Spice Island Resort
Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
Overview
- Charming resort with gorgeous rustic design elements
- Well-equipped dive centre run by the experienced Extra Divers
- All accommodation within a step or two of the beach
- Dive the biodiverse and rarely visited sites of Halmahera
Situated on the small island of Kusu, in the slumbering region of Halmahera, Spice Island Resort is a newly-built dive resort offering authentic Indonesian experiences. So, if you’re looking to get away from the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in the historic Spice Islands, this simple yet stunning resort is guaranteed to impress. Surrounded by some of the highest marine biodiversity in the entire archipelago, and featuring a well-equipped dive centre operated by Extra Divers, this resort also guarantees bucket-list-worthy getaways for macro-lovers and big-fish-fanatics alike – meaning divers, nature lovers, and historians all get their money’s worth at Nabucco Spice Island.
Resort amenities
Resort amenities
Dive facilities
About Spice Island Resort
About Spice Island Resort
Update - Spice island Resort will reopen March 2024
Spice Island Resort is a newly opened Indonesian dive resort situated far from the typical tourist trail. This enchanting getaway is located on the small island of Kusu in the Patinti Strait, close to Halmahera, in the northern Moluccas. From Labuha Airport on the island of Bacan, it is about a 30-minute drive to the coast, followed by a scenic 20-minute speedboat ride to Kusu. Having slumbered for many years, the region is considered an insider tip by those in the know, featuring incredible biodiversity for fans of macro and big fish alike.
Situated on the edge of the jungle, beside a bright sandy beach and overlooking a healthy house reef, this resort is surrounded by nature on all sides. And, with just 16 bungalows on site and few other tourists in the area, guests at Spice Island Resort can experience the true meaning of peace and tranquillity. The resort’s accommodations come equipped with either standard or deluxe amenities. But, no matter which option you choose, you can expect modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a private veranda with blissful ocean views.
Explore the resort
Nabucco’s restaurant is located beside the reception and impresses with its unique and spectacular design, having been built exclusively with natural materials. There is a choice of half or full board with a rich selection of Indonesian and international dishes. Breakfast and lunch are served a la carte, while various menus are available for dinner. Guests will also find a small bar next to the restaurant, perfect for a post-dive beer. Or, for the ultimate stress-reliever, a variety of traditional wellness treatments are offered by trained staff for an additional charge, the ideal way to end an eventful day.
In addition to scuba diving and snorkelling, Spice Island Resort is also ideal for interesting land explorations. Within the jungle-like interior of the island guests will find many rare birds and mammals and the region also boasts a fascinating history dating back over hundreds of years. Excursions on offer allow visitors to learn more about the numerous species of the Moluccas and the history of the Spice Islands. Explore 16th century forts and visit local markets to browse the abundance of fragrant spices and fruits.
Diving from Spice Island Resort
The professional and experienced Extra Divers dive centre is located directly at the resort's jetty. Guests can choose between house reef diving, boat trips, and minibus trips to the “Magic Jetty” muck diving site. The house reef has a jetty, which guarantees easy entry and exit, and a further 40 or more dive sites lie between 10-20 minutes away by boat. Two dive boats are available for transporting guests to and from the day’s sites, and dives take place in small groups with a maximum of four guests per guide. Full equipment can be rented from the dive centre for visitors looking to travel light, and nitrox is available for suitable certified divers. Various SSI scuba diving courses can be offered on request.
During almost every dive you will encounter several blacktip reef sharks, and sometimes grey and whitetip reef sharks on current-swept walls. The nearby manta spot – where there are even black manta rays – is visited regularly, and the endemic Halmahera walking shark can often be seen during night dives. Colourful coral gardens in bright colours and densely overgrown walls offer impressive photo opportunities, flaunting huge intact hard corals, colourful sponges, and numerous fan corals. But that’s not all! With the help of Nabucco’s guides you can discover pygmy seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, rare nudibranchs, leaf fish, various octopuses, and both harlequin and boxer shrimp. All of this and you’ll hardly see another dive group underwater!
About
About Spice Island Resort
Update - Spice island Resort will reopen March 2024
Spice Island Resort is a newly opened Indonesian dive resort situated far from the typical tourist trail. This enchanting getaway is located on the small island of Kusu in the Patinti Strait, close to Halmahera, in the northern Moluccas. From Labuha Airport on the island of Bacan, it is about a 30-minute drive to the coast, followed by a scenic 20-minute speedboat ride to Kusu. Having slumbered for many years, the region is considered an insider tip by those in the know, featuring incredible biodiversity for fans of macro and big fish alike.
Situated on the edge of the jungle, beside a bright sandy beach and overlooking a healthy house reef, this resort is surrounded by nature on all sides. And, with just 16 bungalows on site and few other tourists in the area, guests at Spice Island Resort can experience the true meaning of peace and tranquillity. The resort’s accommodations come equipped with either standard or deluxe amenities. But, no matter which option you choose, you can expect modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a private veranda with blissful ocean views.
Explore the resort
Nabucco’s restaurant is located beside the reception and impresses with its unique and spectacular design, having been built exclusively with natural materials. There is a choice of half or full board with a rich selection of Indonesian and international dishes. Breakfast and lunch are served a la carte, while various menus are available for dinner. Guests will also find a small bar next to the restaurant, perfect for a post-dive beer. Or, for the ultimate stress-reliever, a variety of traditional wellness treatments are offered by trained staff for an additional charge, the ideal way to end an eventful day.
In addition to scuba diving and snorkelling, Spice Island Resort is also ideal for interesting land explorations. Within the jungle-like interior of the island guests will find many rare birds and mammals and the region also boasts a fascinating history dating back over hundreds of years. Excursions on offer allow visitors to learn more about the numerous species of the Moluccas and the history of the Spice Islands. Explore 16th century forts and visit local markets to browse the abundance of fragrant spices and fruits.
Diving from Spice Island Resort
The professional and experienced Extra Divers dive centre is located directly at the resort's jetty. Guests can choose between house reef diving, boat trips, and minibus trips to the “Magic Jetty” muck diving site. The house reef has a jetty, which guarantees easy entry and exit, and a further 40 or more dive sites lie between 10-20 minutes away by boat. Two dive boats are available for transporting guests to and from the day’s sites, and dives take place in small groups with a maximum of four guests per guide. Full equipment can be rented from the dive centre for visitors looking to travel light, and nitrox is available for suitable certified divers. Various SSI scuba diving courses can be offered on request.
During almost every dive you will encounter several blacktip reef sharks, and sometimes grey and whitetip reef sharks on current-swept walls. The nearby manta spot – where there are even black manta rays – is visited regularly, and the endemic Halmahera walking shark can often be seen during night dives. Colourful coral gardens in bright colours and densely overgrown walls offer impressive photo opportunities, flaunting huge intact hard corals, colourful sponges, and numerous fan corals. But that’s not all! With the help of Nabucco’s guides you can discover pygmy seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, rare nudibranchs, leaf fish, various octopuses, and both harlequin and boxer shrimp. All of this and you’ll hardly see another dive group underwater!
Diving
Diving in Halmahera, Ternate and Morotai
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SharksYear round
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TurtlesYear round
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Schooling reef fishYear round
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Macro CreaturesYear round
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Walls & pinnaclesYear round
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WrecksYear round