Whats the diving in manado like?

[sven_perry]

Hi,
Me and my partner are hoping to go out in Manado to do some dive training, we are both BSAC Divers, but don't mind switching to PADI to do our dive masters, (terrible i know!!).
can anyone reccommend any good dive schools and any good digs.
Have been trying to find some info on the area but really have no idea what its like.
Hope someone can help us out.
Cheers,
Ben Perry

[Pete Church]

The diving in Manado is really good. I am not sure about schools though, might be worth trying Eco Divers at the Tasik Ria Resort. This is an excellent dive centre, but you would have to check out if they are a school.

Pete C

[Fiona]

A friend and I stayed at Tasik Ria for a Millenium holiday and it was a really nice hotel, although I understand it have improved since then.

We stayed there when the dive centre was under its previous owners who were IMO a waste of time, but the dive guides and boat crews were great guys, we never saw the owners out on the boat.

The diving is great and I can highly recommend the diving and the hotel.

I know I shouldn't say this but why are you considering doing your DM training.

I think we booked with Explorers, we flew from Manchester to Singapore had an overnight stay in Singapore (Xmas Eve) and flew out to Manardo the following day, we flew with Singapore Airlines and their partner Silk.

[Tristan Green]

Hi Ben/Sven?,

Drop Tina and Nigel a line at www.twofishdivers.com they are BSAC and PADI instructors. They run a small resort on Bunaken Island - where all the good diving is to be had at Manado - and I'm sure they will look after you well if you want to do your divemaster with them. If you don't know Manado is a market town on mainland Sulawesi (and not a very nice place to stay). The diving is done in Bunaken National Park - just off shore from Manado.

Say "hi" from me if you end up there - I have visited them twice and several people from our club have stayed with them too.

Cheers,
Tristan

[Alison Boler]

Hi
We have some good info on diving Manado and Sulawesi in general on our Where to Dive page for the region - have put in a link below. Also suggest you contact our TC Indonesia "expert", Steve Parry. He should be able to give you some good tips. He may not have noticed this thread on the new forums.
His email address is: steve.parry@bsactravelclub.co.uk

Alllie
http://www.bsactravelclub.co.uk/where/sulawesi

[Steve Parry]

Hi Ben/ Sven,

Please contact me directly with any questions on steve.parry@bsactravelclub.co.uk or as open questions
via this forum if you wish. There is more to diving in
Sulawesi than just the Bunaken National Park. However,
if you are planning your first trip to Manado, Bunaken will provide
plenty of good dives and you should have a memorable trip.

One pertinent tip:

Confirm your prices for dives and try pay in advance before
leaving the UK. A few months back, the Indonesian government
withdrew fuel subsidies. Some (possibly all by now) Indonesian Dive
centres have had to increase thier prices per boat dive substantialy
to cover the increased fuel prices. You could/will pay more even if you
pay in advance from the UK. I suspect it will be easier to negotiate minimal
increases before you commit to the trip rather than when you are already in Indonesia and keen to submerge. I was paying no more than USD20 per decent (3-4 hour round trip) boat dive just before the subsidy was withdrawn.

Regards,

Steve:

[hazey]

Have a look at http://www.divefroggies.com/

The service is fantastic - the diving great and did I say the service is fantastic.

[John Bantin]

Raja Ampat! If you are going all the way to North Sulawesi, why not go all the way to somewhere special?

[ben]

take a look here [Blatant plugging of commercial web site removed by Sys Admin KL]
i believe it meet your requirement. Just send them enquiry.