Murex Dive Resort

2nd visit and the experience just gets better. Being the first guests to stay at their Premium Deluxe Cottages was great. Rooms still smell fresh and the space was big. Big enough to put my 4 luggage and dive bag, with even more space to walk around! Despite the resort running full house, the team was still able to cater to our dietary needs by preparing a family set dinner for us. Not forgetting the birthday surprises on land and underwater. Never expect those but they were done great. A special shout out to the dive boat crew - Benya, Olland and Bernard for ensuring the dive trips were safe and comfortable.

12 avid snorkelers/freedivers just returned from the Passport to Paradise trip offered by Murex Manado/Bangka and Lembeh Resort. From start to finish Murex Manado staff were so welcoming, accomodating, flexible and open to allowing us alot of water time & being involved with snorkel site selection. How kind to make a banner for us! Julia was receptive to talking to me, upon arrival, about how best they could meet our snorkeling needs. The cottages, food ( thank you Chef Joe!), service and staff/guides were fantastic. We really enjoyed the continuity of having the same 3 guides, Tian, Carter and Alvian (for 12 of us) follow us through all 3 resorts and the ease of transfer via boat with 2 snorkels enroute. This was so efficient and made it alot of fun. There was so much site diversity, too, and the opportunity for land tours, spa services, bars offered more variety. And it was so affordable! The bed was a bit too firm for my preference but the a/c was nice and cool and the rooms were spotless. When we struggled with walking on the large stones on the beach to enter the house reef during low tide, they placed a platform down for us and raked the stony beach, how thoughtful! We will be back! Terima Kasih!

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!