Dive Review of Siladen Resort and Spa in
Indonesia/North Sulawesi

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Siladen Resort and Spa: "Great Diving in a Perfect Tropical Paradise", Mar, 2016, by Ken New, MN, US ( Contributor 18 reports with 11 Helpful votes). Report 8850.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	We combined a week at Siladen with a previous week at Lembeh Resort on the other side of the northern tip of N. Sulawesi; if you have the time, I highly recommend this. Two very different kinds of diving, two different but equally pampering resorts. Siladen is one of 5 islands in Bunaken National Marine Park; all diving is done in the park (unless you didn't go muck diving at Lembeh and want some of that near the mainland shore). The marine park offers beautiful diving, and the dive guides are expert at pointing out everything from tiny nudibranchs to passing turtles. Most dives are drift dives, some with currents that really sail you along; but if you're a photographer the dive masters will find you some lazier currents for easy shooting. The walls, which descend thousands of feet, are covered with pristine hard corals; there are lots of healthy, huge schools of fish -- and lots of turtles!. The shallow reef-tops provide soft corals, sponges, & colorful fish in dappled sunlight. We were there at the end of the rainy season, so on some days visibility was compromised; but we had enough clear days to see how wonderful it can be. The dive operation is first rate in every way. At check-in you are provided with a large plastic crate; everything you put in it will be completely taken care of by the dive staff for your entire stay -- this includes everything from wetsuits to pointers and dive slates. Each morning your gear is on your tank (briefly removed for Nitrox analysis; for safety you sign your tank after each analysis), your peripherals are underneath in your crate, and your wetsuit is rinsed, dry, and draped over your tank. Dive sites are between 10 & 20 minutes away, so lots of time to get dressed onboard; and very roomy, comfortable boats to make it easy. Back roll into the water, camera is handed down. No more than 4 divers per guide, usually it was just the two of us. The guides were outstanding at finding small critters in wall crevices while also seeming to spot every turtle and huge school of fish that passed us in the blue. The resort is a real island paradise. Beautifully landscaped, immaculate grounds, charming rooms with all the amenities (even the wifi works!); we stayed in the most "basic" accommodation and still felt luxuriously pampered. Beautiful pool; beach & snorkeling for non-divers; great food, served outdoors under the trees when weather permits (in the evening, with small lights glimmering everywhere, it's impossibly romantic). All of the staff is incredibly helpful and make you feel like you're among friends. Anna and Miguel, the owner/managers, made us feel like both highly valued guests and part of their family. The resort is very involved in the island's one village; most of their employees are from there (the rest are from close by on the mainland); they support the local school and are raising funds for a computer center there. I highly recommend Siladen for divers and non-divers alike; there is something for everyone. We can't wait to return!
Websites	Siladen Resort and Spa
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	251-500 dives
Where else diving	Most of the Caribbean, Galapagos, Hawaii, S. Pacific
Closest Airport	Manado	Getting There	Manado is a long way from the U.S., so it's time-consuming. From MN, we needed 4 flights.
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny, cloudy, dry	Seas	calm, choppy, currents
Water Temp	80-82°F / 27-28°C	Wetsuit Thickness	3
Water Visibility	35-60 Ft/ 11-18 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	Divers are expected to stay with the guide, but with a max of 4 per guide that isn't a problem. Generally 1 hour, but your guide will stay down with you as long as you have air.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	yes
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	> 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics	N/A
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities
UW Photo Comments	Large rinse bucket on boat, covered cabin if you need a protected area to change anything. Dedicated rinse tanks at dive center. Camera room, locked at night; individual private stations with light & lots of charging outlets.

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Dive Review of Siladen Resort and Spa in Indonesia/North Sulawesi

Siladen Resort and Spa: "Great Diving in a Perfect Tropical Paradise", Mar, 2016,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Siladen Resort and Spa in
Indonesia/North Sulawesi