Suggestions around Manado

[Reg]

Any suggestion of dive location in and around Manado? We will be in the area in Nov. There are so many location to choose from I'm finding it difficult to pick 'one'. We plan on staying 5-6days.

So far i've been looking at TwoFishDivers and Bastianos resorts.

[chinacat46]

Are you looking for dive locations or resorts? The location I'd recommend is Lembeh Strait. Bunaken is okay but Lembeh is amazing.

[Travelnsj]

I'm familiar with both Two fishes and Bastiano's in Lembeh...Two fishes is very basic and Bastiano's has superior rooms for AC and hot water....I stay at Lembeh resort and love it.

[Reg]

I guess we are for a bit of both (good dives sites and resorts) I was looking Lembeh because of all the good reports,

Lembeh Resort does look nice. Bits it a bit out of our price range.2Fish does look basic, so i'm looking more at Bastianos Lembeh resort. Hot water is always a plus!

@Travelnsj, I noticed your planning on returning in Nov. How is the weather at this time?

[chinacat46]

I've been in November and the weather is fine then. It's hot during the day and rarely rains during the day. At night it's cooler and you are more likely to get rain. I've stayed at Lembeh Resort 3 times but I'm heading back in December and will be staying at Diving Lembeh Strait Sulawesi with Divers Lodge Lembeh Scuba Diving Resort. They don't have AC but they have hot water and you if go for the unlimited dive package you get your own boat and guide. I did the calculations and this place will cost me about half of what I would have paid at Lembeh Resort when you add in diving.

[Travelnsj]

Reg I've been there in October and December weather was perfect....just Dec was a bit warmer....I'd vote for AC in December!....but you are in store for some of the greatest diving in the world!

[Reg]

Thanks for your help. I'm narrowing it down to 'Divers Lodge Lembeh' and 'Bastionas Lembeh' as they seem very similar for what they in in terms of diving, accomodation and facilities. The unlimited diving option is tempting though

[chinacat46]

Yeah they both look similar with Bastionas you have the option of AC if you want that. I think at that time of year you can get by with a fan at night but Scott(Travelnsj) seems to differ on that. Funny the guy always brags about how hot is in CA. He must sit inside in the AC and look at the thermometer ROR!

[Reg]

Finally made a decision!! In two weeks time, I'll be landing in Malaysia, taking a small trip to Borneo staying at SWV for 5 nights ( 15 dives0 and then we fly to Manado staying for another 5 nights with approx 13 dives.

[Lulubelle]

I was supposed to be leaving tomorrow to join a European dive club for a trip to Indonesia. They are a very active dive club that travels often and deals directly with the resorts, ops, etc. They are staying at the cocotinos resort.

Enjoy.