TASIK RIA RESORT & SPA

We reached out to the resort about diving in the area and Daniel ended up helping to arrange our entire trip (Bunaken, Bangka/Likupang, Lembeh, Tangkoko). The whole region is just stunning and the diving is world class. We had incredible meals every day right by the ocean and were treated so well by every person we met - the locals are just so friendly! The resort is tired admittedly however Manado as a whole has been hit hard since COVID with hardly any tourists returning, in part because some airlines ceased flying to the region completely. Unfortunately, the lack of tourists directly impacts how many dollars can be spent on keeping the place up and running, especially as this is a locally owned business. If you can appreciate the beautiful location, the warm hospitality and fresh tasty food and look past a few of the cosmetic aspects, I’m sure you’ll have a comfortable and relaxing trip while also helping the resort find its feet again.

I spent a week in August at this resort, with a group of divers. Already entering the reception it seems to be in the set of a horror movie! the bar is closed and Covered with sheets, we were the only guests of the whole structure, which results in a state of semi-abandoned. Bungalows have towels to prevent water infiltration, toilets are in poor condition in the closed spa, as well as two of the three pools. the culinary offer is low level and the variety of breakfast is also scarce. The only positive note is the usual courtesy and helpfulness of the Indonesian staff, but the structure must be absolutely restored and restored to acceptable condition.

Eat- from our welcome drink, the hospitality was excellent. Our evening meals were ‘family style’ on our table - we didn’t order, we were brought a 4 course meal with plenty of choice. We enjoyed every meal, and the breakfast noodles were the best we’ve had anywhere. Lunches were taken on the dive boat, again great food and plenty of variety. Sleep - we received a great upgrade to a sea view suite, which was a gorgeous room. Great aircon (2 units, plus a ceiling fan) meant that we were always comfortable. We had a really quirky bathroom with a powerful warm shower. Our bed was huge and comfortable. And with a fridge and a safe and comfortable seating inside and out on our patio. Dive - this was what we came for, and we weren’t disappointed. I was expecting to love Bunaken (30+ turtles on one dive, beautiful fish life, easy walk with interesting safety stops) but I hadn’t anticipated how much I would love the local sites. So much so that we decided to stay local on our final day and do 3 muck and pinnacle dives. More seahorses than I’ve ever seen, pipe fish, beds of starfish, hermit crabs, so so much to see. They don’t make much of the local diving, almost a place to stop for the 3rd dive, but they really should shout about it more. The crew on the boat were excellent, the right balance of attentive and letting us do our own dive. And never rushed, all of our dives were over an hour. Repeat - we would love to return to Tasik Ria. When we do we hope to find it busier, it was very quiet and so some of the amenities (the spa and the jetty bar) weren’t open. We still managed to enjoy a Bintang watching the lovely sunsets, and service was very personal. This is a great place with an excellent dive set up and I’m looking forward to seeing it thriving next time we are diving in Indonesia.