"...the reef at Tasik Ria offers excellent critter diving including the pygmy seahorse and mantis shrimp..."
Prices From
£1219
Bed & Breakfast
Resort Information
Manado lies just a few degrees off the equator on the northern peninsula of Sulawesi in Indonesia and remains our most popular longhaul destination due to the combination of some of the best diving worldwide and very appealing prices.
The vast sweep of Manado Bay is dominated on the landward side by the peaks of two volcanoes. A third volcano cone rises steeply from the sea in the centre of the bay and a group of islands form a sheltering barrier across the seaward side.
The marine environment in Manado Bay is a near perfect balance of the factors needed to create a reef and the stunning result is evident with even a brief glance below the surface. The reefs are virtually untouched and, with the co-operation of local fishermen and the enthusiasm of local dive guides, the ocean waters around Bunaken Island and Manado Tua were designated as a National Marine Park in 1989.
Tasik Ria Resort is set in carefully landscaped grounds along a quiet beach front about 30 minutes west of Manado. Rooms are comfortable and provide efficient air conditioning and private bathroom. Facilities include a coffee shop, full restaurant and a spectacular landscaped swimming pool.
Tasik Ria is ideal for those looking for a laid back holiday. Relax on the sun-deck aboard one of the dive centres' new boats and you may have the possibility of spotting dolphins and migrating whales en-route to your dive sites which can now be reached in as little as 35 minutes. The house-reef at Tasik Ria offers excellent critter diving including the pygmy seahorse and mantis shrimp.
Photos
Diving
Tasik Ria is recommended for both novices and experienced divers; a wide range of learn to dive courses are available for the beginner. For the more experienced diver an added attraction is the close proximity of a seldom visited marine reserve along Manado Bay to the west. This area has some excellent coral features and much of it remains as yet unexplored. In addition to diving around Bunaken and Manado Tua, divers are now also offered trips to the far-flung Bangka Islands and the Lembah Straits.
The water temperature around Manado is 26-27°C year round and the visibility is between 25 and 40m.
Itinerary
Standard 10 day itinerary
Day 1. (Sun, Tues, Fri) Morning flight from London Heathrow non-stop to Singapore.
Day 2. Arrive Singapore and connect with your flight to Manado. Transfer to the accommodation of your choice for a seven night stay.
Day 3 to 8. Six full days to enjoy diving in the Marine Park.
Day 9. Day at leisure before an afternoon flight to Singapore for an overnight stop.
Day 10. Join your lunchtime flight to London arriving early evening UK time.
Note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Explorers tailor-make holidays to suit your requirements.