About

About Cocotinos Lembeh

Cocotinos Lembeh is the third property to be added to the Cocotinos brand and lies around 50-kilometres from Sam Ratulangi International airport, taking around two hours to reach by car. Located in the Christian village of Makawidey, this boutique dive lodge faces a small island, offering sweeping views across the sea towards stunning limestone hills. The resort is also situated close to a quiet beach which stretches for over 100-metres, where timber fishing boats are still being built by hand and the local fishermen land their catch daily.

Evolving from two existing houses, this dive lodge is packed with local character and all rooms are unique in size and layout. The building was divided up into eight rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, while the smaller building was also remodelled into the reception area, office, and two other guest rooms. A new double-storey building houses the kitchen and laundry below, and two spacious rooms above with high ceilings and views of the sea. A new thatched-roof restaurant and 12-metre swimming pool were also added for guest comfort and convenience, while the dive centre, camera room, and jetty, cater to dedicated divers as they explore legendary nearby sites such as Makawidey, Jahir and Nudi Retreat.

Explore the resort

Guests at Cocotinos Lembeh will find a tempting food-and-drink outlet, known as the Wild Mango Restaurant and Bar, located beside the swimming pool. The restaurant overlooks the Lembeh Strait, with a fabulous view across the sea to gleaming white limestone cliffs, making it a great place for dining and relaxation. The restaurant is constructed using solid timber columns and selected sago palm leaves to create an atmospheric setting for the perfect tropical holiday. An interesting international menu, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are on offer here, with an emphasis on local Manado cuisine using fresh local ingredients.

A 12-metre infinity swimming pool, finished in natural stone paving, is located beside the restaurant. It is ideal for a refreshing soak after an action-packed day of diving. A few deck chairs are also available for those who want to just relax and work on their sun tan. Tours can be arranged in advance at the front desk, including dive excursions outside the Lembeh Strait area, treks to the Tangkoko National Park to see tarsiers, black macaques, and cuscus, as well as tours to the ancient stone graves at a traditional waruga cemetery.

Diving from Cocotinos Lembeh

Cocotinos is well located in the centre of the Lembeh Strait and fronting the lodge are some of the most popular dive sites, including Makawidey, Jahir and Nudi Retreat. Operated by in-house Odyssea Divers, the resort’s professional dive centre is located on the water’s edge, with direct access to the jetty. Fibre-glass dive boats are ready to whisk guests away to some of the strait’s most sought-after sites and come equipped with onboard toilets, as well as life jackets, emergency oxygen, and first-aid kits for comfortable and safe diving. Full equipment rental can be organised from the resort and nitrox is available at an extra cost with prior notice. A camera room is located next to the dive centre where underwater photographers can work on their equipment and images. Night diving, snorkelling, and dive excursions to Bangka and Gangga are also on offer.