Lembeh Resort - Diving & staying at the critter capital of the world

Frequently Asked Questions


- Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia?
- What money should I bring?
- Is there tax & service added to my bill?
- Can I get a refund on pre-paid dives which I don't use?
- What about air travel within Indonesia?
- Is there an airport departure tax?
- Is there malaria and dengue fever in the area?
- What is the voltage at the resort?
- When is the best time of year to dive?
- What's the weather like?
- How do I get there?
- How far is the resort from the airport?
- Is it safe to travel to North Sulawesi?


Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia?
Yes, you will need a tourist visa which can be issued on arrival at the airport for most nationalities. It costs US$25 and is valid for 30 days. Clean, new & crisp $20 & $5 bills will help expedite the transaction at the airport (Rupiah also accepted). Alternatively, you may apply for a visa before you leave home by contacting the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country. For further up-to-date information about this and other matters, please visit Indonesia's Department of Foreign Affairs website: www.deplu.go.id to find the embassy or consulate nearest to you.


What money should I bring?
Lembeh Resort accepts payment by Visa or Mastercard, Indonesian Rupiah, Euro or US Dollar; however, please be advised that foreign notes should be clean, new and crisp. Indonesian banks and money changers will not accept old notes or notes which are damaged in any way. You can also use your credit or debit card at ATM machines in town to withdraw Rupiah. It is advisable to inform your bank or credit card company that you will be visiting Indonesia prior to your departure, as it is not uncommon for the bank to put a block on the card if they suspect it has been misappropriated.


Is there tax & service added to my bill?
Services and merchandise, such as massage, internet and telephone usage, beverages, gift shop, which you purchase at the resort during your stay are subject to 21% government tax and service charge, which is standard practice in hotels and restaurants throughout Indonesia. For diving, tax is included but service charge is not.


Can I get a refund on pre-paid dives which I don't use?
Except in the case of extenuating circumstances, pre-paid dives are non-refundable and non-transferable.


What about air travel within Indonesia?
Domestic flights typically impose a weight restriction of 20kg per person. Excess luggage is charged per kilo and is payable in Rupiah at the airport. We can assist in securing domestic flight reservations.


Is there an airport departure tax?
Yes, if you leave Indonesia from Manado, an international departure tax of Rupiah 75,000 must be paid at the airport. If your onward journey is within Indonesia, the domestic departure tax from Manado is currently Rupiah 30,000.


Is there malaria and dengue fever in the area?
Lembeh Resort is located close to the equator in the tropics. It is generally humid and there are mosquitos. There are cases of malaria and dengue fever in North Sulawesi; however, there have been no reported cases specifically at the resort. We do recommend you bring plenty of repellent and appropriate clothing and that you consult with your doctor before your trip for the most up-to-date advice on anti-malarial drugs, as well as recommended vaccinations.


What is the voltage at the resort?
Voltage in Indonesia is 220-240. However, the dive shop camera room has both 220 and 110 volts, as well as universal power strips which take plugs from all countries.


When is the best time of year to dive?
By virtue of our unique geographic location, Lembeh Strait offers fantastic year round diving.


What's the weather like?
Generally speaking, the "official" rainy season begins sometime in November and continues through March. However, it is unusual to have continuous rain during the day. The norm is for it to rain at night, ending by early morning. Occasionally, it will begin in the afternoon but typically does not last long. The rain will not interfere with your diving and we have never cancelled dives as a result of rain.


How do I get there?
Manado airport is serviced four times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) direct from Singapore using Silk Air, sister carrier to Singapore Airlines. There are also several daily flights from Jakarta and daily flights from Bali. Our staff will greet you with a smile upon exit of the airport terminal.


How far is the resort from the airport?
The resort is located on Lembeh Island, approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Manado airport, followed by a 10 minute boat ride.


Is it safe to travel to North Sulawesi?
Yes, North Sulawesi is safe! For up-to-date information regarding these unwarranted concerns, please contact us direct using: danny@lembehresort.com or generalmgr@lembehresort.com. Do not let sound bite media reports deter you from visiting our island!

Dive at Lembeh Strait, stay at Lembeh Resort

Resort Location and Dive Site Map
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Lembeh Resort, Box 117, Bitung - North Sulawesi 95500, Indonesia, Phone +62 438 5500 139
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