INDONESIA: Bangka & Manado

Why Choose Manado and Bangka?

Why are we taking families around the world to the tiny islands of Bangka and Manado? Simply put, these locations offer an unparalleled diving experience for the whole family. Diving here becomes a creative adventure into a vibrant underwater world filled with fascinating sea creatures, including colorful reef fish like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish; cephalopods like octopus and cuttlefish; various shrimp species; moray eels; and iconic creatures such as frogfish, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and the majestic bumphead parrotfish. The area is also renowned for its muck diving sites, which are perfect for discovering tiny, specialized creatures, and for nighttime dives that reveal a different world of nocturnal invertebrates.

Specific Marine Life to Look For

Cephalopods: Look for the elusive blue-ringed octopus or observe the intelligent movements of cuttlefish.

Nudibranchs and Shrimps: Seek out a dazzling variety of tiny and colorful nudibranchs and numerous shrimp species, including commensal, porcelain, and sexy shrimps.

Anglerfish Family: Search for various types of camouflaged frogfish, which can range from bright yellow to brown, blending in with their surroundings.

Ghost Pipefish: These transparent or camouflaged fish are highlights for photographers and are often found in reef drop-offs or coral rubble areas.

Critters: Muck diving sites on sandy bottoms are excellent for spotting partnerships between tiny gobies and shrimp, as well as hairy squat lobsters.

Coral Reef Fish: You’ll encounter a diverse population of colorful reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, snapper, and triggerfish.

Unique and Larger Species: Keep an eye out for bumphead parrotfish, peacock and pink-eared mantis shrimp, moray eels, and the stunning mandarin fish.

Night Dive Specialists: During night dives, you can find nocturnal creatures like sponge crabs and a wider variety of crustaceans.

Tips for Spotting Marine Life

1. Go on a Night Dive: Many marine creatures are nocturnal and only appear after dark.

2. Explore Muck Diving Sites: These specialized sandy-bottom environments are teeming with unique small critters that are often harder to find on reefs.

3. Visit Cleaning Stations: Here, you might see various reef fish, such as batfish and moray eels, visiting cleaning stations to have parasites removed by cleaner shrimp.

Like every Kids Sea Camp, the package includes a lot

Inclusions: 

• 5 nights accommodations at Murex Manado and 5 nights accommodations at Murex Bangka
• Wifi and A/C in all rooms
• 3 meals daily plus snacks, teas, juices, and coffee
• Airport and resort transfers
• Up to 3 dives daily 
• Nitrox for Nitrox-certified divers
• Tanks, weights, and belts for all certified divers
• Gear rental for all kids
• Private boats with private guides, including family dives
• SASY: For kids aged 4-7, daily snorkeling and the SASY program using the SASY unit. Fins, mask, & snorkel for them to KEEP
• Seal Team: For kids aged 8 & 9, all rental gear, daily Seal Team activities. BCD, fins, mask & snorkel for them to KEEP
• Jr. Open Water (For kids 10-14) and Open Water (For kids age 15-17) program: Kids who wish to become PADI certified divers. 5 confined dives, 4 open water dives, and the instructor continues to dive with them once the course is completed. BCD, fins, mask & snorkel for JOW students to KEEP (Only applies for children’s sizes, adult sizes are not included for giveaway); eLearning is NOT included and must be purchased using this link and completed before arrival
• Pizza movie night for all kids
• Treasure hunt for SASY, Seal Team, and JOW students
• Excursions including a highland tour, Tangkoko tour, and coral nursery dive
• Kids Sea Camp activities according to the schedule (may include presentations, karaoke, trivia, other excursions, etc.)
• Kids Sea Camp slideshow presentation at the end of the week (all photos available for free download!)
• Kids Sea Camp host and photographer
• Kids Sea Camp giveaways

Exclusions:

• Round-trip air to Manado (MDC)
• Marine park fees
• Other beverages, meals, tours, continuing education courses, activities, etc, that are not mentioned above 
• Gratuities for dive staff and resort staff
• Adult dive gear rental
• Open water courses for adults
• eLearning for any courses
• Service charges

Pricing information details for Kids Diving Programs

Certified Kids (Ages 13-18)
Package: 10 nights / 21 boat dives (Air included)
Price: $3,700

Certified Kids (Ages 10-12)
Package: Staying with an adult in the room, 10 nights / 20 boat dives (Air included)
Price: $2,600

Getting Certified (Ages 10-18)
Package: 10 nights / 14 boat dives, including the Open Water course (with Murex Instructor), equipment, confined water (5 dives), plus 4 Open Water dives.
The instructor remains with students after certification for continued fun dives, approximately 3 days, joining other certified kids on boats.
Note: PADI E-learning is required and is not included in the price.

SEAL Team (Ages 8-9)
Package: Staying with an adult in the room, 10 nights / 8 morning snorkeling sessions
Price: $1,550

SASY (Ages 4-7)
Price: $850

Pricing Notes:

• SASY, SEAL Team, and Junior Open Water (JOW) kids have full supervision by Murex staff from 8 AM until the afternoon dive boats return, which is approximately 3:30 PM.
• SASY and SEAL kids (ages 4-10) share a room with either a parent or adult sibling. This package includes dive rental gear and private instructors.
• The “Getting Certified” JOW kids’ package includes rental gear and Murex instructors.
• Pricing for non-diver activities is included.

10 days in Indonesia

This is the base schedule for the 10 days at Bangla and Manado Resorts

Day 1: Manado & Murex Divers: 2026, June 22nd-27th. Banka  Staff will welcome you at the Manado Airport. The car journey is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Upon arrival at Manado, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and a snack.   You will be shown to your room.  You will have time to refresh and rest before opening orientation and dinner.
Day 2-5: First Day of Diving. Coffee is available starting from 6 am, and breakfast is served from 7am.  The dive boats depart at 8:30 for two morning dives for the adults and certified kids. Kids and adults will be given a brief dive orientation and shown around the dive shop, and shown lockers, camera tables, showers, etc.  Kids will meet with their instructors and will be going over dive safety and gear setup this morning.  SASY, Seal Team, and Jow will be meeting at the dive shop classroom this morning at 8:15 am.  Adult divers and certified kids will return for lunch and have a 1-tank afternoon dive scheduled around 2 pm.  Afternoon dives are planned for family dives.  There will be Volleyball in the afternoon, as well as Karaoke and a scheduled Lembeh day trip.

You will be diving in Bunaken. The diving schedule will remain the same daily, with large numbers of turtles that are uncountable, sea snakes, reef sharks, schooling fish, rays, cuttlefish, as well as dolphin and whale pods.   There are plenty of activities for non-divers and the kids with numerous wildlife species to see, Tarsier monkeys, cuscus bears, Maleo birds, and Macaques, to name a few. Kids and adults will enjoy daily presentations, slide shows, diving, and ocean education.

Day 5: Transfer from Manado to Bangka today with 2 boat dives along the way in Bunaken National Park. SASY and Seal Team Kids will get to snorkel in the park and will meet everyone at Bangka for lunch.
Day 6-10, The diving schedule will remain the same daily.In this location, divers and snorkelers can see resident dugongs(Manatee), dolphins, pilot whale turtles, seahorses, shrimp, octopus, frog fish, and pristine reefs.
Day 10: Land excursion, KSC slideshow, graduation, and closing ceremony
Day 11:  Departure day

A day-to-day detailed itinerary will be provided for each of the kids’ programs.

BANGKA RESORT

Premium Ocean Cottages

Welcome to Murex Bangka Resort, where your perfect getaway awaits! Our charming resort features two delightful detached Premium Oceanfront Cottages and one inviting duplex-style Premium Oceanfront Cottage, all just a stone’s throw from the shimmering ocean and our pristine private white sand beach. Each cottage is thoughtfully designed to provide a spacious and air-conditioned haven, complete with tastefully decorated interiors and large verandas perfect for outdoor lounging. You can choose from double or twin bed configurations, and each cottage boasts a generously-sized en-suite bathroom with twin basins for added convenience.

For families seeking a cozy retreat together, our duplex option combines two cottages through a shared common area, creating an ideal space for relaxation and bonding.

The detached Premium Oceanfront Cottages also feature an extra single bed, perfect for unwinding after a day of diving or exploring the beautiful surroundings. Additionally, this single bed can be effortlessly transformed into a comfortable extra sleeping option for unexpected guests.

Rest assured, our cottages are equipped with hot water showers and air conditioning to ensure a restful night’s sleep, along with 24-hour electricity to enhance your stay. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility awaiting you here!

HILSIDE COTTAGES

Experience the charm of Murex Bangka Resort, with its six inviting Deluxe Hillside Cottages, thoughtfully positioned to capture refreshing sea breezes and breathtaking views of the ocean and lush treetops. Each cottage is beautifully designed, featuring air conditioning and spacious indoor living areas, along with large verandas equipped with comfortable day beds for ultimate relaxation. You can choose between double or twin bed configurations, and each cottage offers the convenience of a large en-suite bathroom.

For families and friends who wish to stay connected, our semi-detached options provide the perfect setting to be close to one another. The Deluxe Hillside Cottages ensure your comfort with hot water showers and 24-hour electricity (with reduced power during the day), allowing you to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Your perfect getaway awaits!

Murex Divers takes pride in offering a delightful selection of charming, traditionally styled timber bungalows and spacious duplex rooms, which are perfect for families due to their connecting doors. Nestled right by the seafront, all accommodations provide breathtaking views that are sure to captivate you.

Our Standard Oceanfront Cottages, located at the water’s edge, invite refreshing sea breezes for your comfort. With hot water showers and air conditioning, you can enjoy a restful night in a serene setting. We ensure that electricity is available 24/7 in these cottages, utilizing solar power during the day for a more eco-friendly experience. Rest assured, you’ll have complete control throughout the night to keep your space comfortable and inviting. We can’t wait to welcome you!

The next level of diving is Indonesia

Diving Manado and Bangka: Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising over 17,000 individual islands. For divers, Indonesia is a paradise, the ultimate destination for diving. However, with so many islands and options available, how do you choose the best places to dive?

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most famous diving regions, known for its spectacular marine life and diverse underwater topographies. It is the perfect location for those looking to experience the richness of Indonesia’s underwater environment.

Bunaken National Marine Park is truly a breathtaking destination! Get ready for exhilarating wall dives where stunning drop-offs showcase vibrant hard corals and a bustling underwater community. You’ll likely encounter graceful turtles gliding by, and keep your eyes peeled for majestic reef sharks, giant trevally, and schools of colorful fish swirling around. If you’re a macro lover, you’re in for a treat with plenty of hidden critters waiting to be discovered. Plus, between dives, take a moment to enjoy the surface—you might be fortunate enough to spot playful dolphins or even a pod of resident pilot whales. It’s an unforgettable experience just waiting for you!

Manado Bay is a truly exciting destination that beautifully blends muck diving with vibrant reef exploration, all just a short distance from shore! At first glance, the black sand slopes and rubble beds might not seem remarkable, but take a moment to dive in, and you’ll uncover an astonishing underwater world. Here, you can encounter a delightful variety of marine life, including mesmerizing mimic octopuses, colorful flamboyant cuttlefish, ornate ghost pipefish, elusive frogfish, and even rare nudibranchs.

Beyond the macro wonders, the area also boasts stunning coral reefs and the chance to spot pelagic species, making every dive a thrilling adventure. With its incredible biodiversity and easy access, Manado Bay is a hidden gem in North Sulawesi’s diving community—perfect for photographers, critter lovers, and anyone eager to explore the wonders beneath the waves!

Night Dive Experience: Everyone should try night diving at least once! Don’t miss the extraordinary night dives in North Sulawesi, where you have a fantastic opportunity to explore this magical diving destination. Night diving in Sulawesi is an experience you won’t forget! As the sun sets, the underwater world comes alive with breathtaking sights. Prepare for a remarkable adventure!

The Bangka restaurant – oh, what a 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!

Manado dining

The Beach Club at Murex Manado serves modern cuisine that combines an exciting blend of international and Asian flavors, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a diverse set menu served three times a day, and are welcome to enhance their dining experience by adding more options to their packages. The team of Western-trained chefs is also able to accommodate special dietary requirements upon request.

Manado bound

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!

Additional Resort Services and Facilities

The Murex Bangka Resort combines cutting-edge dive equipment and facilities with a range of other activities for guests and their families to enjoy. From kayaking trips and beachcombing to camera rooms, lounges, and libraries, there’s something for everyone!

• Camera Room
• Diving and snorkeling center
• On-site spa
• Hammocks and sunbeds
• Kayaks
• Gift Shop
• Land tours and day trips with experienced guides available

The guests who are more comfortable communicating in French, our on-site manager Marcel will be happy to help – he is fluent in French (as well as English) and will be on hand to support them in making arrangements or special requests.

Environmental Commitment

At Murex Bangka, they are deeply committed to sustainability and protecting the natural beauty of our island. The resort runs partially on solar energy from 38 panels, providing 24-hour electricity while reducing our carbon footprint. We manage waste responsibly through on-site sorting, recycling with our NGO partner No Trash Triangle Initiative (NTTI), and composting all food waste. They also collect rainwater to reduce dependence on external sources and are working toward fully supplying the resort through rainwater catchment. Every step the Bangka Resort take brings us closer to operating in harmony with our environment—so your stay helps support a greener future for Bangka Island.

Read more about our commitment to sustainability here.