a 30 day visa which you may extend within Indonesia for a further 30 days.
All other nationals should apply for visas in their home country before departure for Indonesia. There will be no leniency for nationals of countries not listed above should they arrive without a valid visa – they will be sent home immediately.
For further up-to-date information about travel matters, please visit Indonesia’s Department of Foreign Affairs website at www.imigrasi.go.id to find the embassy or consulate nearest to you.
E-Visa Application
For travelers preparing for visas before arrival, e-visa applications are also available online through this link: The Official e-Visa Website for Indonesia
Here is our address information for your visa application:
Address: Keluarahan Pintu Kota ling.III Kecamatan Lembeh Utara PO BOX 117 Bitung, North Sulawesi-Indonesia 95557
Province: North Sulawesi/ Sulawesi Utara
City: Bitung
District: Lembeh Utara
Village: Pintu Kota ling.III
Postal code: 95557
Immigration office: Bitung
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