Resorts
GANGGA ISLAND RESORT & SPA, & GANGGA DIVERS
The infinity pool at Gangga Island (Gangga Island Resort and Spa)
This small resort on idyllic Gangga Island rests on a gorgeous vanilla coloured sandy beach surrounded by tropical gardens and native trees. Above the resort a thick jungle rises up the hillside. To reach the resort it is an hour’s drive from Manado followed by a short sea trip across the Bangka Strait. Then, as you go ashore, there is that first chance to dip your toes in the warm sea and feel the silky sand between your toes – a romantic approach to a romantic island! Gaspare and Hanne manage the resort with the professional touches acquired during their training in hotel management in Denmark and Switzerland. This small ‘eco’ resort is an ideal choice for keen divers looking for friendly, high quality and efficient service, good food and comfort. Non-diving partners will appreciate relaxing in a beautiful setting and are sure to enjoy the fabulous spa treatments available.
The accommodation comprises fifteen semi-detached, high-ceilinged beachfront bungalows, each built in on stilts in local style and with local materials. All the bungalows are air-conditioned, with an en-suite bathroom, a veranda overlooking the beach and modern decor. Amenities include ceiling fans, mosquito nets, min-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and safety deposit boxes. You can even request a TV with satellite international channels, should you wish.
A huge ‘eternity’ swimming pool at the water’s edge provides for a refreshing dip when the diving is done for the day or on that last day without diving.
There is a choice of two restaurants. The main restaurant is located in the centre of the resort and offers a selection of both Mediterranean and Indonesian dishes. Chef prides himself on using the freshest local ingredients wherever possible. The outdoor restaurant, known as Bamboo Restaurant, serves fresh fish barbecues two nights a week. Local musicians perform Polynesian-style music while you dine. The Coconut Bar is open all day long for cool, tropical fruit drinks, tea and coffee or a selection of cocktails, beer and wine to enjoy when the diving is over. Perhaps order your favourite cocktail and sip it slowly as you take a sunset stroll along the beach.
The Pasung Spa specialises in local knowledge of plants and herbs and local techniques of massage. Aromatherapy treatments are used to sooth tired muscles and keep the skin healthy and supple. Treatments include body scrubs, traditional massage, reflexology, facials and foot and head massages.
Gangga Divers have five all-wooden boats. Three have on-board toilets. Each boat has a stock of towels, freshwater rinse tanks for cameras, drinking water and hot drinks. Snacks are offered between dives. As members of the North Sulawesi Watersports Association, the resort is committed to protecting local reefs and promoting conservation and development projects amongst the local communities. Packages include either 2 dives per day, or a 3 dives per day to include lunch on board within the Bangka Island Archipelago. Dive trips to Lembeh Straight or to the Bunaken Marine Park, and night dives, can be arranged locally for an additional fee. Nitrox is available for an additional fee.
Stays can be of any length. Prices below relate to a stay of 7 nights.
Price from $1180 for 7 nights. Includes: airport transfers; 7 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a twin/share at Gangga Island Resort and Spa.
Various dive packages are available: for example, an 11 dives package (including one night dive) costs $603.
Non-divers must pay $60 for a Sport Card that entitles them to have free use of the snorkeling boat Christina twice daily, a free diving lesson in the pool and a guided excursion to the villages on Gangga.
Single Occupancy Supplement: from $140 for 7 nights.