Siladen Island Resort and Spa dive expedition, North Sulawesi June 25 to July 6 2024
Bunaken Marine Park has long been regarded as an epicentre of biodiversity. It is an exotic dive destination where an unmatched range of equatorial and tropical marine life thrives in the rich currents that wash the coral slopes and walls of the island group. The various options on the mainland at Manado are well known, and Bunaken Island itself holds dive resorts to suit most budgets. But much lesser known is Siladen, a tiny paradise island perched in the marine park, ringed by coral sand beaches, overlooking the impressive 800 metre volcanic cone of Manado Tua.
The venue for our expedition will again be Siladen Island Resort and Spa, a little slice of heaven on a paradise island. Have you ever been anywhere that entirely lived up to the glossy brochures, the classy website images and the glitz of the promotional DVD? Neither had I, until our arrival at Siladen. This small resort is an absolute gem - pure luxury, but an affordable indulgence. With a staff of 100 for its 45 guests, you can expect to be very spoilt by the shy and gentle Indonesians who quietly oblige every request. Dives are guided at a maximum of 1 guide to 4 guests – this ratio ensuring that each diver has the best possible chance of sighting everything from Ghost Pipefish to the Giant Green Sea Turtles that frequent the reefs around Bunaken.
“Siladen Island Resort and Spa” – doesn’t sound like a full on dive resort does it? But with six dive guides; a top notch instructor; 5 dive boats complete with countless deck hands; a well equipped dive shop; 70 x 12 litre tanks and PADI courses to Divemaster level, this is an extremely comprehensive dive operation. With 40 sites available close by, diving is the central activity of the resort but is well complemented by the Spa operation. Here one can enjoy idyllic aromatherapy massages, lulled by the waters lapping on the beach into a dangerously relaxed state! Or consider the various skin and beauty treatments available. Sipping ginger tea overlooking Manado Tua after a coconut scrub massage, I have never felt more at peace.
In a nutshell -
A gorgeous white sand beach looks out over Manado Tua, a dormant cone volcano which features in the postcard perfect sunsets. Large spacious villas perched either on the beach or under the rainforest canopy, with the bar and restaurant skirting the large circular pool. Superb cuisine with a mixture of italian and asian influences. The spa is a sanctuary - massages with the gentle lap of the sea nearby. The dive operation is brilliant - roomy well organised boats; a large well equipped air-conditioned camera room and courses up to Divemaster level. Dive sites are close by with outstanding snorkelling a 5 minute stroll away through a lovely village (the only village on this tiny island). Paradise is a pretty personal concept, but Siladen ticks ALL the boxes for me - one of the reasons we keep on going back. Sensational for all levels of experience. Enough from me - check out this great, really detailed article -
The deal : 1 night Bali, 9 nights Siladen
Diver - $5395 (12 dives) all inclusive (flights/taxes; dives; meals …. everything except hire gear…)
Non diver - $4429 all inclusive (flights/taxes; meals …. everything…)
N.B. Siladen have extended to us 2023 rates (for 2024) plus a 10% discount. BUT, to keep this deal I need to forward a group deposit, so the sooner we can get some folks onboard the better. So, if you are sure you are in on this trip, then please forward a $750 deposit using the booking form below. Or fill in the online form and add booking no 2681 -
Snorkelling at Siladen in 60 seconds….just look at the colour of that water!
The walls of Bunaken Marine Park are spectacular with the rich biodiversity of the coral triangle.
Here’s an article I wrote for ‘Sportdiving” magazine back in 2009 after our very first trip to Siladen. What amazes me, is that each time we go back, this place just keep getting better.
