Murex Dive Resorts

Murex was founded in 1987 by Dr. Hanny Batuna and Mrs. Batuna. Dr. Hanny was a keen recreational diver and one of the first conservationists in the area.

We are a small and friendly family-run resort in Manado, North Sulawesi that has been operating since 1987. Because we’re situated in one of the world’s most spectacular diving areas, we can offer our guests a unique and unforgettable diving experience.

PADI Dive Resort

Murex’s liveaboard boats provide comfortable accommodations for adventurous diving excursions to many remote and exotic off the map locations. Our fixed departure live aboard dive cruises with expert crew, guides and chef are offered each week, and all our boats are available for group charters. Our most special feature is Bangka Resort, our secluded diving getaway, with private white sand beaches and reefs for enchanted diving that’s yours alone.

" You can find wide range of dive interest, from soft corals, critters, moray eels, nudibranches, barracudas, and many more guided by Murex experienced dive guides."

Experienced Dive Centre

Fabulous day diving and snorkeling in renowned Bunaken Marine National Park, trips to pristine islands at the tip of North Sulawesi, and for the curious diver the Lembeh Strait where the smallest and strangest critters live and, it’s rumored, life on earth actually began.

There’s no dive centre that knows the Bunaken National Marine Park, Bangka Island area, Lembeh Strait or the Sangihe Island group sbetter than Murex. We were one of the first, and we believe we’re still the best.

Non Diving Activities

Murex also offers myriad non-diving activities. Our guests enjoy spectacular highland tours, horseback riding, guided treks in Tangkoko National Wildlife Preserve, volcano trekking, trips to traditional marketplaces and white water rafting.

A very popular non-activity is doing nothing but lazing on our private secluded beaches at Murex, Bangka and Pulisan. Children are welcome at Murex and always make fast-friends and have a fun-filled time with our staff’s children. So, whether you’re looking for serious diving or just wanting to see the exotic sights of North Sulawesi, Murex will make it even better than you dreamed.



DIVING

Dive with Murex

Manado’s pioneering dive centre and your diving choice is truly staggering, for not only do these waters – Bunaken, Lembeh, Bangka – have the richest bio-diversity in the world, many or the dive sites been under long-term protection and are in pristine condition.

There are well over 100 dive sites within easy boat ride from our three resorts. Sail on one of our liveaboards and you add literally dozens more in the Sangihe-Talaud archipelago that stretches up 135 nautical miles into the North Sulawesi Sea.

Dive Flexibility

We tailor the diving to your level of experience and personal preferences offering boutique dives with limited numbers to ensure individual attention.

We’re the first nitrox producer in North Sulawesi. Most of our dive professionals have been with us for years. Not only are they supremely experienced at guiding guests, they know the sites intimately and go out of their way to show you the interesting creatures that inhabit them.

Dive Briefings

Dive briefings are mandatory and comprehensive. All our dive crew is fluent in English. All our boats carry oxygen and all our personnel are fully trained in its use. There is a hyperbaric (re-compression) chamber at Manado General Hospital, which Murex’s founder and owner, Dr Batuna, set up.

Diving with Murex

Murex provides you with many dive sites around Manado Bay, Bangka, Pulisan and Lembeh.

DIVE SITE

Selected liveaboard Dive Sites Of the Sangihe Islands

The following provides a brief description of the area that the Murex liveaboard cruises visit. This is a selection of some of our favorite dive sites at these islands. Each liveaboard trip is unique. Your itinerary and the dive sites chosen are based on numerous factors including weather, currents, trip length, and diver experience.

Bangka Island

Bangka Island is located just north of the tip of Sulawesi. Bangka Island is recognizable for its large expanse of grasslands along the hilltops of the central past of the island. In addition to copra, which is harvested from almost all inhabited islands in Indonesia, Bangka produces a large quantity of Cashew nuts. Fishing, of course, is a staple occupation for the villagers. One can still find deer roaming the grassland, though access to these highlands is limited. There are 4 villages around the island located along the shore. There are several fine dive sites around Bangka Island. Bangka is close enough to Murex to be accessed for day dives in addition being a favorite stop for liveaboard trips.


A summary of our favorite dive follows:

Batu Goso

Batu Goso consits of a series of steep pinnacles rising up from the ocean. There are two drift dives in this area, starting at opposite ends of pinnacles, around and through coral covered pinnacles with moderate slope beneath them. As you approach the site, waves can be seen crashing against the pinnacles sending the whitewater everywhere. The dive ranges from 5-35m and there can be strong current present. There is enough topography to allow divers to ‘eddy out’ of currents and watch the abundance of marine life around them. Highlights include:

• White Tip & Black Tip Sharks
  
• Turtles & Groupers
• Yellow, green and red soft corals.

Sahaung

Sahaung also consists of a series of underwater boulders that barely break the surface of the ocean. There are also two dives in this area on separate pinnacles. These pinnacles consists of a continuously sloping bottom with several shelves as you descend. The dives range from 5 – 35 m. There can be strong currents and surge at shallower depths. Highlights include:

• Big table coral, often with sharks resting under them
• An abundance of green and purple soft coral
• A multitude of fish including Jack, Dog Tooth Tuna, Barracuda, midnight blue triggerfish, and manta rays.

Batu Mandi

This dive is located just opposite of Bangka Island off the northern tip of Sulawesi, off the shore of Pulisan, where Murex has a scheduled private beach chalet. This dive is also a series of underwater pinnacles rising from a sandy bottom. This is a shallower dive ranging from 5 to 25m. Besides the abundance of hard and soft corals and numerous reef fish, some of the highlights are:

• Pigmy sea horses
• Cuttle fish (mimic)
• Frog fish (if you are fortunate)

Batu Pendeta

Located east of Batu Mandi, with vegetation similar to Sahaung. Consists of several large submerged rocks with one pinnacle up out of water, situated on a reef plateau- 50 feet deep. There is a drop off with canyons where you can eddy out off the current and observe many sweetlips, dogtooth tuna, jacks, and sharks.

Fish Cave

Located between Sahaung and Batu Gosoh at approximately 30m. Fish Cave is a dive with excellent soft and hard corals with lots of fish life at the mouth of the cave and throughout.

Plane Wreck

Located on the northeast edge of the island on a relatively flat sandy bottom at approximately 27m. This dive is the remains of U.S. B-21 bomber. The wings have been covered by sand, but the propellers are visible as well as much of the fuselage.

Siau Island

Another volcanic island further north in Sangihe island chat that is active enough that at night can be see a rosy glow from the volcano crater. This island is the main producer of nutmeg in this area. This is a good island to do a land tour on if you want a break from diving.

Eddy Point

• Great deep dive as deep as 50 – 60m
• Big grouper at 40m 3m long
• Wall with leaf fish, frog fish
• Both wide and macro photo
  

Batu Lehi

Wall dive like Bunaken along reed ending with protruding rock. This dive has a volcanic hot spring on the beach!

• Great to see white tips
• Abundance of reef fish and coral
• Great night dive

Biaro Island

Biaro Island is the first southern most island in the Sangihe chain. This island can be recognized by the stunning 200m cliff located on the southern side. The west side of the island is home to the prominent village for the island. On this site of the island there is also a large flooded caldera open to the sea that provides a beautiful, sheltered area to anchor for the evening. On the northeast side of the island, near Zaccharias Rock, are some well-sheltered white sandy beaches for a little walk and swim after lunch. There are several dives around the island from the cliffs at the south, around the west side past the caldera, to the northeast end of the island, including:

Lamango

This is not particularly special during the day, but it provides an excellent night dive. It is shallow at 5-10m with a gently sloping bottom. Highlights including:

• A large population of Snake eels
• Hermit crabs and Sea Anemones
• Sleeping Sting Rays and Parrot fish that provide excellent photo opportunities.

The Labyrinth

This site is particularly well known for its amazing landscape and topography. It is approximately 15m deep and consists of a series of volcanic flows with about 2m of relief that form a labyrinth of channels between them. Often this dive has a strong currents. The highlights are:

• Moral eels
• Large Sea whips and Sea Fans
• Jack fish and Tuna
  
  

Sweet Lip City

This dive is a reef at the depth of about 15-20m. Aptly name, besides numerous hard and soft corals, this dive is known for the large abundance of Sweet Lips that are in the area.

Bomb Rock & Zaccharias Rock

These two dives are near each other on the north side of the island. They are both underwater pinnacles with sloping bottoms interspersed with shelves. Both of these dives are a paradise for underwater photographers. Mild surge at shallower depths. Highlights include:

• Magnificent corals, varied hard corals
• Turtles, scorpion fish, sea cucumbers, large oysters, nudibranchs
• Humphead parrot fish, lizard fish, map and seal pufferfish
• Zaccharias Rock has large table corals with sharks often resting beneath them

Kalokoki

Sloping reef off small barrier island, just off shore of sandy beach and anchorage in bay. Lots of varied corals and smaller fish; leafy and fan corals waving in currents like they’re in a parade. Highlights include:

• Lionfish, stingrays, schooling butterfly fish and Moorish idols
• Lobsters, large sea cucumbers, grate wide angle views
• May see dolphins and pilot whales while cruising between islands.
  
  

Tagulandang Island & Ruang Island

These next two neighboring islands in the Sangihe chain also have great dive sites. Ruang is an obvious volcano with the striking remains of a lava flow that the jungle has failed to overtake yet.

Serenade’s Secret Point

Sloping bottom dive that then drops off to a wall; current is variable and changes with the tides. Extremely well preserved reef with varied colors, type of life and corals- almost too much to look at! Mixed currents bring together unlikely groups of fish- barracudas, dog tooth tuna, striped sweetlips, bronze and golden trumpetfish. Highlights:

• Hard & soft corals, lots of variety in great condition!
• Oysters / clams, schools of batfish, barracudas
• Excellent for wide angle photo
• Cuttle fish, abundance of crinoids
• Crocodile and lizard fish.

Lava Flow

Quite interesting sloping bottom dive over old lava flow just off the shore of Ruang Island. Same as above but with an amazing amount of schooling reef fish. The contrast between barren black lava rock and the abundance of life underwater is striking. Our Australian guests said it was their favorite dive. Highlights:

• Manta and eagle rays
• Schooling banner fish
• Large Bumphead or Napoleon wrasses.
  

Bawondeke Island

Between Siau and Kahakitang. Great dive around rocky island with lots of hard corals. Highlights of moray eels, white tip sharks, turtles.

Kahakitang & Mahengetang Island

Between Siau and Kahakitang. Great dive around rocky island with lots of hard corals. Highlights of moray eels, white tip sharks, turtles.

Underwater Volcano

• Schools of fish everywhere
• Magnificent corals
• See shape of volcano
• Bubbles and hot water from volcano
• Parrot, scorpion, fish, sharks, jack
• Macro and wide photo.

Sange Lorang

Flat from at 10 – 15m, large meadow of magnificent leaf coral like a cabbage patch! Many varieties of small reef fish.



RESORTS


Mainand Murex

It’s not just the awesome diving that brings divers back time and again to Murex in Manado. Our guests love staying with us because they love the family atmosphere. You fast become one of the family. Manadonese hospitality is legendary. Within a few hours of your arrival, our staff know you by name. We’re interested in you as a person; we’re never too busy that we don’t have time to stop and chat and share our love of North Sulawesi and its diving with you. At Murex we don’t just have guests – we have friends to stay. You’ll love staying with us — everybody does.

Murex Bangka

A Divers Paradise

It feels like you have stepped into the story of Robinson Crusoe… Nestled under shady trees and white sand, these natural timber bungalows are just a few paces from crystal clear turquoise waters. Plunge into the lagoon. Brilliant snorkeling and diving awaits! Beautiful cottages next to soothing water streams will bring relaxing and peaceful atmosphere that you are looking for.

TOURS


Horseback Riding with Matani Stable

2-hour Mountain Tour

Open to all ranges of adult riders and children from 8 years onwards. Depart Murex Resort heading straight to Tomohon, the tour starts from the stables, passes trough a Minahasan village, and out onto a small stretch of road that leads directly to fabulous Wawo mountain, which riders and horses will enjoy for around an hour.

This tour is concluded on the same route back.
All beginners and children will have their own personal guide at no extra cost.

Experienced riders will have the chance to canter along the meadow. Lunch will be provided at the Stable or local restaurant.

Depart Murex Resort: 8 PM
Duration: 5 Hours

1 hour stable ride

This activity is thoroughly recommended for beginners and children. The horses are walked by hand held guide through the stable alongside the rice paddies.

COST:Double : Euro 10/ person – nett

Minahasa Highland Tour

We depart Murex Resort heading for the small village of Woloan, where you can see Minahasan style houses being built, knock down style, ready for delivery or shipping. Then it’s off to see the traditional food & flower market in Tomohon – surprises in store for you! After lunch on Tondano Lake, close to the goldfish farm, we travel to Pulutan village, a cottage industry for making pottery. As we start to head back towards Manado, the WWII Japanese Caves are a must to visit & explore. Last stop is Lake Linow: the lake that changes color. Depart Murex Resort: 8 AM Duration: Approximately 7 hours COST: Double: Euro 50/person -Nett

Mahawu Volcano Trek

This is soft adventure at its best!! We depart Murex Resort heading straight through Tomohon. Arriving at the base of Mount Mahawu we begin the 1-hour trek to the crater’s edge. From that vantage point we can see Bunaken & Manado Tua Islands, as well as the bay of Manado. At the bottom of the crater, one can observe a steaming lake and experience the smell of sulfur from the pools. After this magnificent hike we stop for lunch at a shore-side restaurant on Lake Tondano. Depart Murex Resort: 8 AM Duration: Approximately 7 hours COST:Double: Euro 40/person -Nett

Tangkoko Nature Preserve

Departing Murex Resort, we proceed 2 hours to the 9000 hectare National Park, where we will hike in search of the Black Crested Macaque as well as the Tarsius Spectrum. Cameras, long pants & a flashlight are the order of the day. Exciting trip for nature lovers, trekkers & anyone who likes the outdoors. Depart Murex Resort: 2 PM Duration: 6-7 Hours COST: Double: Euro 65/person –Nett

Tangkoko Nature Preserve

Departing Murex, we proceed 1.5 hours to the southern part of Bunaken National Park, where we will paddle inside one of the oldest mangrove forest in the world and listen to the sound of the river and various birds chirping along the ride. After this magnificent ride we stop for lunch at a farm and will watch how the locals fetch the coconut to make copra. Depart Murex Resort: 7.30 AM Duration: 7 Hours COST: Double: Euro 50/person –Nett

RATES

Room Rates

Validity: 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2014

Resort	Occupancy	Standard	Superior
Murex Mainland	Single Occupancy	$83 / €55	$92 / €60
Murex Mainland	Double/Twin Occupancy	$60 / €40	$66 / €45
Murex Mainland	Extra Bed	$50 / €35	$60 / €40
Murex Bangka	Single Occupancy		$92 / €60
Murex Bangka	Double/Twin Occupancy		$66 / €45
Murex Bangka	Extra Bed		$60 / €40

                                                           * prices per person per night, full board,  and are subject to change

Diving

#Nights #Dives	Price
1 Boat Day Dive	$66 / €44
1 – 4 Days Diving	$108 / €72
5 – 7 Days Diving	$100 / €66
More Than 8 Days Diving	$92 / €62
“Snorkeling (include mask, fin, snorkel)”	$42 / €30
Extra day dive on same day	$33 / €22
Night Boat dive	$42 / €30
Guided House reef day or night dive	$25 / €18
Unguided house reef day or night dive	FOC
Bangka Overland Transfer for day dive minimum 2 divers	$50 / €35
Bangka Overland Transfer for day dive more than 2 divers	$42 / €30
Bangka Speedboat Transfer for day dive (minimum 6 divers)	$58 / €40
Lembeh Strait Overland Transfer minimum 2 divers	$42 / €30
Lembeh Strait Overland Transfer more than 2 divers	$33 / € 25
Private Dive Guide	$42

Transfer	Price
Boat transfer from Pantai Surabaya to Bangka Resort	$8
1/2 way Bangka transfer	$25
Extra Transfer ( Out of Manado City )	$8
Roundtrip Bangka transfer ( Manado City/Airport-Bangka Resort-Manado City/Airport )	$50
Airport transfer between 17:00 - 08:00 ( Murex Resort ) around Manado City	$8

Dive Course	Price
PADI Open Water Diver Referral	$300
PADI Open Water Diver	$600
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver	$442
PADI Enriched Air	$255
Emergency First Response	$247
PADI Rescue Diver	$600
PIC/Certification	$45

Excursion	Price
Dive Boat Charter to Bunaken	$290
Speed boat charter to Bunaken	$660
Fishing Trip NOT including equipment rental	$1,075
Tulap Mangrove & Farm	$85
Highland Tour ( Minahasa )	$85
White Water Rafting	$105
Tangkoko National Park	$110
Horse Back Riding	$85
Waruga Tour	$70

Equipment Rental	Price
Mask, Snorkel, Fins	$15
Regulator	$12
BCD	$12
Wetsuit	$9
Computer	$15
Full equipment (all of the above) 1-2 days	$52
Full equipment (all of the above) 3+ days	$45
UW light rental	$15
NITROX - 1-10 tanks	$15
NITROX  - 10+ tanks	$12
Fishing gear per set	$45

Group Offer

• Group of 10, one (1) Free of charge for diving and fullboard accommodation
• Group of 20, two (2) Free of charge for long stay combination package (minimum 12 nights)

Child Policy

• 11 y.o and under are free of charge if share parent’s bed. Up to 2 children can share parents bed
• 11 y.o and under using separate room will be charge 50%

Long Stay Special

• 10% discoount will be applied on the 11^th night

Price is subject to changes. Please contact us for more informations.