ABSOLUTE Relax at Onong Resort
Celebes Divers runs an exclusive resort, Onong Resort, just completely renewed, as a branch on Siladen Island. It became also a base for researches on the islands of the Bunaken National Park, as well as being a perfect place for those who are looking for a remote and peaceful paradise.
The site: Siladen is the smallest and prettiest island in the National Park. A dream landscape with white coral sand beaches, deep blue sea facing the cottages, and a wonderful reef within a few fin kicks from the shore - you do not need to take the boat to enjoy snorkeling the house reef.
All dive sites are within 1 and 20 minute boat ride.The diving activities are managed by Celebes Divers, with its usual style of guiding underwater tours which is appreciated worldwide.
The resort: ONONG RESORT comprises 7 wooden cottages, designed and built respecting both the environment and local architecture. All cottages are designed according to European standards, bathrooms with running freshwater, hot shower, ceiling fan and air conditioning even if is not necessary thanks to the island's constant breeze.
Two different levels of cottages like in Mapia Resort, Standard and Superior, the lasts are beachfront, really wide, with two big windows towards our swimming pool: Bunaken Marine Park´s Sea.
The restaurant offers a choice of traditional Indonesian cooking, Italian and international recipes, just as in the well-known Mapia resort.
A recreation area has been added for our guests' entertainment: a TV to watch your favorite sport events and billiard table to challenge your friends.
Biology: Siladen was endowed by Nature with a magical flavour and a breathtaking environment. Its southern reef, starting right in front of Onong resort, is one of the dive sites with probably the highest diversity in Bunaken Marine Park - an unbelievable mixing pot of different fauna. The current changes direction every 30-45 minutes and allows for the diffusion of benthic animals larvae without dispersion in the Ocean.
Next to Onong resort, the first Italian Marine Biology Laboratory - unique in the whole area - has recently opened; it was born from a cooperation programme among three Universities as well as Celebes Divers. The Lab is a center for international studies on the biodiversity of this area and its management.
For Nature-lovers: taking a break at the Onong Resort is a must for lovers of peacefulness and nature as well as for those who seek silence, broken only by the gecko's call and by the ocean undertow.
Although socially less attractive than a stay at Mapia Resort, this paradise island gives you the possibility to stay at the dive sites, cutting an already short transfer time: a good arrangement also for the dive maniacs who will be able to accumulate unlimited dives!
It is also possible to divide your stay in Manado between the two resorts, alternating a back-to-nature period on Siladen and a more cultural stay at Mapia resort. Or divers can spend some days concentrating on the reef environment in Siladen and other days searching for the famous critters of Manado Bay and of the neighbouring Lembeh Strait. Such a dual option is an advantage only Celebes Divers can offer.
Your Cottage on the beach, this is Onong Resort!