Murex Dive Resort

We did a custom Passport to Paradise option with 3 nights at Murex Manado, 3 nights at Murex Bangka, and 6 nights at Lembeh Resort. Custom because we booked Lembeh Resort first and then added Murex. Manado with the dives at Bunaken was a great start. The combination of the three resorts works well because all three offer different types of diving experiences. The pickup at the airport went well, the food was amazing, our cottage was very nice, the dive operation was well organised and the massages were great, too. The house reef is not amazing, but it is worth exploring at least once. The Sunday BBQ was the best food of our whole trip. The resort is not noisy, but you can hear the city buzz, and Bangka is a lot more quiet. The staff looked after us very well, and our custom transfer between Bangka and Lembeh was smooth. Which speaks for both Murex and Lembeh resort. All three resorts had options for different power plugs.

I discovered Murex at the Asia Dive Expo in Singapore, and only found out after I booked that a lot of my friends have been to Murex. They said it’s the best resort in North Sulawesi, and I couldn’t agree more. What I love about the resort is its cleanliness, and hospitality. The rooms are spacious, and well thought about for divers who have plenty of gadgets (photographers). Aside from that, their staff are so attentive to the guests needs. In fact, I was surprised they’ve already remembered my name on the first day. It gives a personal touch. Aside from my love for Indonesian food, which the kitchen cooks perfectly, the chef and the waiting staff paid attention to my dietary restrictions and even makes sure I get my breakfast takeaway in the dive boat. I don’t think I need to comment on the quality of diving in Bunaken, bec it’s simply one of the best in Indonesia… but I do have to comment on how systematic the dive team operates. All the guides are very familiar with the fish species. As an avid diver, there were times I thought it’s no longer necessary to identify the common fishes, but they’re only doing their job (and doing it very well). Of course some other (new) divers may appreciate the extra service. I only have good words on the dive team’s professionalism and skill/training underwater. Bonus point that the boats are big and comfortable. Overall, I would recommend (any) Murex resort if you come to North Sulawesi. The experience is fantastic, I know I will be coming back!

This resort is beautiful, amazing staff that create beautiful community where I felt heard, loved, taking care of, and where I could rest and enjoy beautiful diving. Food was great, diving places gorgeous, wonderful.Totally recommend.

We arrived in Manado airport during a torrential rain storm but the Murex shuttle driver was there when we came out of the arrivals area. As we boarded the van he handed us refreshing cold towels and metal water bottle to use during our stay. Upon arrival at the resort we were met by Brian, the hotel manager, and provided with a detailed overview of the resort, meals and diving schedules. In the meantime our bags were taken to our rooms. One of the staff walked us to our small bungalow which had a high ceiling, large bathroom/closet area (enclosed, but without air conditioning) a desk and lounge chair. We also had a small verandah that allowed for four people to meet over drinks after a day of diving. The meals were all awesome with a variety of local and international flavours. Some were served in the dining area, while others (lunches) were served on the outdoor patio and barbecue area. Ample opportunities to refill water bottles with filtered water throughout our stay. The staff were all excellent and seemed to be well trained and, more importantly, happy to be working in the hospitality industry. Diving was awesome - but that's for another review. Suffice to say, we had some amazing dives and their attention to details and safety were second to none. A great stay all around!

Set in a private bay with a view of Manado Tua, Murex Manado is a wonderful place for a beach retreat. The spacious and comfortable rooms are well-spaced with lovely flora, including water lilies, active with butterflies and avian life. The staff are warm and hospitable, remembering the names of the guests and attending to every request as best they can. Meals, especially dinners, are a highlight because of the variety of tasty dishes. Diving is fuss free and the sites at Bunaken and Manado Bay offer different reef-scapes. The house-reef is a fascinating site with lots of macro-subjects. Manado Murex is a comfortable and pleasant place for divers and those looking for a quiet and unhurried beach holiday.

This place is an absolute treasure. I almost don't want to write an amazing review because I want to keep it all to myself :) Every single member of the team was genuine and welcoming and we loved spending time with them as well as taking in everything the location had to offer. It is primarily a dive resort so if you are not a diver/snorkeller then this may not be the place for you but if you are either of these things then you will experience an underwater adventure that few places in the world can rival. The sheer number of sea turtles alone is breathtaking, not to mention pilot whale and dolphin sightings, Starry Night octopus and bobtail squid on a night dive (this was an absolute rare treat), Eagle Ray, Stingray and more fish than you can count. Truly wonderful. Our thanks to Bas, Dimas, Reynald, Raymond, Feibe, Rein for some amazing guiding, Marchos and Jecky for a smooth journey and of course to David for the singing :) The resort itself is amazing with spacious rooms for a family with a small toddler. Varied ala carte and buffet food options at the chef's discretion (you must try his Bamboo barbecue fish it's phenomenal) as well as some of the best sea side dining views over towards Manado Tua and the Bunaken. Thank you chef for amazing food every day and night. They also offer tours of the area on those dry days. The Highland tour was particularly awesome and the local market offers a unique insight into how the people live. They also offer babysitting facilities if you and your spouse wish to dive together on any given day and the house reef is one of the best I've ever seen. Our thanks to Bryan, Billy, Tasya, Elsa, Iman, Ping and Sharon (both of them). And a special shout out to Henry whom my son formed a special bond with during our time there "Fist Bump, Boom!" Finally thanks to Angelique, Lexy and Danny. I know you work very hard to keep the balance between luxury resort and local hideaway and I think it's absolutely perfect. I would recommend Murex Manado, to singles, couples, families and everyone in between. If you love diving then this is the place for you.