Blogs
Murex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
Are you planning your next tropical diving holiday? With literally the world at your feet and so many different types of diving to choose from it can be tough deciding where to go.
The Indonesian province of North Sulawesi lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the most marine rich region on Earth. North Sulawesi offers incredible wall diving in the Bunaken Marine Park; wreck, critters and reef combinations in Manado Bay; colourful coral reefs surrounding Bangka Island; and the world’s best muck diving in the Lembeh Strait. So how do you begin to choose which destination to visit?
Whilst many divers have heard of these world class diving destinations, some may not realize the close proximity within which they are found. Taking a scuba diving holiday in North Sulawesi does not mean that you have to choose between locations – you can see all that is on offer in one trip with a Passport to Paradise.
Dive Your Way from Resort to Resort
The idea of moving from resort to resort can seem arduous and result in wasted diving days – but in North Sulawesi this does not need to be the case. Murex’s Passport to Paradise is a unique concept and an experience unlike any other. Stay at Murex Manado (for diving Bunaken and Manado), smoothly transition to Murex Bangka and then on to Lembeh Resort. You can choose the number of nights you wish to stay in each location (and the order) and boat transfers include two dives along the way. The seamless boat diving transfers ensure that there are no wasted diving days, no time-consuming logistical planning, and no drying and packing gear between destinations. Dive your way, hassle free, from one resort to the next.
Let’s take a look at the beautiful resorts and the world-class diving that awaits you in North Sulawesi….
Stay at Murex Manado Resort
This beautiful resort is set amid lush, tropical water gardens, overlooking the ocean with stunning views of Manado Tua volcano and Bunaken Island. The resort’s landscaped gardens feature lily ponds, koi ponds, spring fed streams, mature fruit trees, tropical flowers and turtles are known to nest on the black sand beach.
Accommodation is a mix of comfortable and spacious Deluxe Cottages and there are two Premium Deluxe Cottages that are even more generously proportioned and include additional storage and beautiful organic decorative touches. All accommodation has ensuite bathrooms with hot water, air conditioning, either a king size bed or twin beds, verandas with comfortable seating, and thoughtful finishes.
When you are not diving, enjoy the infinity pool with sunlounges overlooking the ocean, sea kayaks are available, there is a variety of land tours to choose from or indulge yourself with a relaxing spa treatment.
Diving in the Bunaken Marine Park
Just 30 minutes by boat from Murex Manado Resort lies the world renowned Bunaken Marine Park. The Bunaken Marine Park was one of the first regions in Indonesia to be declared a Marine Protected Area by the Indonesian Government, and it shows! No fishing is allowed on the reefs and this is a no-anchoring zone, utilising mooring buoys instead to protect the corals from anchor damage. Dive sites around this small island are characterized by staggering coral walls that descend into the depths and are teeming with life. The resident population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) has grown from strength to strength over the years, so much so that at some sites you’ll lose count of the number of turtles you see in a single dive. Hawksbill turtles are also known to frequent the marine park.
Other highlights of diving in Bunaken include phenomenal visibility, huge schools of pyramid butterflyfish and red toothed triggerfish, passing white tip reef sharks, broadclub cuttlefish, an array of nudibranch species, hunting banded kraits, a plethora of macro critters and look out for occasional spotted eagle rays gliding in the blue.
Diving in Manado Bay
Manado Bay is home to wide ranging marine life and diverse dive sites. This area is becoming increasingly recognized for its black sand muck diving sites that are home to an abundance of unusual critters from numerous cephalopod species through to seahorses, nudibranch and crustaceans. The Molas wreck is an exciting wreck dive and also offers a myriad of fish and critters. The Bay is an underwater playground for marine enthusiasts and photographers alike. Another highlight of diving here is night diving, which is when the critters really put on a show! To the south of Manado Bay lays Poopoh, a record breaking site where 385 different species of fish were recorded in one dive.
Stay at Murex Bangka Resort
Situated on a palm-fringed white sand beach, Murex Bangka Resort offers a truly tropical island experience. When staying at Murex Bangka you won’t see a single road or vehicle, just a beach, the ocean and bright blue skies.
Accommodation options include Oceanfront Cottages, Premium Oceanfront Cottages, and Hillside Deluxe Cottages. All accommodations have ensuite bathrooms with hot water, verandas, either a king size bed or twin beds, and comfortable seating. Deluxe and Premium accommodations are beautifully appointed and more generously proportioned with additional daybeds and storage space. All Oceanfront accommodations offer stunning sea views and Murex’s Oceanfront cottages are an ideal option for solo travelers.
Bangka’s cottages have 24/7 electricity, powered largely by solar). Rooms are fan cooled during the day with air conditioning running from 5pm – 7am to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Murex Bangka’s Dive Centre has individual gear lockers and boasts an impressive spacious camera room – a major plus for underwater photographers.
Diving Bangka Island, North Sulawesi
Bangka is as beautiful underwater as it is on land. Dive sites around Bangka Island feature pinnacles, sea mounts and white sand muck. Bangka offers a spectrum of critters combined with schooling snappers and larger species including reef sharks. If you are interested in underwater photography, you’ll be spoiled for choice whether your preference is wide angle or macro.
Bangka’s pinnacles are a major highlight. Every available surface is adorned with kaleidoscopic soft corals – expect an overload of colour! Some of Bangka’s most notable dive sites include Sahaung, Batu Goso, and Batu Mandi.
Some of the unique critters you’ll find here include 3 species of pygmy seahorse, harlequin, tiger and mantis shrimps, a treasure trove of nudibranch species, octopus including blue rings, long arm, and mimic octopus. For those who prefer larger marine life, Bangka is also known for being one of the best places in North Sulawesi to have the chance of a dugong sighting.
Stay at Lembeh Resort
Known as Lembeh’s premier and most luxurious dive resort, Lembeh Resort is located in a secluded bay on the banks of the Lembeh Strait. At the heart of the resort is the architecturally impressive main restaurant, swimming pool, dive centre, camera room and esteemed Backscatter Authorized Photo Centre.
Lembeh Resort’s accommodation, as one would expect, is spacious and thoughtfully finished with absolute comfort in mind. Choose between 3 types of accommodations: Garden View Rooms, Hillside Luxury Cottages, and Premium Luxury Cottages.
For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, Lembeh Resorts boasts a beautifully appointed Cliffside Villa. The villa is perched on a green hillside with a floral garden, private swimming pool and offers 180° views of the Lembeh Strait below.
All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms with hot water, hairdryers, air-conditioning, king-size bed or twin beds, hot and cold drinking water, complimentary tea and coffee, mini-bars, Wi-Fi, and electronic safes.
Diving in the Lembeh Strait
Over the years, the Lembeh Strait has been named as the ‘Critter Capital of the World, a ‘Muck Diving Mecca’, and the ‘Twilight Zone’. All names of which Lembeh Strait is certainly worthy!!
It’s undeniable that Lembeh is one of the most unique places to dive on the planet. While ‘muck diving’ might not initially sound so appealing, do not be deceived. This is any marine life enthusiast’s dream.
Lembeh Strait’s sheer abundance and density of rare and unusual critters is unrivalled anywhere on earth. Just a few of the highlights include; 3 species of pygmy seahorses; flamboyant cuttlefish; mandarin fish mating; 8 species of frogfish; tiger, mantis and harlequin shrimps; Bobbit worms; stargazers; multiple species of ghost pipefish; bobtail squid; octopus species including mimic, wunderpus, blue ring, coconut, hairy, longarm, and starry night; a rainbow of nudibranch species; and the list goes on… and on.
Needless to say, this is why underwater photography professionals from around the world visit the Lembeh Strait time and time again.
All resorts include full board accommodation: 3 meals a day, afternoon snacks, Wi-Fi, unlimited complimentary drinking water, tea and coffee – and exemplary service comes as standard.
For those of you who want to experience the full diversity of Indonesia in comfort, have a choice of up to 150 dive sites, and maximize your diving opportunities – a Passport to Paradise is the dive trip of a lifetime.
Contact Murex Resorts now and get a spending voucher worth 10% off your next holiday with them!
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
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