Siladen Resort & Spa

It’s rare to find a place that consistently provides a genuinely friendly relationship to every guest- rather than a transactional one. Miguel and Ana have decades of hotel mgmt experience and now use this experience as part - owners of this resort. They are around to help throughout the day and night. Ideas like voluntary communal tables for meals to meet new people and chat. Or your own private tables if you’re as a couple or family. The training of all staff members is clearly exceptional. The Dive Centre manager is Leo and he runs a professional and experienced set of instructors and dive masters. There are no cowboy/cowgirl dive guides here. Leo instructed me on my AOW and I appreciated that we didn’t just do the bare minimum of the course, he shared his knowledge on anything and everything along the way to be a better diver. He also is extremely personable and fun to dive with. The food is a standout to any other resort in the area. Their cook is amazing providing light or heavy, local or international, veg and meat based dishes. Food quantity is huge and quality is amazing for an island resort. All staff members have a smile on their face and are also genuinely friendly, well trained and very proactive. I look forward to my next visit.

I don’t even know where to start regarding our stay at Silden island this June (23). It was all simply amazing. Everything about this resort, the staff, the food, the spa, the diving, the approach to guests, the ambience and the way you are immediately absorbed as family is all simply wonderful. The service was superb and easily comparible to my 5* Maldives visit even if the accommodation is more rustic than modern/minimal. My partner and I stayed for 13 nights, travelling from the UK. I am an AOW diver and he was lucky enough to take his OW with the Siladen Diving Team in one of the most pristine areas to dive in Indonesia/the world. None of the diving disappointed. Even on the days that we dived when the weather was inclement and the visibility not so great we had really good experiences. If you are a Turtle fanatic, the Bunaken Island / Marine Park will definitely not disappoint. Over my 18 dives, I counted in excess of 85 turtles spotted. With some amazing photographic and GoPro10 footage. Other critters included pipefish, reef sharks, scorpion fish, pygmy seahorses, endless Clownfish, many many Orangutang Crabs, Day Octopus and so the list goes on. It’s a photographers dream here and the Coral is simply healthy both soft and hard. Maybe not quite what I envisage Raja Ampat to be (still on my bucket list) but the diving will not disappoint – unless of course you’re a ‘current diver’ and just want to hang on a hook. We also did 2 diving days to Bangka – which is an area 1 hour boat ride from Siladen. Both very worthwhile days and again, different marine life and beautiful corals. This is the area where the Siladen sister resort – Oasis Resort is situated. Quite a number of guests staying did a 7 day at each location. We met some amazing people from Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, USA and other nations. It was truly great fun diving with such a mix of abilities and nationalities. We’ve made some great friends from across the globe with whom we hope we will cross tracks again in the future. For the staff. I want to call out them all. Because from the minute you are met at Manado Airport to the moment that they wave you goodbye the service is simply amazing. I would personally like to thank Noldy, my Dive Guide who I want to give 5 stars. Most days I was diving 1/1 with him and because I’m a low air consumer, we were getting 70 minute dives consistently. He has eagle eyes and spotted so many tiny critters. Nudibranch of multiple colours, pygmy seahorses, pipe fish. He knew exactly where to find the Frogfish at Bangka, the reef sharks, the octopus. He was always focused on ensuring that we had a valuable and fun experience and consistently guided us out of currents to ensure we had good easy diving. Teddie, who delivered my partner’s OW training was also simply superb. There is not a thing that these guys will not do for you. They are all island dwellers. Their families live in the village that is less than 5

My partner and I have just returned from two glorious weeks at Siladen Resort and Spa. It's hard to describe how wonderful this resort is but I'll try. The location is an idyllic island 15 to 20 mins from the mainland of Minado. We arrived very early on Sunday morning at Minado airport and were met at the airport by an aircondition minibus by two lovely members of the reosrt staff with hot towels and ice cold water in personalised water bottles. Little touches people! Little touches! After a 40 minute drive through stunning countryside we arrived at a little jetty where the boat that would take us to the island was moored. it's a short, 15 minute ride over crystal clear waters. As we boarded we could already feel the madness of modern living fading. The island is visible from the mainland. As we gently floated up to the beach on shallow crystal clear waters we started to count the huge colourful starfish that were clearly visible. A hop and a skip and we were off the boat being greeted by the the managment and staff who would soon become firm friends. Our bags were whisked away and we were lead through the trees to the main reception where we were offficially welcomed in true indonesian style with the ringing of the gong. Minutes later we were shown to our lovely air-conditioned villa, nestled in the forest. A lovely cool space with an open air WC and Rain shower! The centrepeice of the room being an insanely comfortable four poster bed. A powerful AC unit kept the room nice and cool and it was always a welcome refuge from the heat and humidty which is part and parcel of this beautiful part of the world. The room is made up at least twice a day. In the eveing while we were at dinner, the bed was turned down, the mosquito net unfurled (I saw ZERO msoquitoes over two weeks!) and chocolates left for us! Within 24hrs of arriving the whole resort felt like home. Staff - I'll keep this breif. The staff at Siladen are brilliant. They are one big family and this comes across from the moment you arrive. From the team that keeps the grounds clear of the falling forest leaves to the A grade team of Dive masters and instructors. We actually want to go back just because we met so many wonderful people and made so many friends! Cuisine - I'm well into my 6th decade and have been around a bit. I have never had food this this good. The variety and quality was just amazing. Every meal was a culinary adventure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All absolutley brilliant. If you have a sweet tooth like I do then you are in for a wonderful time! If you have any special dietary needs then no request is too small. When the Sun's out you dine on the beach, a stones throw from the gentle surf. Just idyllic. Food is served buffet style and the variety and selection seemed endless! Diving - What can I say. I did my PADI Open Water and Enriched Air Diver courses while in resort. Tuition was first rate (Thank you Teddy, Daniel and Noldy) and gave me the confidence

Beautiful Island resort with incredible staff in all areas and so many aspects exceeded our expectations. The diving was stunning and we completed our PADI under the professional, patient and friendly guidance of Mel. We saw many turtles and she pointed out all sorts of different creatures. The food was varied and tasty in a buffet style which changed regularly to bring some memorable dishes. The bar prices were quite lofty but the cocktails good with the staff of Diana, Morten and Allen were such fun to be around, helping to prepare the cocktails with such a warm and friendly manner. Our room was on the beach which was lovely with great views of the volcano. We tried the spa twice and both times we had relaxing treatments by Yvonne and Kristie. We were also lucky enough to be there when the owner and family were there who were sociable and they happy to share their experiences and the interesting background to the resort. The place is made by the impeccable staff who really do go above and beyond to make the stay special. It is expensive and I feel the bar prices are at the top end of reasonable and I feel the ‘speciality’ coffee could be included at these prices given the local kopi isn’t for everyone. Big thanks to all for such a great stay. We plan to return

Amazing place with terrific service...made to feel very special . We looked forward to this trip and it did not disappoint. We had a villa on the beach near the restaurant and would recommend that spot. Ana's attention to detail and ability to make you feel like you have known her for years is excellent. The dive team did a great job and again we felt like VIPs...which we are not. Food and service during meals was terrific. We would also recommend the black water dives. Amazing

Even though this is divers’ paradise, with great proximity to some of the world’s best dive sites, and great facilities for divers, you need not be a diver to experience how fantastic this place is. As a non-diver, there was some trepidation at coming here at first, but it is set in paradise; 5 star accommodation huts; standards of quality of service and product delivery are second to none. Set in paradise; fantastic beach, immediate proximity to reef snorkelling sites; amazing pool, indeed the central hub around the pool is fantastic in terms of design and amenity. Full board with 3 fantastic meals per day. And in view of location and focal point a key focus on light “footprint.” The staff are the cherry on top! Everyone very welcoming and with a very personal touch, being called by name by all staff from the moment being greeted until farewelled at the airport. It would be unfair to call out any single staff member as everyone was friendly and genuinely interested in your story whether it was the life story or what you saw today or offering advice about what you were planning tomorrow As a non diver, you do will hear many groups returning from amazing dives, and lots of talk about this fish or that fish, turtles and coral, but that speaks volumes of how special the place is; especially as many of the divers seem to make a visit to Siladen a frequent pilgrimage. You do not need to be a diver or snorkeler to enjoy the beauty of this place, to enjoy the location, service and relax in isolation. Definitely a place where you can recharge those batteries!

Wonderful vacation, a long way from home, but well worth the 3 planes, bus, and boat rides to experience this beautiful resort and the gorgeous diving here! We were welcomed early morning on our arrival day by the staff welcoming us by a first names, a quick hotel briefing, and a wonderful breakfast! While we ate and relaxed, our luggage was moved to our rooms, where we returned to refresh before our briefing to the diving for the upcoming 10 days! Diving was done in groups of 4 divers with 1 guide, which was excellent! We had plenty of time for pictures and interacting with our own Dive Guide. The boats are roomy, towels provided, a shower to rinse off, a marine head, water, tea, coffee, and snacks. There was oxygen and first aid kits on each boat. Back rolls were used to get into the water, and the crew assisted you into your gear, and encouraged you to hand up weights and slip out of your gear in the water, before boarding the boat. Since there were only 4 of you in a group, this was done easily and smoothly. Diving was mostly drift dives, and the guides were very knowledgeable, with great eyes! There are some before dinner presentations done in the Treehouse area about things you can see while diving. These were well done and informative! The resort itself is gorgeous and well groomed! The rooms are spacious, great amenities like a stocked mini frig, coffee and tea maker, and your own hot and cold water dispenser. The beds have insect netting, which the staff unfolds each night at bed turndown, and tie back in the morning when they clean the rooms. We only saw a mosquito or 2, as the resort treats the area to prevent them, and those were in the open air bathroom. The spa is very nice! So many massages to choose from, as well as all sorts of other things like aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, scrubs, and more! The masseuses we had were very skillful, and we wanted to go back, but just ran out of time! You will enjoy whatever you choose! Meals were a real treat! Most days we had buffets on the beach area, and all breakfasts were served in an open air central porch area surrounding the pool. Meals were salads, soup, several main courses and sides, and then the desserts, with fresh fruits as well! Just excellent, no matter what you chose! We had a pizza night, sushi night, and a couple other choose from the menu and sit down dinners during our stay. Local entertainment a couple nights on the beach with singing and dancing, and information about the island of Siladen itself! The staff at Siladen were wonderful, attentive, and so helpful! A “wish” became a “we’ll make that for you”, all the time during our stay. Very special, friendly, you are family while you are here, with a we care atmosphere, at this resort! Ana and Miguel, the resort managers are readily accessible, and always walking around, as are Lea and Leo, the dive shop managers! Our group celebrated 5 milestones during our visit, and we made them special, and then t

We were there for a snorkelling trip and loved it. At Siladen the people were great, the rooms and resort facilities are excellent, loved the pool and food. The whole ambience is exactly what you would expect of a tropical resort. Plus the snorkelling guides took us to some fabulous snorkel sites. They were always helpful and looked out for us. Would definitely stay here again.

During eastern me and my wife stayed at the lovely Siladen Resort & Spa. The management, staff and villa was of absolut best class - friendly, helpful. Our diving at Bunaken and sorunding dive sits was fanstastic as well as our dive guide and boat crew, Eight fantastic nights and days in a fantastic place. We will return.