Dive and Make Friends in Bangka in This Gorgeous Boutique Resort!

Why We Love It

Originally founded as an outpost for marine studies, this eco resort is a melting pot of passionate travellers, dive enthusiasts, underwater photographers and marine biologists. Located in Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, you'll have access to 30 world-class dive sites, from richly-colonized volcanic pinnacles, beautiful pristine coral reef slopes to sandy slopes, mangroves and walls. Not far from Lembeh, the eco resort offers day trips there too. Have a few more days? Combine this with a stay in Siladen eco-resort, at the heart of Bunaken National Park.

Conservation

Unsrat University of Manado and in particular the faculty of Marine Sciences and Fishery is a fundamental partner of the eco resort Marine Outpost. The eco resort is proud to be one of the founding members of Bangka Conservation Fund, created to fight illegal mining that has threatened Bangka since 2011. Back then the case seemed hopeless, but after many long years battling against corruption, mining was finally halted. The central structure was built by local craftsmen, employing local resources on Bangka Island and adapting traditional building techniques to create a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Who Is It For?

For all levels of divers and snorkelers, and non-divers too. Photographers will love the macro life and the colorful reefs. Aside from diving, there are plenty of activities available, spend time at the beach, or indulge in some spa treatments. You can also walk through the jungle to visit the fishing village of Lihunu, or walk along the beach to reach the small village of Busa Bora. Go on a day trip, and visit the Tangkoko national reserve, or the Minahasan Highlands. An eco-resort perfect for non-divers too!

Prices and Dates

If you travel with kids, ask us about the family rates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• At the heart of the Coral Triangle, the seascape encompasses several different habitats that support rare species such as the pygmy seahorse, leaf fish, frog fish, white and black tip reef sharks, nudibranchs, and dugongs.
• Volcanic sand areas present a black sandy bottom with rocks completely covered by coral and colonized by a large number of different invertebrates and fish. It is very similar to the environment found in the Lembeh Straits.
• Volcanic walls and pinnacles, completely covered by corals (in particular soft corals) make beautiful dive sites. These can be subject to strong currents but we use our local knowledge and expertise to ensure a safe dive.
• Dominated by hard coral, fringing reef grow on an originally sandy bottom and demonstrate extremely high biodiversity.
• Tidal currents, wave action, river flow and salinity gradients affect sedimentation in various complex ways. Sponges, flatworms, snails, and small fish that live around the mangrove roots can be found here. The seagrass in front of each mangrove forest provides food for the dugongs.

Dive Conditions

• Season: April to November is the best season
• Currents: Some strong currents on specific sites
• Visibility: 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft), mostly very good in summer, decreasing in winter due to the action of waves and rain
• Water Temperature: 28° to 29°C (82° to 84°F) , with some cold upwellings 24° to 26°C (75° to 79°F) , especially during summer
• Depth: Shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

• At the heart of the Coral Triangle, with more than 30 world-class dive sites, Bangka's archipelago offers several different diving spots, from richly-colonized volcanic pinnacles, beautiful pristine coral reef slopes to sandy slopes, mangroves and walls.
• All the diving spots can be reached with 5 / 40 minutes of navigation from the resort.
• Two boat guided dives a day, plus eco resort reef dives, jetty dives and night dives available.

The Team

• Marine Outpost created in 2009, and an eco resort since 2022
• Number of boats: 4
• Courses - ask us
• Maximum number of people per dive guide: 4
• Languages spoken: English, Italian, German, French, and Dutch

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: 3 to 5 mm wetsuit, dive computer, and safety buoy
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Manado

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• Many nationalities are eligible to enter and remain in Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. Others need to obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days at the major entry points to Indonesia. Visa on Arrival costs $37 (about ... EUR) and usually can be extended for another 30 days.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have one full blank page
• Must be able to show an onward ticket that departs before your visa expires
• For official entry requirements for your nationality, consult Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration

How to Get There

• There are direct flights from Singapore or Jakarta to Manado International Airport (MDC).
• The eco resort team will pick you up at the airport. The transfer to the eco-resort takes approximately one hour.
• Extend your stay and go to Siladen eco-resort. One hour boat transfers available, with diving on the way if you wish to!

More...

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard, mosquito repellent, and walking shoes.