What Is Raja Laut Dive Resort in Bunaken?
Updated
Raja Laut Dive Resort is a boutique dive resort on Bunaken Island, inside Bunaken National Marine Park. It combines a professional dive centre with a small, relaxed wooden-bungalow stay, and it suits divers and snorkellers who want easy reef access, small dive groups, and personalized service rather than a large hotel-style operation.
Where it is and what that means for your stay
The resort sits on the east side of Bunaken Island, on rising ground with no mangroves on the seafront. According to the resort, this gives it:
- A sandy beach and easy access to the reef
- An excellent snorkelling spot directly in front of the property
- Views toward Siladen Island, Talisei Island, and mainland Sulawesi
The wooden bungalows are set on a small hill, about 60 steps from the beach, with sea views. If you have limited mobility or dislike stairs, that distance and slope are worth factoring in before booking.
The diving side
The dive centre is described as being very close to the dive spots, which shortens boat time and lets you spend more of the day in the water. Key points from the resort's own description:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Guides and instructors | Experienced local guides and European instructors |
| Group size | Small groups of divers |
| Equipment | Up-to-date, efficiently maintained gear |
| Boat | Spacious dive boat with speed engines |
| Trip types | Daily and on-demand trips, afternoon dives, Mandarin dives, night dives |
| Extras | Enriched air nitrox service; special care for photographers |
The diving itself is presented as "Best Asian Coral Walls" — wall diving in the heart of the marine park. If wall dives, nitrox, and photography-friendly dive operations are your priorities, this matches the profile. If you want a large dive school with big-group logistics or a full technical diving programme, the description here does not indicate that.
Who it fits
The resort describes itself as a good combination for guests who love diving with professional support while also wanting a relaxing stay in a "friendly, simple and affordable" setting. In practice, that points to:
- Divers who want small groups, local knowledge, and short runs to the sites
- Snorkellers who want reef access straight off the beach
- Photographers who value the stated attention to their needs
- Travellers who prefer a small, idyllic property over a large resort
It is less clearly aimed at non-diving families seeking extensive land-based facilities, since the description focuses on diving, snorkelling, and the bungalow stay.
Eco and conservation angle
The resort states a mission to become a reference point for the international diving community and to collaborate on projects for the protection and conservation of the Marine Park. It also positions itself as an eco resort, with its location — no mangroves on the seafront, rising ground — presented as part of that distinctive position. Treat these as the resort's stated commitments rather than independently verified certifications.
Practical next step
Rates are not listed in the material available here, and the site directs visitors to check its rates page. Before booking, confirm directly:
- Current rates and what they include (dives, equipment, meals)
- Whether nitrox and night dives carry extra charges
- Bungalow location and the 60-step walk to the beach, if access matters to you
- Transfer arrangements to Bunaken Island
The resort's own framing — small groups, professional support, simple and affordable, reef at your doorstep — is the clearest guide to whether it matches what you want from a Bunaken diving holiday.