Dive Review of
Wakatobi Resort in
Indonesia/Onemobaa, Sulawesi

Carribean, Central America, Mexico, Micronesia, Florida, Hawaii

Dive Conditions

 70 minutes on day dives. 60 minutes on night dives. Kept divers within
recreational limits.   

Large camera area on boats, nice camera room at longhouse, computers for
downloading digital.  

Overall Rating

We have a lot to say about how great Wakatobi Resort is.  The only negative
is how long it takes to get there.  From Colorado there is no quick way.  
We took Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles through Narita, Japan to
Singapore to Bali.  Singapore Airlines has spoiled us for using any US
carrier. Not only is there more leg room, seat recline and foot rests (in
coach) they never stop bringing food and drink – and all with a smile. US
carriers have a lot to learn about customer service. 
We had a seven hour layover in Singapore where we got a room at the Transit
Hotel inside the airport for $65US not having to leave the secured area was
a great convenience. The Singapore Airport is truly world-class; it has a
movie theater, swimming pool both free in addition to free internet access
at numerous computer stations throughout the terminals. And more shopping
than most people can handle. If you have a daytime layover they even offer
a free city tour.
After leaving Singapore we enjoyed two and a half days in Bali which was a
wonderful experience.  
Upon arrival in Bali we were greeted by the Wakatobi staff who obtained our
visas for us and escorted us through customs. 
Escapes Ltd arranged for the Bali portion of our trip including airfare
from LA to Bali and had a driver waiting to take us to the Ari Putri Hotel
in Sanur.
The Balinese are friendly, kind people.  The prices for lodging, meals,
sarongs, carvings, and other souvenirs are extremely inexpensive and the
Balinese are appreciative of the business. There is a lot to see and do in
Bali from diving to visiting temples to elephant rides through the jungle.
For a one hour massage you can expect to pay from $5 - $7US.
Our trek to Wakatobi Resort started with us meeting the Wakatobi staff at
the Denpasar Airport, Bali where we were whisked through security, checked
our bags and were taken to the VIP room where we waited for the rest of the
divers and the Dash 8 to arrive. Unlimited appetizers and soft drinks were
all complimentary.
Once at the resort we had a briefing then dinner and settled into our
bungalows. The bungalows were spacious and clean. We always had hot water.
We were glad to have a garden unit rather than one of the prime units
located on the beach on the west side. While the sunsets were awesome from
those units, the sun was always shining on them and the air conditioner had
a difficult time keeping the rooms cool. 
 The four boats were 63 feet and could accommodate up to 24 people but they
only put twelve to a boat plus crew. There were always two dive masters,
each taking charge of 6 divers. The boat captain had a crew of two who were
quick with assistance back onto the boat, checking gear, offering towels,
snacks and hot and cold drinks after each dive.  The boat had two rinse
buckets, one for cameras only. The head was at deck level which we found to
be quite convenient.  Boat safety features included oxygen, GPS, radio,
first aid kit and life preservers.
The strap holder on my wife’s brand new mask snapped on the boat just
before the first dive. The crew handed her a spare mask then attempted to
repair hers – it was unfixable but no dives were lost.
The entire staff knew each dive site thoroughly and was generous at
pointing out critters to us along the way.  We saw frog fish, pigmy
seahorses, robust and ornate ghost pipefish, blue ring octopus, blue ribbon
eel, and the granddaddy of all cuttlefish.
Shore diving was easy from the shore or a boat would take you out and let
you drift with the current back to the resort or would come pick you up if
the current changed as it did for us.
The food was always buffet but varied and delicious. We are not fond of
buffets but this was the best food we have had at any dive resort, buffet
or table service.
Every staff member was friendly and knowledgeable and mixed with the guests
even when we were not on the boat. It was nice to meet so many people from
around the world. 
Wakatobi Resort is a trip of a lifetime. Every aspect of this experience
was great and has spoiled us. 
 

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