Murex Bangka Dive Resort

We've just got back from a 2 week stay at Murex Bangka (12-26 May 2025) and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I went primarily for the diving, but my non-diving partner enjoyed sunning herself on the uncrowded (empty) beach every day and just chilling out. We bought the Murex organised transfers from/to Manado airport, which were trouble-free, We were met by a resort rep at the airport and taken by minibus to a beach where we transferred to one of their boats (be prepared to get your feet wet!). From there it was about 25 minutes to the island, where we arrived just in time for an orientation briefing and dinner. We stayed in one of the basic beachfront cottages, which was adequate, if a bit tired. We understand this category of cottage is due to be completely replaced by new buildings early in 2026, which will be more in line with the modern rooms up on the hill and the premium beachfront rooms. However the aircon was excellent (whisper quiet) and the shower always delivered plenty of hot water. There was a mozzie net over the bed, but we didn't encounter any in the room (although deet or mozzie spray is a good idea after 5pm outside the room). The restaurant buffet food (we were full board) was varied and tasty, although on a few occasions it wasn't kept as hot in the serving trays as it could have been. Drinks were almost UK prices (about £4 a pint for beer and a fiver for a cocktail). All of the restaurant staff were very helpful and polite, always serving us with a smile. Even the music playing throughout the day in the restaurant area seemed great (well done to Marcel, the resort's 2nd in command, who curated all the playlists!) On to the diving... I was able to fit in 34 dives over the stay, so I got to dive with several of the guides and on most of the resort boats. I have dived in a fair few places and the guides and boat crew here are among the best I've ever had the pleasure to dive with. They help where needed, but leave you alone to do what you want to do for yourself. The briefings were thorough and the guides can spot the macro and big stuff that the guests have little chance of finding for themselves. If you're think of diving unguided - DON'T... you'll almost certainly miss 90% of what's out there. I ended up in the fortunate position of having a guide to myself on several dives, although I wouldn't think that's generally the case. Most of the divers here were in groups, on the 'Passport to Paradise' itinerary that takes in Lembeh, Bangka and Manado. Each group was normally assigned a dedicated boat and guides. One particularly nice touch was that the guides would write down every significant find on their dive slates. After the dive you could take a picture of the slate as a record of what you'd just seen. Even more impressive was that they used the full Latin names for the nudibranches! At the end of each day's diving, the crew would take all of your dive kit to the locker room, rinse it off and hang it in your allocate

Oh WOW, out of the 3 Murex resorts Bangka is the most remote but has the most superb vibe. ALL Staff brilliant, happy, helpful, knowledgeable, interesting and enjoyable. The diving is the best of muck diving, drift diving and night diving. The house reef is one of the best house reefs I have ever dived at. So easy to access and so many stunning things to see. Food is amazing, accommodation is stunning ( we stayed on the 'hill) the view is superb The walk to the village is an added must do. Its a semi tough walk but well worth the effort. Cannot wait to return

I just spent eleven days at Murex Bangka, going primarily for the diving. It was a great experience and I can’t say enough about the resort. It is a beautiful place, superbly run, in a great location. The reefs are actually in good shape, especially in comparison to the unfortunately increasing number of dive location which are showing damage. The variety of vibrant soft and hard corals, and creatures large and small just cool (Others were amazed at what they could find – it’s not my thing but the guides did a great job pointing out the little creatures that people travel a long way to see). Guides also managed the currents well and kept all of us safe. The dive boats and dive briefings are well organized and I’m sure anyone who needs to rent equipment can find it. And the one night dive I did with Chris was out of this world. Also, the house reef is in surprisingly good conditions. Really, it’s the best snorkeling I’ve done, and I’ve done a lot. Its right in front of you. The beach front is that you face is wonderful and it’s great to relax in your own cottage (shared or alone) and just chill out. Rooms are good, clean, spacious, well organized, and comfortable. A/C works when you need it, and there are ceiling fans. I was never uncomfortable awake, or awakened when I didn’t want to be. The transfers to and from the airport are good. The resort is exceptionally well run by Chris and Jade Harvey, and a delightful team of Indonesian locals. All of them – housekeepers, dive guides, dive instructors, grounds keepers, cooks and serving staff – all of them to a person, were friendly, well-trained, and very responsive. The massage therapists also provided a wonderful touch The food was just excellent and had a lot of variety. The restaurant itself is in a lovely setting. There are also all sorts of trips and amenities that I didn’t take advantage of but you may want to. I give this place a five star super plus rating! So Book and Go!

12 avid snorkelers/freedivers just returned from the Passport to Paradise trip offered by Murex Manado/Bangka and Lembeh Resort. From start to finish Murex Bangka staff were so welcoming, accomodating, flexible and open to allowing us alot of water time & being involved with snorkel site selection. The banner that they made for us, followed us throughout our stay, how kind! Danica was receptive to talking to me, upon arrival, about how best they could meet our snorkeling needs. The cottages, food ( thank you Chef Joe!), service and staff/guides were fantastic. We really enjoyed the continuity of having the same 3 guides, Tian, Carter and Alvian (for 12 of us) follow us through all 3 resorts and the ease of transfer via boat with 2 snorkels enroute. This was so efficient and made it alot of fun. There was so much site diversity, too, and the opportunity for land tours, spa services and cocktails at the bar offered more variety. I loved my tranquil hillside cottage in the forest, the a/c was nice and cool and the rooms were spotless. The house reef was a highlight-vast, healthy, diverse reef and critters, we loved our 6am morning swims with cuttlefish and rays! The beach loungers amongst the trees were so peaceful. We will be back! Terima Kasih!

A peaceful dive resort in a tropical paradise, friendly welcoming staff from the minute of booking. Simple but very comfortable chalet accommodation , very clean and well maintained. simple but very tasty food. Dive services are outstanding with short boat rides to stunning reefs . Probably the best dive sites we have been to in over 15 years of diving

We had such a wonderful stay with Murex Resorts at Bangka. The diving was really lovely! Healthy reefs, and wonderful critters to find. We also stayed at their Manado resort; and what stood out at both resorts was the super tasty food; lovely and very comfortable accommodations and the fun and friendly nature of all the staff. Both resorts are undergoing a transformation with new villas and restaurant areas and once completed they will be at an even higher level than the great experience they already are. We would highly recommend both resorts for a relaxed, fun and friendly diving holiday!