This trip is SOLD OUT!

Arriving in resort in Indonesia on Oct 25. Departing from resort on Nov 3.

Time to check one off your bucket list. We’re going to Indonesia in 2023.

We’ll be staying at the Bunaken Oasis Resort in Sulawesi for 9 nights and 8 days.

We have reserved the ENTIRE resort for our stay.

The Indonesian island of Sulawesi offers visitors a diverse and beautiful landscape. Volcanic peaks form the backdrop for forested hills, thick jungles, rolling highlands, and over 3,700 miles (5,900 km) of dramatic coastline. But the world-class diving is really the biggest attraction. We will be diving in the world famous Bunaken National Park famous for muck diving, fringing reefs, sheer walls, large pelagic species, and rare crustaceans and fish. With so much diversity, there’s plenty for every diver to enjoy. Bunaken National Park, off the northeast coast of Sulawesi, encompasses the islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Nain, Siladen, and Mantehage. This marine park is home to nearly 70 percent of the species found in Indo-Western Pacific and, with more than 30 dive sites very near the resort, this area will keep divers occupied and happy for their entire stay in Sulawesi. You will see turtles, dolphins, sharks and a lot of macro life beneath the water.

Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Indonesia. This is a 5-star luxury diving experience.

The resort offers 12 large, traditionally-built villas, including one family villa with two bedrooms.

A major focal point of the resort is a free form infinity pool, with sun-loungers and easy access to the bar for those who want to spend time above, rather than below the water.

In addition to a chill-out cocktail bar and a full-service restaurant serving Indonesian and international cuisine, guest amenities also include an air conditioned library, a fully-equipped classroom in the Dive Centre with a 4k flat-screen TV, especially useful for photographic groups, and a spacious camera room.

Bring your cameras!

There is one class of room at this resort – the very best! Whether you opt for a king-sized or twin-bed configuration, your 700 sqft, traditionally-built villa contains everything to make your stay with them exceptional: Air conditioning, spacious and luxurious indoor bathroom with local produced and organic products, sumptuous furniture in keeping with the traditional styles, Dolce Gusto coffee machine, free easy to access Wi-Fi, a Samsung tablet loaded with fish guides and more, a Bluetooth speaker and a beautiful large balcony with stunning views from each of their villas.

As an added bonus, the resort includes a daily laundry service for all their guests! Leave it in the laundry basket and it gets done for you.

At the rear of the resort is their tranquil Spa; wind down after a day’s diving by choosing a massage from their extensive menu of treatments, and leave yourself in the hands of one of their fully-trained therapists.

We’ll be going out in small groups. A maximum of 6 divers per boat. On arrival, your dive gear is handed off to the dive center and you do not have to worry about it from then on. The staff will set everything up. No mesh bags required – just a small bag for your dive computer.

As an added bonus: We’ll be doing a NIGHT dive on Halloween! Bring your costumes

Here is a quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPfl7PbS-iY

Prices:

Divers sharing a room: $5,250.00

Diver in a single room: $6,250.00

Non divers sharing: $3,525.00

Spouses/non-diving partners are welcome on the trip!

Activities for non-divers include cooking classes from the resort chef, trips to local villages and a free massage at the spa. There is free snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Please contact me if you’re interested in a wonderful dive trip to one of the world’s great dive destinations.

Cancellation Policy

120-179  days prior: 50% refund per passenger
Less than 120 days prior to Oct 25, 2023: No refund.

PLEASE BUY TRIP INSURANCE. “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

How to get to Bunaken:

You need to fly into Manado Airport (MDC) in Indonesia on October 25, 2023.

You need to depart Manado on November 3, 2023.

Many international airlines fly to Indonesia. It’s up to you to choose which one suits your needs best. (I’m flying United Airlines through San Francisco).

My recommended option from Newark is on Singapore Airlines non-stop to Singapore. They have a daily flight which departs at 9:30am and arrives in Changi Airport in Singapore at 6:15pm on the following day. There are two classes of service on this plane: Premium Economy and Business. I have done both and both are very comfortable.

(There are two airlines that service MDC: Garuda which is Indonesian and Scoot Airlines which is a fully owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines).

You can book the entire flight from Newark roundtrip to Manado on Singapore Airlines. Doing so makes your connections very convenient.

Here is a sample itinerary:

Monday, October 23, 2023

SQ21 Dep @ 10am arrives at 6:15pm on Tuesday, October 24.

Then: Oct 25 Scoot Airlines TR216 depart @ 9:25am arrives in Manado at 1:15pm.

Then: Nov 3 Scoot Airlines TR217 depart @ 1:50pm arrives in Singapore at 5:30pm

Then: Nov 4 SQ22 depart at 12:40am. (That’s the same night that you arrive – yes, a bit confusing). Arrives in Newark at 6:30am on the same day.

I am staying on Tuesday night at the Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport.

Transport to and from the resort will be arranged as soon as you inform me of your flight plans.

Be careful when booking this ticket! Examine times and dates very carefully before pressing the BUY button.

If you want United FF miles while fly Singapore Airlines, you may have to book the trip with a phone agent – not online. I don’t know whether this can be booked directly with United – feel free to try and let me know.

I am by no means limiting you to Singapore Airlines. This is simply the most convenient. Some people have already chosen different routes on other carriers. Some are adding additional days prior to the trip in Singapore. If you’re staying for a few days in Singapore, I recommend the Jen Orchard Gateway hotel. Great rooftop pool and outstanding location.