Experience the best of Indonesia overland and underwater on our 15-day dive and wilderness safari through North Sulawesi and the fabled Raja Ampat. Traveling through these iconic areas the highlights should include encounters with manta rays and turtles, exploring some of the richest reefs found anywhere on the planet, unique critters, and remote dive sites backdropped by stunning scenery. En-route you’ll take time to explore topside wonders from visiting volcano peaks to jungle trekking and beach time on idyllic islands far from civilization.
You’ll be based from 3 different resorts split between Northern Sulawesi and Western Papua (Raja Ampat). Whilst no two days will be the same, our diving days usually involve two morning dives and an afternoon dive, with the option of night or sunset dives, as well as a variety of land tours included over the 2 weeks.
Marine Life Guide
Additional information
| Duration | 14 nights |
|---|---|
| Month | Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Max Group Size | 16 People |
*Kindly note that this is just a sample itinerary. All of our Safari Tours can be tailor-made to fit everyone’s individual schedules.
Day 1 - Arrival at Siladen Resort
Upon arrival at Manado International Airport (MDC), you will be met by a Siladen Resort staff member who will accompany you to the resort, which takes about 60-90 minutes, first by car and then by boat. Here you will check in, meet the dive staff who will give you a resort orientation and briefing, and then relax and enjoy the facilities until dinner.
Dinner is usually served under the large trees on the beach. Meals are mostly buffet style, prepared under the guidance of an international chef and include several courses of both Indonesian and Western origin.
Day 2 - 5 - Diving from Siladen Resort
Each day will start with a buffet breakfast followed by two morning dives via the resort’s large dive boats. Average travel time to the different sites in Bunaken is roughly 15 minutes. After the second morning dive the boat returns to the resort for lunch. You’ll have some time to relax after lunch before the afternoon dive. There is always the opportunity to schedule night dives on the nearby reefs.
Evenings can be spent in the lounge looking at Fish ID books, playing pool, having a beverage at the bar, enjoying a massage at the spa, or simply relaxing on your veranda.
There is a residential superpod of dolphins, so if you would like one morning can be spent out on the boat looking for them, who are often found mingling with melon-head whales.
The resort can cater to most dietary restrictions, but please let us know if you have any in advance so that they can procure the ingredients.
Day 6 - 8 - Siladen Island - Manado - Papua Paradise Resort, Raja Ampat
After checking out of Siladen Resort, you’ll journey to mainland Sulawesi with a lunch stop along the way, and drive towards Tangkoko National Park. Here you can trek in the hopes of finding Tarsiers and Black Macaques, among other animals before enjoying a traditional dinner and then heading to a fantastic inn for dinner and the evening at leisure.
The following morning, after breakfast, you’ll travel towards Mount Mahawu where we will go for an hour-long walk around the crater rim. Here we can enjoy stunning views of Manado Tua and Bunaken Islands. We then have an opportunity to see (and smell) a steaming colorful sulphuris lake. You’ll then travel to Manado City where you’ll check into the Novotel, have dinner and relax.
After the hotel’s excellent buffet breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for the short flight to Sorong. Upon arrival you’ll be met a representative from Papua Paradise Eco Resort and transfer to the resort by boat. Here you’ll check in, have a snack and orientation, and if there’s time you’ll be able to jump in for a dive on the house reef, followed by dinner. Meals are served in the Seaview Restaurant, which overlooks the house reef. A variety of Western and Indonesian dishes are served on extensive buffets. Almost everything is either homemade or purchased from local producers in nearby villages.
The resort can cater for most dietary restrictions, but please let us know in advance so that they can procure the ingredients.
Day 8 - 14 - Snorkeling from Papua Paradise Eco Resort
Night dives and sunset dives will also be offered, and are highly recommended as the reef is a completely different place at night. All the nocturnal creatures come out, like octopus, cuttlefish, squids, crabs and the endemic Raja Ampat walking shark, which can be found in the very shallow water. There are also Mandarin fish on the house reef that tend to be active only at dusk and are worth looking for.
One morning you have the option to head out early to a nearby island for a short trek to see if you can find the Birds of Paradise and even possibly see them doing their mating dance and showing off their amazing plumage. Another day can be spent out on the boats all day touring and diving the FAM Islands. On this day a packed lunch will be prepared for you, as well as plenty of snacks and drinks. This particular day will be a 3 dive excursion. These schedules will be decided according to the weather.
Day 15 - Transfer to Jakarta via Sorong
On the final day you’ll leave the resort on a morning boat transfer in time to get your flight from Sorong to Jakarta.
Siladen Resort
You will spend the first part of the tour at a wonderfully secluded resort on a small island in the heart of Bunaken National Park, Siladen Resort.
Siladen Resort and Spa is set around a large pool, with bungalows dotted around the manicured garden and beachfront, each with ensuite facilities, air conditioning, and private patio. The resort faces west towards Manado Tua, and we will be treated to gorgeous sunset views.
Meals include a variety of local and international fare prepared by professional chefs. Meals are served at a beachfront restaurant, tables are available under the rooftop or outside under the trees. The beach bar serves a variety of beverages and is a wonderful place to meet before dinner for a drink after a long day of diving. The full-service spa offers a wide variety of treatments by experienced therapists.
Gardenia Country Inn
You’ll spend one night in Gardenia Country Inn, a gorgeous inn set in beautiful gardens. This is the ideal location to enjoy some of Sulawesi’s lakes, volcanic hikes and natural beauty. This lodge offers rooms with ensuite bathrooms, private balconies and beautiful views.
Novotel Manado
You’ll also spend one night in the Novotel in Manado, the perfect rest stop after a day exploring some of the region’s topside beauty. Located close to Manado Airport, the hotel allows you to get a good night’s rest before traveling to Sorong the following morning.
Papua Paradise Eco Resort
Situated in the heart of Raja Ampat, Papua Paradise Resort offers 26 waterfront stilted en-suite bungalows overlooking a long stretch of house reef and backed by lush jungle white sandy beach.
The Seaview Restaurant serves a variety of European and Indonesian cuisine on an elaborate buffet. Meals are prepared using homegrown veggies, and other locally sourced produce wherever possible.
Resort Guide
Dive Boats
Siladen Resort: Large wooden boats complete with covered gear up area and sun deck. Marine toilet and freshwater bins for equipment and cameras are onboard all boats. The average travel time from the resort to the sites is twenty minutes. Exit the water via ladders on the side of the boat.
Papua Paradise: Spacious fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store diving equipment. The boats do not have a toilet on board, but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. The average distance from the resort to the site is about 20 minutes.
On this page you will find our tour dates, a contact form and details of payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an enquiry
Tour Dates
2021: $5,760 / £4,595 per person (Twin/Double Share)
Sulawesi & Raja Ampat Safari | 23 Oct – 6 Nov | 1 Female Twin Share Available
Sulawesi & Raja Ampat Safari | 13 – 27 Nov | FULL
2022 $5,960 / £4,765 per person (Twin/Double Share)
Sulawesi & Raja Ampat Safari | 4 – 18 March | Available
Sulawesi & Raja Ampat Safari | 14 – 28 October | Available
Single Supplement – US$800 per person
How to book your place?
Initial deposit to secure your booking $400 per person
6 Months before departure interim payment of $1000 per person
Balance due 3 months before departure
Includes:
Domestic flights in Economy Class with 20KGs of luggage allowance Manado- Sorong – Jakarta
Group transfers throughout
Accommodation and full board (all meals)
Services of Snorkel Venture guide throughout
Entrance fees, Tangkoko National Park fees & Bunaken Marine park fees
20 x Snorkel sessions including island tours and excursions
Dolphin watching trip
Full day trip to Fam Islands
Excludes:
International flights (booking available on request)
Snorkeling equipment
Tips
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, laundry and general sundries
Spa services
Raja Ampat Marine park fees (paid locally) – US$100
