Homestay: The cheapest is to stay at a homestay but you will not have electricity 24/7 and ensuite bathroom is uncommon as most of them have a shared toilet and no hot water. Also diving can be difficult as the dive centers do not accept outside tourists and you will have to dive with some local guide. This might not be the safest dive as gear can be unserviced properly and the boats can be overcrowded.

Liveaboard: For the ones who want to explore more regions and are comfortable with spending 24h on a boat, liveaboard are the best option. You will leave from Sorong and get to explore all the 4 kings including the remote Misool.

Keep in mind that liveaboard are usually sold out for next 12 – 18 months so you need to plan ahead.

Kri Eco Resort: The last option for those who prefer to sleep on land is to stay in a dive resort that has a certified dive center onsite. The most common type of housing is the traditional papuan over the water bungalow with ensuite bathroom, 24/7 electricity and hot water. Having the dive center onsite can maximize the number of dives (usually up to 4 dives/day) and also provide options for snorkelers.

My experience: I have stayed at Kri Eco Resort dive resort placed on a small island near Batanta and opted for their unlimited diving package provided by Gangga Diver, a PADI Five Star Dive Center. I would recommend this for the following reasons:

They can provide transfer from Sorong to the hotel with speedboat; There is a house reef on both sides of the island when you want a chill day at the hotel;

The full board in Kri Eco Resort is excellent and is very well balanced between traditional and western food. The variety is good enough, the meals are plenty and tasty and between meal snacks are provided.

Indulge in delectable cuisine served in our picturesque over-water restaurant, where long tables beneath a traditional palm-thatched roof invite you to savor meals amid the refreshing ocean breeze. Witness our skilled kitchen staff at work, preparing mouthwatering delights over gas burners and in large woks or stew pots. Freshly baked bread and delightful pizzas are regular treats, while a bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits are meticulously sliced under the serene shade of the surrounding trees. Every meal is thoughtfully crafted, and iceboxes, replenished weekly from Sorong, ensure a steady supply of fresh meat and chilled beverages, including a refreshing beer to suit your preference. Coffee, tea, and a variety of flavored drinks are available throughout the day, catering to your every desire.

Nestled on a breathtaking lagoon, our resort exudes an enchanting South Seas ambiance, where crystal-clear blue waters meet pristine white shores. Embrace the simplicity and charm of our traditionally built water bungalows, which, while basic, provide a functional and atmospheric retreat.

While basking in the beauty of nature, you can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi access available exclusively at Sorido Bay Resort, even though the signal may be intermittent. Additionally, a mobile signal is accessible throughout the resort for your convenience.

It is essential to be aware of our no boat diving policy on Saturdays, as this cherished day serves as a well-deserved rest day for our dedicated staff across both resorts. Boat diving services are not offered from 6 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, but you can once again relish the joy of boat night diving at 7 pm on Saturday. During Saturdays, diving from the resorts’ jetties is facilitated with the provision of tanks.

For discerning divers seeking the magic of untouched nature and proximity to unrivaled dive sites over lavish resort amenities, Kri Eco Resort stands as an idyllic choice. Embark on an unforgettable journey, immersing yourself in the pristine wonders of Papua Diving Resorts.