Resorts
BAHOWO LODGE & THALASSA DIVE CENTRE
Opened in 2003, Bahowo Lodge is an intimate, owner-operated hotel just 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Manado. The lodge takes its name from the small fishing village that sits on its doorstep. Surrounded by lush palm forests, the lodge comprises 7 air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, in a variety of configurations. The lodge is very pleasantly appointed, with whitewashed walls, large picture windows and cool tiles floors, all adding to the sense of serenity the lodge prides itself on.
There are two luxurious and spacious sea view suites each with private balcony. The larger of the two suites can sleep up to four guests and the smaller only two. There are a further four double/twin rooms, slightly smaller than the suites, perfect for a couple or friends. These rooms are all sea facing. Finally, the family suite is a popular option as it sleeps up to 5 people and has its own private bathroom. The family suite overlooks the well tended tropical garden and beyond that mountains of the Minahasa Highlands.
Internet access is available and for after dive entertainment guests are welcome to peruse the film and music library. There is also a small swimming pool with sun terrace and sun beds.
Bahowo Lodge prides itself on its food, all prepared on site by local chefs. As much produce as possible is grown within the grounds or purchased locally. Most meals are Indonesian dishes, but other dishes can sometimes be prepared and special dietary requirements almost always catered for. Guests can choose to dine in the dining room or al fresco on the terrace.
THALASSA DIVE CENTRE
The Thalassa Dive Centre at the hotel is a PADI 5 star centre and is run by Simone Gerittson, an enthusiastic Dutch expatriate. Thalassa has all the latest equipment and their fast aluminium dive boats or powerfully driven wooden boats will whisk you out to dive sites at Bunaken in a mere 10-20 minutes! Situated close to the hotel’s swimming pool, the dive centre is connected by a long walk-way to the boat pier and your dive gear will be transported for you. At the end of the day you can take a hot shower at the dive centre and enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks in the pleasant reception area. On some evenings lively entertainment is provided in Thalassa’s bar. There is 24 hour internet service, a digital downloading and CD burning facility, dedicated charging room and photo-equipment handling room, which is air-conditioned, and a magnificent ‘care and carry’ service for your equipment. At the end of your trip Thalassa will provide a log print out of all your dives at the end of your stay.
Thalassa’s standard diving programme includes two dives at different sites and a picnic lunch taken either on the boat or on a beach, but up to 5 dives are offered each day. Thalassa is used to catering for keen underwater photographers and the dive guides here are remarkably skilful at finding rare or unusual marine ‘critters’ to fascinate and excite their clients. Thalassa divemasters often ask you to make up a wish list of what you would like to see that is smaller than 1 metre and indigenous to the area. Because you will only dive in small groups (4 divers to 1 guide) there is every chance that you will have crossed off everything, or almost everything, on your wish list before you leave. Trips to Bangka Island and to Lembeh Strait can be arranged locally for an additional charge. Night dives can also be arranged locally on Tuesdays and Fridays. Dives boats leave the dock each day at 0800, 1000, 1400, 1600 and 1800. Nitrox is available at an extra charge.
Stays can be of any length. The following prices relate to stays of 7 nights.
$343 for 7 nights. Includes: airport transfers; 7 nights full board accommodation on a twin/share basis in a Deluxe Room at Santika Seaside Resort. Various dive packages are available; for example a 10 dives package costs $450. A Bunaken Marine Park fee of $15 (subject to change) is payable locally. Single Occupancy Supplement:$105 for 7 nights.