News

If you’ve been following DPG longer than the pandemic, or if you’ve been digging into our pre-COVID Trip Reports, you’ll know that one of our favorite places to dive and shoot—and chill out and eat!—is Siladen Resort & Spa, on the doorstep of the amazing Bunaken National Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

So, we’re delighted to hear that fully vaccinated guests (two shots with or without a booster) now only need to quarantine for one night. Due to its remote location, the resort had already been granted approval as a quarantine “bubble” resort, meaning quarantining guests can dive, snorkel and swim from day one. At the end of the quarantine period—now just a single day—after returning a negative PCR test at the resort, guests are not only able to carry on diving, but can also go on excursions and enjoy the resort’s awesome spa.
 

Siladen’s (fully vaxxed) team has gotten the resort in tip-top shape to receive guests
 

While Siladen Resort hasn’t seen many guests over the last two years, staff haven’t wasted any time in undertaking maintenance and renovation work, and making a wide variety of improvements throughout the property. Beach cleanups have been ongoing, ensuring Siladen Island is kept clean and free of plastic, and the resort has received the Indonesian Government’s CHSE COVID certification for Cleanliness, Hygiene, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability. All staff have had both vaccinations as well as booster shots.

To get to Siladen Resort, you’ll need to hop on a plane operated by the Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot, which currently offers Singapore–Manado flights (around 3 hours 45 minutes) on Wednesdays and Fridays. (The expectation is that more days will be added as more passengers make use of the route.) Just keep in mind that the usual “visa on arrival” is not currently available. Instead, foreign visitors need to obtain a Single Entry Visa (B211A), which requires a “sponsor”—but if you book at least a week’s diving, Siladen is happy to arrange this special visa for you.

As COVID hospitalizations remain under control despite a resurgence in cases, Indonesia is considering lifting all quarantine requirements for inbound travelers in April, and it’s likely that normal visa requirements will also resume before long. That means you’ll be able to enjoy Siladen Resort’s incredible wall dives, friendly turtles, and exceptional cuisine without hassles or restrictions.
 

Siladen’s innumerable turtles are ready for their portrait!
 

Bunaken’s epic wall dives beckon once more