About 30 minutes drive from the hustle & bustle of Manado is Tasik Ria Resort & Spa. Here with its peaceful and scenic palm fringed backdrop is a family owned and run resort that offers not only luxury and comfort but also a level of warmth and hospitality which in today’s frantic world is such a rarity.
With the Bunaken National Park only a 45 min boat ride away, you can be assured of some of the best diving in the world. Tasik Divers truly look after divers and non-divers alike.
Accommodation
The resort’s 34 rooms are in 2 categories, all have full air conditioning, mini bar, safety deposit boxes, en-suite bathrooms, cable tv, IDD phone and coffee/tea making facilities. Pool View Rooms (20) are conveniently situated around the large free form freshwater swimming pool. Some have inter-connecting doors, ideal for families.
For those looking for a more romantic hideaway, the premier Sea View Cottages offer more privacy and look out onto the beachfront, affording a beautiful view across the jetty into the horizon, in the early evening the sunsets can be spectacular, offering the chance for either a romantic stroll, sipping champagne or maybe a cocktail either in the comfort of your private veranda or in the cool atmosphere of the jetty bar.
During your stay you can also enjoy luxurious spa treatments in the tranquil oasis that is the Matana Spa. Leaving you to indulge yourselves in either a bubbling Jacuzzi or hot tub scented with sensual essential oils in the privacy of one of our traditional wooden gazebos.
Dining
The award winning chefs infuse the best flavours from European and Indonesaian cuisine. Along with their dedicated team of chefs, their repertoire includes a delicious choice from freshly made croissants to classic beef rendang – and all tastes in between. Savour a choice of mouthwatering menus that embrace both East and West, served in the relaxed atmosphere of the Bunaken Restaurant. Or, why not enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two either on the beach.
Whether at the resorts weekly BBQ, seafood night, Indonesian style buffet or a la carte evenings, the chefs are happy to discuss and advise on favourite menus and personal dishes for events such as birthdays, honeymoons or simply a private romantic dinner!
The Pool Bar serves tropical drinks and snacks all day long whilst the Sunset Jetty Bar overlooks Manado Tua Island and offers panoramic sunset views; simply the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.
Diving
With many wonderful sites to choose from, the Bunaken Marine Park stretches over 75,000 hectares in the deep waters of the Sulawesi Sea. There are five islands that make up the park, Siladen, Montehage, Nain and of course Bunaken. The fifth one Manado Tua stands out quite literally as it is a magnificent extinct volcano which dominates the four others and the skyline from the panoramic view from our jetty.
The beautiful corals here are to be found surrounding the islands and with a depth from 3 meters to 1300 are home to the many species or sea life to be found here, definitely making this a unique diving experience. With drift diving being the order of the day, you “go with the flow”. The highly specialized dive guides will find you the wonders that so many guests will drift pass. Keep an eye on the “Blue” for larger pelagic.
With the water temperature an all year round 26-29°C it is a destination for all seasons, with March to October being the dry season, and the rainy season starting around November through to March/April. The hottest/sunniest time tends to be June to September, but whatever the Month, don’t forget your sun cream!
Although primarily a dive destination, the shallow reefs are also a haven for many different fish, starfish and corals, possibly even turtles, thus making it a wonderful experience for snorkelers also. With the coral disappearing into the deep, that’s where you will discover so much more! Due to the depths here, we recommend a maximum dive depth of around 25-30 meters/80-100ft, depending on certification. There is also have a fantastic “house reef” situated a few minutes off the jetty, as well as some other nearby sites that are well worth visiting.