Accommodation: Murex Bangka Resort

Book your next dive vacation in some of the world’s most impressive spots for macro photography. Lembeh and Bangka are a photographer’s dream, featuring incredibly healthy reefs, diverse marine life, and a spectacular national park perfect for hiking and other top-side activities. As Margo Peyton puts it, “This is the most luxurious diving paradise Indonesia has to offer.” For detailed information, please get in touch with Margo or Tom Peyton.

2028 Photo Intensive Workshop with Alex Mustard: September 13th-23rd (Who is Mr. Mustard?)

Dr Alexander Mustard MBE, at 50 years old, is a photographer from the UK who has been recognized as one of the world’s leading underwater photographers for the past 25 years. He began taking underwater photographs at the age of 9 and has been a full-time underwater photographer since 2004. In 2018, he received national recognition as he was appointed an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his ‘services to underwater photography.’ He holds a PhD in marine ecology, which greatly informs his work. He dives, teaches workshops, and captures stunning underwater images around the globe.

Contact Margo Peyton for more details: +1 803-419-2556.

Murex Bangka Resort offers 2 detached and 1 duplex style Premium Oceanfront Cottages which are positioned close to the ocean and our private white sand beach.

These tastefully appointed and generously proportioned air-conditioned rooms offer comfortable indoor living and large verandas with outdoor seating. Double and twin bed sleeping configurations are available and all Premium Oceanfront Cottages feature large en-suite bathrooms with twin basins.

For families and groups of friends, a duplex option is available which features two cottages adjoined by a shared common room – making them ideal for families and groups who prefer to stay closer together.

Detached Premium Oceanfront Cottages have an extra single bed that are perfect for relaxing after a day of diving or exploring. It may also easily be converted to an additional comfortable bed for extra guests.

Accommodation in all Premium Oceanfront Cottages offers hot water showers and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Electricity operates in our Premium Oceanfront Cottages 24 hours a day.

Premium Oceanfront Cottage Inclusions

• Large verandas with ceiling fans
• En-suite ocean view bathrooms
• AC throughout the night
• King-size or twin beds with mosquito nets
• Extra single bed (Detached Cottages)
• Dressing table
• Complimentary drinking water
• Tea and coffee station
• Minibar
• Outdoor seating area
• Universal wall sockets
• Ample storage

Discover the luxurious comfort of our Premium Oceanfront Cottage. Take a virtual tour on YouTube and experience the ambiance before you arrive.

Murex Bangka Resort offers six Deluxe Hillside Cottages which are strategically located to give refreshing sea breezes and views over the ocean and lush tree canopy below. These tastefully appointed, air-conditioned rooms offer comfortable indoor living and large verandas with built-in day beds. Double and twin bed sleeping configurations are available and all Deluxe Hillside Cottages feature large en suite bathrooms. For families and groups of friends, semi-detached options are available, allowing you to stay closer together.

Accommodation in our Deluxe Hillside Cottages offers hot water showers and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Electricity operates in our Deluxe Hillside Cottages 24 hours a day (reduced to one socket from 8am to 6pm and full power throughout the night).

Deluxe Hillside Cottage Inclusions

• Large verandas
• En-suite indoor-outdoor bathrooms
• AC throughout the night
• King-size or twin beds with mosquito nets
• Complimentary drinking water
• Large desks with seating
• USB charging facility
• Ocean and treetop views

Murex Bangka offers a choice of charming and comfortable, traditionally styled timber bungalows as well as larger duplex rooms, which have adjoining doors and are perfect for families. All rooms are located on the seafront with stunning views.

Because our Standard Oceanfront Cottages are on the water’s edge, there are wonderful sea breezes. These rooms offer hot water showers and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Electricity operates in our Standard Oceanfront Cottages 24 hours a day.

Please note that we utilize solar power during daylight hours so there is a slightly reduced supply from 8am to 6pm, full power runs throughout the night to ensure air conditioning.

Standard Oceanfront Cottage Inclusions

• Located on the beach
• En-suite indoor-outdoor bathrooms
• AC throughout the night
• Complimentary drinking water
• King-size or twin beds with mosquito nets
• Oceanfront, with unrestricted view

One of the best views in the world awaits you as you enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Small local fishing boats gently motor in front of four dominant volcanoes. The main beachfront restaurant offers three buffet meals daily and features an open-air terrace, with beach service available for those who prefer dining outdoors.

At the Bangka Resort, you’ll savor a wonderful blend of international and Asian cuisine, all made with fresh, local ingredients that enhance every bite! The talented, Western-trained chefs are eager to accommodate any dietary needs you may have. Bangka joyfully celebrates special occasions, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, transforming the resort into a festive wonderland for our guests. We’d love for you to join in the celebrations! If you’d prefer a more intimate experience, we’re happy to arrange private dining options just for you!

This tour is an absolute must for any nature lovers! The Tangkoko Nature Reserve is an area of dense forestry, based at the foot of the Dua Suadara Mountain.

As we take a walk through the park, not only will you be able to see troops of the endemic Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque in the wild, cuscus and the Tarsier monkeys (the world’s smallest primate) which become active in the late afternoon.

Ornithologists will be in their element as we often spot Hornbills, Lori birds and other tropic and native species.

Take to the skies and see North Sulawesi from the air. You’ll take an incredible tandem paragliding flight with a professional instructor and see the landscape of the mainland and the islands of the Bunaken Marine Park from a birds-eye view.

This is a phenomenal opportunity that we are extremely excited to be able to offer at Murex Resorts – now you really can combine land, sea, and air in one trip!

Paragliding tours operate out of Tumpa, which is a 30-45 minute car journey from Murex Manado. Surcharges apply for transfers from Murex Bangka Resort.

Experience the thrills and spills of white water rafting in North Sulawesi.

As you travel down the river you’ll find adrenaline pumping rapids as well as calm stretches where you can admire the stunning rural scenery and tropical jungle which you pass through.

The tour includes full instruction, life vests and helmets and is an exciting adventure for all ages.

Discover the secrets behind the flavors of Asia with a cookery class while you are here. Learn about the different herbs and spices which are used in both traditional Indonesian and Manadonese classic dishes and make them with the guidance of an experienced teacher.

Many of the spices are grown here in North Sulawesi and form part of Manado’s rich history as a trading point where merchants from the west would come to buy these exotic culinary rarities.

You’ll make a selection of dishes – and of course, you’ll enjoy tasting them afterwards. For foodies and those who like hands-on activities, this is a must!

If you want to experience the nature, culture, traditions, people, and the daily way of life in North Sulawesi, a tour of the highlands is a must. There are numerous places to visit and we can tailor your day trip around what you would like to see most. Highlights of the area include:

Tomohon Traditional Markets – The highland climates are perfect for growing a variety of plants, flowers, spices, fruits, and vegetables. Visit both the traditional flower, fruits, and vegetable market where the local ladies cook traditional sweet treats according to age-old methods. You’ll also find vendors selling dried fish, herbs, spices, and a variety of traditional ingredients.

Woloan & Pulutan Villages – Visit the local villages where specialized industries are booming. See traditional Minahasan houses being built and traditional pottery being made.

Lake Linow – The colors of this lake change due to the high sulphur content in the surrounding rock and the changing light. Many bird species make this area their home. Watch out for bubbling mud holes as you walk around. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a cold drink and soak up the views.

Mahawu Volcano – The journey to Mahawu Volcano takes you through the beautiful Minahasan Highlands to the town of Tomohon. Arriving at the Ranger Station at the base of Mount Mahawu there are steps that lead to the crater’s edge where you can enjoy amazing views of Bunaken and Manado Tua Islands. If you choose you can also take the circular trek around the crater’s edge. After working up an appetite we stop for lunch at either Lake Tondano or a local restaurant that serves traditional Minahasan cuisine. This tour can also be integrated into our Minahasan highland tour.

Lake Tondano – The largest lake in the region and the second largest in Indonesia. The flat land surrounding the lakes is perfect for growing rice, one of the main livelihoods in this area. We usually enjoy lunch in one of the small restaurants on stilts overlooking the lake.

Waruga – These are historical Minahasan stone graves. Listen to the local caretaker tell you the history of this fascinating tradition. The journey to and from Tondano to this location is absolutely stunning with sweeping vistas of coconut and spice trees.

If you’re dreaming of diving off the shores of the vibrant city of Manado, you’re in for a treat! Most international travelers connect through major Indonesian hubs, such as Jakarta or Bali, but there are also some fantastic direct flight options available from various global destinations. Plan for at least two days of travel to get to Manado and at least one full day back to the US, if that is your home. Upon arrival in Manado, transfers will be waiting to take you to your Manado resort. The Bangka Resort is but a short boat ride across the bay.

Connecting Through Jakarta (CGK): Your most dependable choice is to land at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). From there, you’ll find a wealth of daily domestic flights to Manado with top airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air. It’s a seamless journey!

Connecting Through Singapore (SIN): Another exciting route is via Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN), where carriers like Singapore Airlines and its regional partner Scoot make it easy to hop over to Manado.

Connecting Through Bali (DPS): If Bali is on your itinerary, you can fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar and continue your adventure to Manado with a quick domestic flight.

Airlines to Manado: Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), which is serviced by both domestic airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, as well as international carriers like China Southern and Scoot. Your journey to paradise is just a flight away!