Getting Here
Manado airport — Sam Ratulangi International (MDC) — is the international gateway to North Sulawesi and is approximately a 1-hour drive from the resort.
We organise all transfers, track your flights and are in direct communication with our drivers.
Flight options
Singapore Airlines and its regional carrier Scoot fly direct to Manado 6 times a week. Book via singaporeair.com — flights from Europe and the USA arrive in Singapore in time to connect.
Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air operate frequent connections from Jakarta (CGK) to Manado. Multiple daily departures.
Indonesia offers a free 30-day Visa on Arrival to citizens of 169 countries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, have a minimum of 2 blank pages, and you must hold a return or onward ticket. The visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office.
Citizens of ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and others), plus Chile and Hong Kong, can enter Indonesia without a visa. Check the latest requirements with the Indonesian Embassy or consulate in your home country before travel.
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are available in Bitung — we recommend withdrawing cash before boarding the speedboat. The resort accepts USD and AUD cash, and major credit cards for the main bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lembeh Strait is a narrow, sheltered channel in North Sulawesi, Indonesia — approximately 18km long and 1–2km wide, separating the Sulawesi mainland from Lembeh Island. The resort sits on the western shore at Kasawari Bay. Time zone is GMT+8 (WITA — Central Indonesian Time).
Diving is excellent year-round in Lembeh.
Lembeh sits on the equator, so expect consistent warm temperatures of 25°–28°C (78°–82°F) year-round, both above and below the water. Water visibility ranges from 8–20m depending on season and tidal conditions.
The local people are Minahasan — a predominantly Christian community with a distinct culture, cuisine, and history. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language; Minahasan dialects are spoken locally. Most resort staff speak good English.
Indonesia uses 220V / 50Hz. Plug types C and F (two round pins). The resort has reliable generator backup. All camera-charging stations in the camera room are surge-protected.
The nearest recompression chamber is in Manado. A clinic is available in Bitung. We carry oxygen kits on all dive boats and all divemasters hold DAN-certified O₂ first-aid qualifications. Dive insurance is mandatory for all guests — see the Dive Insurance section below.
The Lembeh Sea Dragon is our resort mascot and logo — a stylised creature inspired by the Lembeh Strait's extraordinary critter life. It has become synonymous with muck diving and the unique underwater world of the strait.
Topside
There is plenty to see and do when you surface. North Sulawesi is a fascinating region with a rich history — Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and Japanese colonial periods all left their mark before Indonesian independence in 1949. The local Minahasan culture, cuisine, and highland scenery are worth at least one rest day.
Tangkoko National Park
An afternoon trip (departing after lunch, returning around 7pm) into the rainforest to see the Tarsius Spectrum — the world’s smallest nocturnal primate at just 15cm — plus black macaques, cuscus, and hornbills. Wear long trousers, socks, and trainers.
Minahasa Highlands
A full-day excursion (7am departure, back for dinner) up to 600m elevation. The route takes in the ancient Sawangan cemetery, the famous Tomohon traditional food market, Woloan village — where traditional wooden houses are pre-built for export — Lake Tondano with a freshwater fish lunch, and the striking three-coloured Lake Linau.
Dive Insurance
Indonesian law requires all divers to hold valid dive insurance. Given our remote location, we strongly recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) — the world’s most respected non-profit dive insurance provider. DAN Short Term Insurance is available for 10 or 30 days and can be arranged in advance or on arrival at the resort.
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Diving accident / illness — medical & evacuation | USD 100,000 |
| Lost dive equipment (due to diving accident) | USD 4,000 |
| Extra accommodation & travel (due to diving accident) | USD 4,000 |
| Accidental death & dismemberment | USD 5,000 |
| 24/7 emergency assistance hotline | Yes |
| Depth limit | Unlimited |
No restrictions on age, depth, equipment, or gas mix. Coverage available to divers of all experience levels. Payment can be added to your resort bill or charged to a personal credit card.