passport to paradise
2026 Bunaken Bangka Lembeh Dive Trip
For those seeking to explore more, we have an epic trip to Sulawesi, Indonesia that will blow you away! This trip is called, "Passport to Paradise," and it allows divers and snorkelers to experience three incredible diving destinations from three different resorts in just one trip! The dive sites in this trip are legendary in the diving world ... truly out-of-this world incredible: Bunaken, Bangka, and Lembeh! This "Passport" journey includes accommodations at the three resorts, food, diving/snorkeling, and transport from the airport to the resorts. And if you're a photographer, the resorts have professional photographers and marine biologists on staff to help you take that perfect shot!
Our First Resort: Murex Manado
September 4-9, 2026
Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure at Murex Manado Resort, nestled along the serene coastline of North Sulawesi. Just a 35-minute boat ride from the renowned Bunaken National Marine Park, this resort offers unparalleled access to some of Indonesia's most vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Dive into the Heart of the Coral Triangle
Bunaken Marine Park is a diver's paradise, boasting dramatic vertical walls that plunge over 1,800 meters, adorned with over 70 genera of coral and home to more than 70% of all fish species found in the Indo-Western Pacific. Encounter majestic green sea turtles resting on ledges, schools of butterflyfish dancing in the shallows, and the occasional passing reef shark or eagle ray. The park's unique bathymetry, influenced by its volcanic origins, creates plankton-rich upwellings that support this incredible biodiversity.
Explore Diverse Dive Sites
Beyond Bunaken, Murex Manado offers access to the rich muck diving sites of Manado Bay, where black and white sand slopes harbor a plethora of unique marine species, including octopuses, cuttlefish, ribbon eels, and colorful nudibranchs.The resort's own house reef is a haven for macro enthusiasts, featuring coral gardens, artificial reef structures, and a variety of marine life such as batfish, scorpionfish, and reef octopuses. This reef is a great reef for snorkelers!
Comfort and Sustainability Above Water
Accommodations at Murex Manado range from luxurious premium cottages to cozy poolside bungalows, all set within lush tropical gardens teeming with orchids and koi ponds. Guests can unwind by the beachfront pool, indulge in spa treatments, or savor a fusion of local and international cuisines at the open-air restaurant. The resort is committed to sustainable practices, engaging in regular beach clean-ups and marine conservation efforts. Accommodation choices are based on availability and the price for the trip may fluctuate based on premium accommodation choices.
Seamless Diving Experience
Murex Manado's experienced dive team, trained in marine biology and underwater photography, ensures personalized and safe diving experiences. With a fleet of purpose-built dive boats equipped with modern amenities, divers can enjoy comfortable transfers to various dive sites. The resort also offers a range of PADI courses, catering to divers of all levels.
Snorkeling Adventures
For those who wish to snorkel (and/or dive), Murex Manado offers snorkeling at Bunaken, Manado Bay, and the House Reef. At Bunaken, you can snorkel over beautiful shallow-water coral gardens and walls that descend into the blue. Hundreds of turtles will greet you along the way as schooling butterflyfish, moray eels, clownfish and anemones, lionfish, and stingrays on the sandy patches amaze you. Resident dolphins and pilot whale pods often swim alongside the boat, and there are occasional dugong and seasonal sperm whale sightings. At Manado Bay, there is a mixture of healthy coral reefs and both black and white sand slopes which are home to some of Indonesia’s most unique marine species including octopus, cuttlefish, ribbon eels, numerous crustaceans, colorful nudibranch and look out for schools of batfish. Manado Bay offers relaxing snorkeling conditions close to the resort and you never know what you are going to see next!
Our Second Resort: Murex Bangka
September 9-14, 2026
Murex Bangka Resort is a secluded paradise nestled on the palm-fringed shores of Bangka Island in North Sulawesi. This eco-conscious retreat offers an idyllic blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a premier destination for divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Dive into a Kaleidoscope of Marine Life
Bangka Island is renowned for its vibrant underwater landscapes, featuring sloping reefs, coral pinnacles, and seamounts teeming with life. Dive sites such as Sahaung, Batu Goso, and Peter’s Sponge are just minutes away, offering encounters with pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopuses, ghost pipefish, and even the elusive dugong. With water temperatures consistently between 82–84°F and visibility often reaching up to 90 feet, divers of all levels can explore these rich ecosystems in comfort.
For those interested in macro photography or unique diving experiences, the resort offers night dives and blackwater dives, revealing a host of rare nocturnal creatures and deep-sea larvae that migrate to the surface after dark.
Snorkeling - Adventures Just Steps Away
The resort's house reef, accessible directly from the beach, is a haven for snorkelers. This sloping reef descends to a white sand bottom, adorned with diverse corals and vibrant bommies. Snorkelers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including ribbon eels, mantis shrimps, cuttlefish, and reef octopuses.
Comfortable and Sustainable Accommodations
Murex Bangka Resort offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences:
Oceanfront Cottages: Built in traditional Minahasa style, these cottages feature private verandas with seating, en-suite hot water bathrooms, and air conditioning throughout the night.
Premium Hillside Cottages: Positioned close to the ocean and private white sand beach, these spacious, air-conditioned rooms offer comfortable indoor living and large verandas with outdoor seating.
Standard Oceanfront Cottages: Positioned close to the ocean and private white sand beach, these spacious, air-conditioned rooms offer comfortable indoor living and large verandas with outdoor seating.
The resort is powered by a combination of silent generators and solar panels, ensuring 24-hour electricity while minimizing environmental impact.
Dining and Relaxation
Guests can enjoy three buffet meals daily in the beachfront restaurant, which features an open-air terrace and beach service for al fresco dining. The menu offers a mix of international and Asian flavors, with special dietary requirements accommodated upon request.
For relaxation, the resort provides an on-site spa offering traditional Indonesian massages, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Explore Beyond the Reef
Beyond diving and snorkeling, Murex Bangka Resort offers a variety of activities:
Jungle Treks: Explore the island's lush interior and discover native flora and fauna.
Cultural Visits: Visit nearby traditional villages to experience local culture and cuisine.
Beachcombing and Rock Pool Exploration: At low tide, guests can explore the beach and rock pools, discovering the diverse marine life that inhabits these areas.
Our Third Resort: Murex Lembeh
September 14-18, 2026
The Queen Jewel of the Murex Resorts portfolio, Murex Lembeh is a gorgeous resort in a gorgeous location. Lembeh Strait is known as the “Critter Capital of the World.” Here you will be able to see incredible macro life, such as the hairy frogfish, the mimic octopus, the blue-ringed octopus, pygmy seahorses, rhinopias, and on and on and on…
Guided by Experts
Murex’s eagle-eyed dive guides know exactly where to find the rarest marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned underwater photographer or a curious beginner, you’ll get the most from every dive.
Included in the Price
Accommodation
Up to 28 Guided Boat Dives
Nitrox (if certified)
Food (including all meals, snacks, and unlimited water, coffee, and tea)
Transport to and from the airport and between the resorts
Unlimited Self-Guided House Reef Dives
If you wish to room alone or if you wish to upgrade your accommodations, please contact us for the single supplement price or the upgraded room.
Optional and Extra Costs
Equipment Hire
Additional Boat Dives
Dive Surcharges (night bonfire and blackwater dives)
Soft Drinks or Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Snacks or Specialty Coffees
Private Guide Services
Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee (approx. $10 USD)
Bangka Conservation Fund Donation
Lembeh Foundation Donation
Land Tours
Spa Treatments
Additional activitie such as the Minahasa Highland Tour, the Tangkoko National Park, Cooking Classes, Whitewater Rafting, and Paragliding.
Pricing and Payment Schedule
$5,458 per person based on double occupancy
Downpayment: $1,100 due at booking
Second Payment: 50% is due 120 days before trip begins
Final Payment: due 70 days before trip begins
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel between 120 to 240 days before trip begins, 50% of the deposit (minus bank fees) will be refunded. If you cancel between 60 to 120 days before trip begins, deposit will be forfeited. Any reservation cancelled 60 days prior to the trip beginning, all monies will be forfeited. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
We’ll make this a journey to remember!