Nomad Divers Bangka

Had a great stay at Nomad divers. This is thé place if you're a nature lover. After a day of excellent diving fall a Sleep with thé jungle sounds. Food is more than excellent. Dive guide Otnie is great! Managers Kate and James do everything to make you're stay as you like. I loved all thé jungle annimals, gekko's, big lizzards,... For me that's more value than a hot shower! Will certainly go back there one day! Roel

Dreadful stay uncomfortable accommodation, pillows on bed cheap, run on a shoestring budget, electric switched off 10pm, advised to leave windows open to cool room off, however no mosquito nets at windows, being in the jungle one would think this would be necessary. Management unprofessional, especially the female manager who was clearly not happy there or customer focused. We were asked to change morning dive to accommodate the mangers collecting there visa from the mainland and hang around 3hrs on boat till they were ready to return to the Island, we refused their attitude deteriorated and were clearly not happy. No furniture to relax on beach. When I asked for a lounger I was told there were non as they had been eaten by termites. We travelled around other remote Islands in Indonesia the accommodation was of a much higher standard and run professionally at a similar price.

If you like to see, and stay, within nature beyond what you can find anywhere else, then this is a paradise. Add together awe inspiring coral gardens , marine life, mangrove dwellers, and jungle creatures, including tiny gremlin like marsupials, called Tarsiers, beautiful birds, butterflies, stick insects, preying mantis, etc. etc. Marijn, who owns it, is also a font of knowledge on it all, plus a great bloke to boot. His enthusiasm for the crazy way the diversity of life around works is so infectious. He, and his staff, are also incredible dive guides, spotting the most cryptic of critters - think bits of floating leaf with eyes, or even tongues with eyes (tiny fish that chews off the tongue of a little clown fish, to take its place). The whole place is really laid back and communal. The staff from the village, and the locals you meet, are incredibly friendly, fun folk, who laugh and sing all the time. It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet them and spend time on their island. If you want a Western experience, please don't go there. There are several other resorts like that. We are sat in one now, and kicking ourselves for hedging bets - but first time in Indonesia, and being British, wasn't sure we wouldn't melt without aircon. However, the traditional style houses in Nomad Divers stay remarkable cool in the night. If we are lucky enough to return, we will spend the whole time at Nomads.

We loved our stay at Nomad Divers Bangka. One week was too short! We stayed in a Jungle Bungalow which was basic but had a great double bed and lovely semi-outdoors bathroom. The placement of the bungalows makes it very private. You can relax on the large porch or chill out at the common salon which is inviting and spacious with nice sofa’s. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well as the managers Kate and Jason who will do anything to accommodate you. If for some reason you’re not into the jungle vibe, a stay in the “Beach Bungalow” is a perfect idea. The food at Nomad Divers is just amazing !!! The most delicious food we had out of the 3 resorts we did during our 3 week holiday. Last but not least, the diving… We loved the variety in dive sites and our dive guide Otni was the best! He soon knew what kind of divers we were and he adapted to our wishes. He always found us “the small stuff” and the special creatures we would like to see (of course they had to be there…). Together with the manager and dive guide, you can decide on which dive site you’d like to dive (again). Yes, even on the same dive site, you’ll discover different creatures the next dive. Apart from diving, you can go snorkelling the mangroves and the house reef. You can take jungle walks and visit the nearby town, or you can rent a kayak and feel free in nature surrounded by the sea and lush green islands. From the water, the starry sky in the evening is amazing. Just remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent !!! Ilse & Ben