Why this trip will amaze you: Bangka is a diver’s paradise where vibrant coral gardens, dramatic volcanic rock formations, and rare marine life come together. Watch pygmy seahorses cling to sea fans, turtles gliding across coral plateaus or encounter swirling clouds of anthias and butterflyfish in the sunlight. Night dives reveal all sorts of curious critters, from Spanish dancers to bobtail squid.

Why you’ll love this trip: Murex Bangka Resort offers the perfect blend of barefoot luxury and world-class diving. Set on a pristine white-sand beach, the resort feels like your own private island getaway, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical jungle.

Why this trip stands out: Our package also includes a day diving the nearby Lembeh Strait, muck diving capital of the world!

We arrive in Singapore around midnight, where we will check to the Ambassador Terminal 3 Hotel for 6 hours rest before our 9:20 AM flight onwards to Manado.

Our flight to Manado departs Singapore at 9:20 AM, arriving 1:00 PM. A representative from Murex Resort will greet us at the airport and transfer the group to Bangka Island.

After checking in, we'll visit the dive centre to sort our gear and be briefed on the dive plan for the week.

We will set off on a two-dive trip each morning at 8.15am (actual timings may vary slightly), departing from the beach in front of the resort. After returning to the resort for lunch, we head out for a third dive in the afternoon, with boats setting off around 2.30pm.

Night dives depart at around 6.30pm and blackwater dives at around 7pm. These timings depend on the stage of the lunar cycle.

All boats have cushioned seating and dry storage areas for cameras & personal belongings. You’ll have your own personal towel and fresh fruit, drinking water, coffee and tea are offered on all boats. Each vessel is equipped with first aid kits and emergency oxygen. All boats also have on-board toilets and long boarding ladders.

During the week, we'll schedule a three-dive trip to the Lembeh Strait in search of weird and wonderful critters, with lunch served on the boat between dives two and three.

Time to say selamat tinggal to Bangka Island and return home to Sydney via Singapore on an overnight flight.