Murex Bangka Dive Resort

We've just got back from a 2 week stay at Murex Bangka (12-26 May 2025) and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I went primarily for the diving, but my non-diving partner enjoyed sunning herself on the uncrowded (empty) beach every day and just chilling out. We bought the Murex organised transfers from/to Manado airport, which were trouble-free, We were met by a resort rep at the airport and taken by minibus to a beach where we transferred to one of their boats (be prepared to get your feet wet!). From there it was about 25 minutes to the island, where we arrived just in time for an orientation briefing and dinner. We stayed in one of the basic beachfront cottages, which was adequate, if a bit tired. We understand this category of cottage is due to be completely replaced by new buildings early in 2026, which will be more in line with the modern rooms up on the hill and the premium beachfront rooms. However the aircon was excellent (whisper quiet) and the shower always delivered plenty of hot water. There was a mozzie net over the bed, but we didn't encounter any in the room (although deet or mozzie spray is a good idea after 5pm outside the room). The restaurant buffet food (we were full board) was varied and tasty, although on a few occasions it wasn't kept as hot in the serving trays as it could have been. Drinks were almost UK prices (about £4 a pint for beer and a fiver for a cocktail). All of the restaurant staff were very helpful and polite, always serving us with a smile. Even the music playing throughout the day in the restaurant area seemed great (well done to Marcel, the resort's 2nd in command, who curated all the playlists!) On to the diving... I was able to fit in 34 dives over the stay, so I got to dive with several of the guides and on most of the resort boats. I have dived in a fair few places and the guides and boat crew here are among the best I've ever had the pleasure to dive with. They help where needed, but leave you alone to do what you want to do for yourself. The briefings were thorough and the guides can spot the macro and big stuff that the guests have little chance of finding for themselves. If you're think of diving unguided - DON'T... you'll almost certainly miss 90% of what's out there. I ended up in the fortunate position of having a guide to myself on several dives, although I wouldn't think that's generally the case. Most of the divers here were in groups, on the 'Passport to Paradise' itinerary that takes in Lembeh, Bangka and Manado. Each group was normally assigned a dedicated boat and guides. One particularly nice touch was that the guides would write down every significant find on their dive slates. After the dive you could take a picture of the slate as a record of what you'd just seen. Even more impressive was that they used the full Latin names for the nudibranches! At the end of each day's diving, the crew would take all of your dive kit to the locker room, rinse it off and hang it in your allocate

Oh WOW, out of the 3 Murex resorts Bangka is the most remote but has the most superb vibe. ALL Staff brilliant, happy, helpful, knowledgeable, interesting and enjoyable. The diving is the best of muck diving, drift diving and night diving. The house reef is one of the best house reefs I have ever dived at. So easy to access and so many stunning things to see. Food is amazing, accommodation is stunning ( we stayed on the 'hill) the view is superb The walk to the village is an added must do. Its a semi tough walk but well worth the effort. Cannot wait to return

Murex Bangka is an outstanding resort for scuba diving. The accommodations are rustic but clean and cozy, and the food is plentiful and delicious. The staff are friendly and helpful. As good as that is, the diving operations and sites are even better. The resort offers nitrox to divers certified to use it, and the boats are comfortable and spacious. What makes diving with Murex so special, however, is the quality of the dive guides and the way they point out North Sulawesi's unique species and write down their names underwater so the divers know what they're looking at. At the end of the dive, the guides write down all the species seen on the dive so divers can record their sightings in their log books. We've been fortunate enough to have Basra, Marcel, and Rein as guides. They are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and accommodating. We would be happy to dive with them anytime.

A peaceful dive resort in a tropical paradise, friendly welcoming staff from the minute of booking. Simple but very comfortable chalet accommodation , very clean and well maintained. simple but very tasty food. Dive services are outstanding with short boat rides to stunning reefs . Probably the best dive sites we have been to in over 15 years of diving

We recently stayed at Murex Bangka for 9 nights and did 13 dives, including a check dive on the house reef. The resort does not have a jetty on the mainland side or at the resort so you will get your feet wet for the boat transfer but the thoughtful resort staff provided water for washing our feet and sandals on departure. We stayed in one of the newly built Premium Oceanfront Cottages, it was very well appointed and the view from the room and balcony was wonderful. The direct access to the bathroom was a nice idea so there was no need to traipse through the bedroom for a rinse after diving. These cottages are in an elevated position so there are steps leading to them from the beach. The resort staff were all thoughtful, helpful and welcoming. We were amazed how they managed to remember the names of guests. Food was served buffet style as the resort was nearly full when we were there. The options were varied and tasty, especially the cakes. The drinks menu was very good too and included mocktails and healthy options. The diving operation was very well organised and efficient. All the dive staff were considerate and helpful, and the dive guides (including our guides Billy and Rafael) were experts in finding critters. We knew this would be the case as we have been to Lembeh Resort and they have the same dive operator. We have enjoyed our holiday at Murex Bangka immensely.

For those who don't want to get tired (travel aside), want rest and tranquility, excellent food, impeccable service, courtesy that borders on friendship, this is the right place. The seabed is a wonder hard to believe for the variety of soft and hard coral small creature and unimaginable colors. A guide with two, maximum three divers, very comfortable boats, assistance and spaces for underwater photographers. It is not common to see large fish, at least I have not encountered any; there was almost never any current. Super suitable for macro lovers.