Murex Dive Resort

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 Manado staff were so welcoming, accomodating, flexible and open to allowing us alot of water time & being involved with snorkel site selection. How kind to make a banner for us! Julia 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, bars offered more variety. And it was so affordable! The bed was a bit too firm for my preference but the a/c was nice and cool and the rooms were spotless. When we struggled with walking on the large stones on the beach to enter the house reef during low tide, they placed a platform down for us and raked the stony beach, how thoughtful! We will be back! Terima Kasih!

We had such a wonderful stay with Murex Resorts at both Manado and Bangka. The diving was really lovely! Healthy reefs, lots of turtles and wonderful critters to find. 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 offer. We would highly recommend both resorts for a relaxed, fun and friendly diving holiday!

I discovered Murex at the Asia Dive Expo in Singapore, and only found out after I booked that a lot of my friends have been to Murex. They said it’s the best resort in North Sulawesi, and I couldn’t agree more. What I love about the resort is its cleanliness, and hospitality. The rooms are spacious, and well thought about for divers who have plenty of gadgets (photographers). Aside from that, their staff are so attentive to the guests needs. In fact, I was surprised they’ve already remembered my name on the first day. It gives a personal touch. Aside from my love for Indonesian food, which the kitchen cooks perfectly, the chef and the waiting staff paid attention to my dietary restrictions and even makes sure I get my breakfast takeaway in the dive boat. I don’t think I need to comment on the quality of diving in Bunaken, bec it’s simply one of the best in Indonesia… but I do have to comment on how systematic the dive team operates. All the guides are very familiar with the fish species. As an avid diver, there were times I thought it’s no longer necessary to identify the common fishes, but they’re only doing their job (and doing it very well). Of course some other (new) divers may appreciate the extra service. I only have good words on the dive team’s professionalism and skill/training underwater. Bonus point that the boats are big and comfortable. Overall, I would recommend (any) Murex resort if you come to North Sulawesi. The experience is fantastic, I know I will be coming back!

We did the Paradise to Passport . Starting in Manado. The cottage was clean and comfortable and overlooked water gardens. The staff made us feel so welcome. They were so friendly and couldn’t do enough to ensure we had the best time. The food was fantastic. We enjoyed working our way through the Indonesian choices on the menu. The diving off Bunaken island was wall diving and it was great, we lost count of the amount of turtles we saw. Reynald was the perfect dive guide. We had cameras and he gave us plenty of time to photograph the things he pointed out to us. The boat crew were always there to help with dive kit and snacks after the dive, and the captain ensured he was always there waiting when we surfaced from our dives. After four nights we had a boat transfer to Bangka to continue our Passport to Paradise (See Murex Bangka review) doing two dives on the way. Fantastic first leg of our trip.

We arrived in Manado airport during a torrential rain storm but the Murex shuttle driver was there when we came out of the arrivals area. As we boarded the van he handed us refreshing cold towels and metal water bottle to use during our stay. Upon arrival at the resort we were met by Brian, the hotel manager, and provided with a detailed overview of the resort, meals and diving schedules. In the meantime our bags were taken to our rooms. One of the staff walked us to our small bungalow which had a high ceiling, large bathroom/closet area (enclosed, but without air conditioning) a desk and lounge chair. We also had a small verandah that allowed for four people to meet over drinks after a day of diving. The meals were all awesome with a variety of local and international flavours. Some were served in the dining area, while others (lunches) were served on the outdoor patio and barbecue area. Ample opportunities to refill water bottles with filtered water throughout our stay. The staff were all excellent and seemed to be well trained and, more importantly, happy to be working in the hospitality industry. Diving was awesome - but that's for another review. Suffice to say, we had some amazing dives and their attention to details and safety were second to none. A great stay all around!

Extremely friendly staff, excellent food, super competent dive guides and management of the dive center, super service, very well maintained rental equipment and help even with privately owned one, when problems, bungalow clean and comfortable, but ours was close to street, so little noisy at night to my taste, interesting, variable dive sites, not one visited twice in 12 dives, and not having seen all of them yet, would go there again immediately, Thank you, everyone, and especially Reykmon, our guide!