Originally established as an outpost for marine studies, Coral Eye is a boutique dive resort on Bangka Island, North Sulawesi. It overlooks a long stretch of white sand backed by tropical jungle, roughly equidistant from the marine life hotspots of Bunaken and Lembeh Strait.

Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, this Bangka Island dive resort is surrounded by more than 50 exhilarating dive sites that provide habitat for a diverse array of creatures. In addition to pygmy seahorse, harlequin crab, and flamboyant cuttlefish, a huge variety of nudibranchs and the occasional dugong are spotted.

Aside from its exceptional dive facilities, Coral Eye Resort has been designed to nurture socialization and communication between guests who share a common passion for the ocean. It features stylishly designed rooms and villas, plus a kitchen that celebrates both Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisines.

Rooms

Accommodation at Coral Eye Resort includes standalone villas and comfortable rooms, all of which have been beautifully crafted by local carpenters. They boast ensuite bathrooms and high-quality mattresses to ensure a good night’s sleep, as well as both ceiling fans and air-conditioning. Natural toiletries are provided for guests, together with a water dispenser and complimentary coffee, tea, and a mini-bar.

Beach Villas: At 100 square meters, the Beach Villas offer plenty of space and incredible views from their private patios. They come with a king-size bed and an open-air bathroom, as well as a sofa that can be converted into an extra bed if required..

Garden Villas: Nestled just behind the Beach Villas are the spacious Garden Villas, which are also 100 square meters in size. They come with a king-size bed and an open-air bathroom, as well as a sofa that can be converted into an extra bed if required.

Superior Rooms: Located on the first floor of the main building, each of the Superior Rooms is unique and enjoys access to a large terrace with ocean views. They come with a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom, as well as the possibility of an additional bed in the room if required.

Double Room Garden Villa: Designed for families or groups of friends, the Double Room Garden Villa consists of two Superior Rooms (each with an ensuite bathroom) and a common lounge area. Both rooms come with a king-size bed and an open-air bathroom, as well as the possibility of an additional bed in one of the rooms if required.

Amenities

On the ground floor of Coral Eye Resort’s main building is the open dining space with a living area, a small library, and a bar. On the first floor is a large terrace overlooking the ocean – the perfect place to relax with a drink at the end of the day.

When you’re not out diving, you can indulge in a massage or treatment at the spa pavilion, which uses all-natural products made from local coconut oil. Kayaks and SUPs are also available for guests to use, allowing you to explore the surrounding coastline at your leisure.

Food

Meals at this North Sulawesi dive resort combine European culinary traditions with Indonesian flavors. Breakfast is served a la carte and includes freshly baked breads and pastries, cereals, and seasonal fruit platters, as well as eggs cooked the way you like them. Lunches and dinners are also a la carte and draw on Mediterranean influences.

Full-board stays at Coral Eye Resort include three meals a day and a snack in the afternoon, as well as drinking water, coffee, and tea. Fresh fruits and biscuits are also available throughout the day and dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notification. Local and imported beers, wines, and spirits are available for an additional cost.

Diving

Coral Eye Resort is surrounded by healthy coral reefs, volcanic walls, and pinnacles, making it the ideal destination for a scuba diving vacation in Indonesia. The underwater environments are similar to those found in Lembeh Strait and are colonized by a diverse array of fish and invertebrates. Most of the dive sites are within a 5 to 20-minute boat ride from the resort.

The dive center at this Bangka Island dive resort is located right on the beach and has a wet room where guests can store their gear. There’s also a dedicated camera room for underwater photographers to use, complete with workstations and stabilized power outlets.

Two-tank dive trips leave each morning around 8 am while afternoon dives take place either by boat or from the jetty on the house reef. Night dives are also possible during your scuba diving vacation in Sulawesi. Group sizes are kept small (usually a maximum of four divers) to ensure a personalized experience. On request, day excursions to Lembeh Strait and Bunaken can be arranged.

All of the boats at this Bangka Island dive resort have been handcrafted by local carpenters and can accommodate up to eight divers. They feature a sun deck and a shaded area, and are designed for easy back-roll entries. Each boat carries safety equipment, including oxygen, a first aid kit, life jackets, and a VHF radio.

The team at Coral Eye Resort offers a range of diving courses in English, Italian, German, and Spanish, with a maximum of two students per group. Additionally, a full line of high-quality ScubaPro diving and snorkeling equipment is available for rent if you don’t want to bring your own. The resort supplies 12 and 15-liter aluminum tanks filled with air or divers can opt for 32% nitrox if certified.

Other Activities

Non-diving family members and friends can explore the shallow waters of the house reef while snorkeling or embark on a half or full-day snorkeling trip around the Bangka archipelago. Jungle treks to the fishing village of Lihunu can also be arranged or you can stroll along the beach to Busa Bora. Parrots, tarsiers, and monitor lizards are often spotted in the surrounding area.

Coral Eye Resort can also help to arrange excursions on mainland Sulawesi, including guided treks through Tangkoko National Reserve to spot tarsiers and hikes through the volcano-studded Minahasan Highlands.