Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Reviews & Specials - Bluewater Dive Travel

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

4.875
(2 REVIEWS)
An aerial view of Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A dining table set for a meal at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A table set for a meal with a volcano in the background at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A lounge area overlooks the Pantar Strait at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A lounge and long dining table at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A bungalow tucked into the hillside at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A modern interior of an Oceanfront Bungalow at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A Hillside Bungalow surrounded by natural foliage at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A tastefully decorated Hillside Bungalow with a large bed at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
The spacious and accommodating Deluxe Bungalow
A modern bathroom in a Hillside Bungalow at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A delicious spread of Indonesian food at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A platter of tempe manis, corn fritters, and vegetables at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
Delicious meals at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A scuba dive equipment drying area at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
The camera room at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A dive boat cruises through the Pandar Strait at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A stunning coral reef in Alor.
A peacock mantis shrimp at a dive site near Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A tiny crab at a site for macro diving in Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.
A mandarin fish seen while diving at Alor Tanapi Dive Resort.

Destination: Indonesia

Sebanjar, Alor Besar, Nusa Tenggara Timor, Indonesia | Full board + 2 dives from $276/ppn

Book Now Button


alor tanapi dive resort Quick Pitch

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort, a newly established retreat opened in 2023, provides an intimate and exclusive experience with only six bungalows. Nestled approximately 20 kilometers from Kalabahi, the resort is strategically located to offer divers a unique haven with pristine waters and a diverse marine ecosystem. Founded by experienced divers who were drawn to Alor's exceptional variety of dive sites, the resort caters to small groups, couples, and solo travelers seeking unforgettable underwater adventures. 

 

Quick Information 

  • No of Rooms: 6
  • Dive Center: On-site
  • Amenities: A/C bungalow accommodation, full board, high quality dive facilities, camera room, and more!
  • Wi-Fi: Yes, free
  • Nearest Airport: Alor Island Airport (Mali Airport)
  • Airport shuttle: Yes, free

 

How to Get There 

Travel to Alor Mali Airport (ARD) on flights transiting Kupang (KOE) from either Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS). Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by the resort's dedicated airport transfer service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable 60-minute drive to the resort. The scenic route from Mali Airport to Alor Tanapi Dive Resort offers a glimpse of the picturesque landscapes that await.

 

Dive Overview

Diving in Alor offers a captivating and unparalleled underwater experience for enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich marine biodiversity of this remote Indonesian paradise. The waters surrounding Alor are renowned for their pristine conditions, boasting crystal-clear visibility and vibrant coral reefs. Divers can expect encounters with a diverse array of marine life, including pelagic species, reef sharks, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. The region's unique combination of coral reefs, walls, and muck diving sites caters to a variety of interests, making Alor a hidden gem in the diving world.

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort, situated strategically on the Bird’s Head Peninsula, provides access to over 40 world-class dive sites within a short speedboat ride of 30-45 minutes. 

Back to Menu 

 

Accommodations

Types of Rooms, Amenities and Photos

Book Now Button


alor tanapi dive resort Room Overview

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort offers an intimate and comfortable accommodation experience with its charming bungalows. Nestled on a hill in Sebanjar on the Bird's Head Peninsula, the resort provides guests with a tranquil retreat surrounded by breathtaking views of Pantar, Pura, and Ternate islands. The resort features just six well-appointed bungalows, ensuring a private and exclusive atmosphere for guests, and each bungalow is thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings while providing modern amenities and conveniences.

The two Oceanfront Bungalows offer spacious interiors and the choice of double or king-sized beds. These rooms boast features such as air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, hot water showers, and private balconies or terraces with ocean views. For a unique experience, the Hillside Bungalow, a double or single accommodation option, provides a cozy and serene setting. This bungalow is equipped with air-conditioning, a fan, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. The Seaview Deluxe bungalows offer an elevated position with a panoramic ocean view, providing guests with an immersive seascape experience. Meanwhile, the Oceanfront Deluxe bungalow, situated right by the water's edge, grants guests immediate beach access and a more intimate connection with the ocean, ideal for those seeking the soothing sound of waves and convenient proximity to the sandy shores.

The 90m² Deluxe Bungalows also offer ocean views, king or twin beds with mosquito nets, an open-air bathroom, air conditioning, and amenities like a minibar, double vanity, and daybed for relaxation.

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Oceanfront Bungalow (L) & Ensuite Bathroom (R)

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Hillside Bungalow (L & Middle) & Deluxe Bungalow (R)

Back to Menu

 

Resort Facilities

Book Now Button


Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

 

Alor tanapi dive resort Features

  • Beachfront
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Gardens
  • Wifi

 

alor tanapi dive resort Food & Drinks

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort takes pride in providing a delightful culinary experience for its guests, offering a diverse array of local, western, and international cuisines. The resort's commitment to ensuring a memorable stay extends to the freshly prepared meals served in a plated service style for breakfast and family-style for lunch and dinner. Guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey that reflects the rich cultural and culinary influences of the region.

The resort's kitchen team sources fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying dishes. Whether savoring a hearty breakfast to fuel a day of diving adventures or enjoying a communal dining experience with fellow guests during lunch and dinner, Alor Tanapi Dive Resort caters to a variety of palates and dietary preferences.

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

 

alor tanapi dive resort Activities

  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Cultural/historical tours

Back to Menu  

 

Package & Rates

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Dive Resort Rates

Book Now Button 


dive & stay packages 2024

All rates are in USD and per person. Single supplement for solo travellers is USD 50 per night (no single surcharge in the Hillside Bungalow.) Stay 2 weeks or more and receive 1 night free of charge.

Relaxed Diver Package - 2 Morning Boat Dives

Nights2 Morning Boat Dives / Diving DayHillside Standard Bungalow (Partial Seaview)Oceanfront Standard BungalowSeaview Standard Bungalow
Oceanfront Deluxe Bungalow
5 Nights3 Diving Days / 6 Dives$1,290$1,430$1,580$1,630
6 Nights4 Diving Days / 8 Dives$1,542$1,710$1,890$1,950
7 Nights5 Diving Days / 10 Dives$1,771$1,967$2,177$2,247
8 Nights6 Diving Days / 12 Dives$2,024$2,248$2,488$2,568
9 Nights7 Diving Days / 14 Dives$2,277$2,529$2,799$2,889
10 Nights8 Diving Days / 16 Dives$2,530$2,810$3,110$3,210
11 Nights9 Diving Days / 18 Dives$2,783$3,091$3,421$3,531
12 Nights10 Diving Days / 20 Dives$3,036$3,372$3,732$3,852
13 Nights11 Diving Days / 22 Dives$3,263$3,627$4,017$4,147
14 Nights12 Diving Days / 24 Dives$3,263$3,627$4,017$4,147
Additional night and diving day
$251$279$309$319

 

Complete Diver Package - 3 Dives per Day (2 Morning Boat Dives + 1 Afternoon/Night Dive)

Nights3 Dives / Diving DayHillside Standard Bungalow (Partial Seaview)Oceanfront Standard BungalowSeaview Standard Bungalow
Oceanfront Deluxe Bungalow
5 Nights3 Diving Days / 9 Dives$1,455$1,595$1,745$1,795
6 Nights4 Diving Days / 12 Dives$1,762$1,930$2,110$2,170
7 Nights5 Diving Days / 15 Dives$2,046$2,242$2,452$2,522
8 Nights4 Diving Days / 9 Dives$2,354$2,578$2,818$2,898
9 Nights5 Diving Days / 12 Dives$2,662$2,914$3,184$3,274
10 Nights6 Diving Days / 15 Dives$2,970$3,250$3,550$3,650
11 Nights5 Diving Days / 9 Dives$3,278$3,586$3,916$4,026
12 Nights6 Diving Days / 12 Dives$3,586$3,922$4,282$4,402
13 Nights7 Diving Days / 15 Dives$3,868$4,232$4,622$4,752
14 Nights6 Diving Days / 9 Dives$3,868$4,232$4,622$4,752
Additional night and diving day
$292$320$350$360

 

DIVE & STAY PACKAGES 2025

All rates are in USD and per person. Single supplement for solo travellers is USD 50 per night (no single surcharge in the Hillside Bungalow.) Stay 2 weeks or more and receive 1 night free of charge.

Relaxed Diver Package - 2 Morning Boat Dives

Nights2 Morning Boat Dives / Diving DayHillside Standard Bungalow (Partial Seaview)Oceanfront Standard BungalowSeaview Standard Bungalow
Oceanfront Deluxe Bungalow
5 Nights3 Diving Days / 6 Dives$1,342$1,487$1,643$1,695
6 Nights4 Diving Days / 8 Dives$1,604$1,778$1,966$2,028
7 Nights5 Diving Days / 10 Dives$1,842$2,046$2,264$2,337
8 Nights6 Diving Days / 12 Dives$2,105$2,338$2,588$2,671
9 Nights7 Diving Days / 14 Dives$2,368$2,630$2,911$3,005
10 Nights8 Diving Days / 16 Dives$2,631$2,922$3,234$3,338
11 Nights9 Diving Days / 18 Dives$2,894$3,215$3,558$3,672
12 Nights10 Diving Days / 20 Dives$3,157$3,507$3,881$4,006
13 Nights11 Diving Days / 22 Dives$3,394$3,772$4,178$4,313
14 Nights12 Diving Days / 24 Dives$3,394$3,772$4,178$4,313
Additional night and diving day 
$261$290$321$332

 

Complete Diver Package - 3 Dives per Day (2 Morning Boat Dives + 1 Afternoon/Night Dive)

Nights3 Dives / Diving DayHillside Standard Bungalow (Partial Seaview)Oceanfront Standard BungalowSeaview Standard Bungalow
Oceanfront Deluxe Bungalow
5 Nights3 Diving Days / 9 Dives$1,507$1,652$1,808$1,860
6 Nights4 Diving Days / 12 Dives$1,824$1,998$2,186$2,248
7 Nights5 Diving Days / 15 Dives$2,117$2,321$2,539$2,612
8 Nights4 Diving Days / 9 Dives$2,435$2,668$2,918$3,001
9 Nights5 Diving Days / 12 Dives$2,753$3,015$3,296$3,390
10 Nights6 Diving Days / 15 Dives$3,071$3,362$3,674$3,778
11 Nights5 Diving Days / 9 Dives$3,389$3,710$4,053$4,167
12 Nights6 Diving Days / 12 Dives$3,707$4,057$4,431$4,556
13 Nights7 Diving Days / 15 Dives$3,999$4,377$4,783$4,918
14 Nights6 Diving Days / 9 Dives$3,999$4,377$4,783$4,918
Additional night and diving day
$302$332$363$373

 

accommodation rates

All rates are in USD and per person. Minimum of 3 nights stay.

Accommodation TypeRates 
Oceanfront Bungalow$218$225
Hillside Bungalow$190$197
Seaview Deluxe Bungalow$248$255
Oceanfront Deluxe Bungalow$258$265

 

diving rates

All rates are in USD and per person.

Diving PackageRates 2024Rates 2025
2 Morning Boat Dives$115$119
1 Afternoon Dive or Night Dive (Boat Dive)$65$67

  

RATES & AVAILABILITY

For information regarding rates, availability, and packages drop us an email at bookings@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us today at +1-310-915-6677 and let us help you plan your dream dive vacation!

 

Dive Information

Book Now Button


Alor Dive Overview

Scuba diving in Alor presents a unique and diverse underwater experience, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore various types of tropical diving all within one stunning location, free from the crowds often found in more popular dive destinations. The waters surrounding Alor boast exceptional visibility, allowing divers to immerse themselves in the vibrant and untouched marine environment. Whether marveling at the intricate coral formations or discovering the captivating world of muck diving, Alor offers a range of underwater landscapes that cater to the preferences of every diver. From schools of colorful reef fish to encounters with pelagic species, the diversity of marine life is a hallmark of Alor's underwater allure.

 

Alor Muck Diving Sites

Alor is emerging on the world scene as a top muck diving destination. Muck diving sites are typically on black sand and volcanic rock slopes which are plentiful inside the Kalanahi Bay located 2-10 minutes from the resort by speedboat. These sites are famous for at first appearing quite plain and devoid of corals and swimming fishes, but on second look be full of some of the planet’s most fascinating and bizarre bottom-dwelling creatures. Here are some of our favorite muck diving sites: 

  • SECRET BAY, Kalabahi Bay, Alor - This tiny black sand bay makes a great day muck dive but is one of our favorites for night dives. We have seen coconut, long arm and starry night octopus, dwarf cuttlefish, stargazers and some really great nudis here.
  • PERTAMINA PIER, Kalabahi Bay, Alor - This muck dive is located under the fuel depot pier with black sand under the pillars and a rocky slope to the side. The central pier section can be good for an assortment of seahorses and pipefish plus coleman shrimp, zebra crabs or brook’s urchin shrimp in the numerous fire urchins. Mandarin fish can usually be spotted in the rocky slope along with ghost pipefish and frogfish.
  • BLACK RHINO, Pura - This is one of our favorite places to go on the hunt for rhinopias. Paddle flap, weedy and lacy have all been spotted here at some point. This black sand with 
  • coral slope is also home to Indian walkmans and many types of nudibranch, shrimps and crabs.
  • HOT ROCKS, Beang Bay, South Pantar - Possibly our favorite muck dive in the Alor Archipelago, Hot Rocks is ever changing but never fails to entertain us. We have seen juvenile rhinopias, many species of frogfish including painted, warty, freckled, ocellated, striated and hispid (we have had 7 hairy frogfish on 1 dive!), also rare nudis and headsheild slugs, seahorses, snake eels and more.
  • SEA PEN SLOPE, Beang Bay, South Pantar - Another of our favorites in Beang, this delicate sandy site is a great place to search for wonderpus, blue ring, poison ocellate and many other types of octopuses, tozeuma shrimp, robust, halimeda, velvet and ornate ghost pipefish, and lavish decorator crabs.

 

Alor Coral Reef Dive Sites

Each site in the Strait is diverse with its own topography and color scheme including walls, slopes and seamounts. Some sites are known for their beautiful panoramas of dense coral, anemone and sponge coverage mixed with smaller reef fish and unique macro life such as anemone fish and shrimp, eels, frogfish, leaf and bearded scorpionfish, pygmy seahorses, schools of black snapper and unicornfish, stingrays, sea snakes, reef sharks, a wide assortment of nudibranchs and more. Others provide us with the chance to experience pelagic fish given the right tide and moon phase. Here are some of our favorite coral reef dive sites: 

  • CATHEDRAL, Alor - Cathedral is a beautiful coral wall covered in both soft and hard corals with a small cave swim through. Located in south Alor, this site can get some big thermoclines from 27C on the surface reaching as little as 14C deeper than 30m! The cooler water that tends to pass here is apparent in the reef condition with vibrantly colored hard and soft corals. Bargibanti and pontohi seahorses, leaf fish, scorpionfish, sea snakes, blue ring octopus can all be found on the wall with the possibility of bamboo sharks in the shallow overhangs or large marbled rays passing deep in the crystal clear cold water.
  • MAX’S POINT (Max’s Big Blue), Alor - You never know what will be seen in the blue here. We have had schools of unicornfish, schools of pickhandle barracuda, grey reef and white tip reef sharks, mola-mola, huge marble rays, dolphins and even a blue whale (yes, during the dive!)
  • WOLANG CAVES, Alor - Two fantastic caves in the south of Alor. The first cave we enter offers great wide angle shots with a chance of white tip reef sharks towards the back of the cave. This cave has a huge chamber where divers can surface. The second cave is covered with sponges and full of small fish, lobsters, decorator crabs and nudibranch. Great possibilities for wide-angle or macro photography.
  • APURI, Pura - South Pura is not only one of the most unique places in Alor, but in the entire world. It is the densest concentration of anemone anywhere on the planet! Apuri village is located here southeast and at the start of the fields. It provides a beautiful sloping landscape to look for macro subjects such as nudibranch and small shrimps, 
  • squat lobsters and crabs. It is a must to always keep an eye in the blue as passing thresher sharks and mola-mola are not uncommon here.
  • RED SAND BEACH & RED WALL, Pura - This large site is very unique and has something for everyone. The Red Wall is a beautiful backdrop going down to 35m+ full of overhangs followed by a coral slope and a red volcanic sand bay. The Red Wall is a good place to see sweetlips, groupers, black snappers and schools of fusiliers, while the slope and red sand bay are best for macro such as nudis, Indian Walkman, snake eels. Gas vents in the volcanic red sand spew bubbles as we complete our safety stop hunting for little critters.
  • THE GREAT WALL (of Pantar), Pantar - One of the Pantar Strait’s most beautiful walls, the Great Wall aka Bamah Wall is covered in vividly orange and pink colored sponge, soft corals and orange anthias. Aside from the spectacular condition of the reef and the topography, we can see a variety of marine life such as napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish, giant and bluefin trevally, schools of black snapper and fusiliers plus tons of macro such as bargabanti pygmy seahorses, flatworms, nudis, leaf fish, and whip coral shrimp.
  • CURRENT ALLEY, Pantar - This site is great for big fish when the conditions are right. Schooling scalloped hammerheads, great hammerhead, grey reef sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks plus giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, napoleon wrasse and also devil and eagle rays have all been spotted on this deep wall. 

[Read More: Alor Dive Travel Guide]

Back to Menu

 

Dive Center Information

Book Now Button


Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

 

alor tanapi dive resort Dive Center Overview

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort's modern two-story dive center offers convenience and comfort. The first level features outdoor showers, rinse tanks, a drying area, and a dedicated camera room, while the upper floor includes a relaxing area and a sun deck. Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but high-quality rentals are also available. The dive center also features a custom-built boat powered by two 150HP Yamaha engines and that accommodates 8 divers, ensuring quick access to dive sites. The dive center also offers a flexible dive schedule that includes two morning dives, with options for additional afternoon or night dives, striking a balance between reef and muck dives.

 

Dive Center Facilities & Services 

  • Onsite dive center
  • Camera room
  • 15L tanks
  • DIN tanks
  • Yoke tanks
  • Equipment rental
  • Courses available

Back to Menu  

 

Other Information

Book Now Button


Practical Information 

  • Electricity: 230v
  • Time zone: GMT+8
  • Language(s) Spoken: English, French, Spanish and Indonesian
  • Payment methods: Cash

Back to Menu  

 

Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us bookings@bluewaterdivetravel.com

And let us book your dream vacation!

Back to Menu  

 

Underwater Gallery

Book Now Button


Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Alor Tanapi Dive Resort Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

Back to Menu  

 

Reviews (2)

5
5
4
5

Alor Tanapi is brand new and the owners are always on-site. Isabelle has exquisite taste in furnishings and meals. As usual in Indonesia, the service is top notch. The rooms were some of the most modern I've ever stayed in, with cords to fit every electrical device and outlets to match. Isabelle told me she hates to travel and experience a shortage of outlets so she made sure nobody was in need of an outlet.
A/C was crazy good. Meals were excellent and varied between Asian and Western. The only thing people need to be aware of with the lodging is the rooms are all below the restaurant a couple of floors so you need to walk to the top of the resort for all meals. It keeps your thighs in shape to do 3 dives a day.
The dive operation does not have a jetty so you wade out to the boat, but that's no big deal. Just bring your dive booties or water shoes to wade out to the boat. I used flip flops, because I only have fully enclosed fins and don't use booties. They were a little slippery, but the dive crew made sure I never slipped. They hope to have Nitrox by next year.
The conditions are different from other places I have dived in Indonesia. The water can be much cooler and a 5 ml wetsuit is recommended. I borrowed someone's insulated vest to go under my 3 ml wetsuit or I would have been really cold. I did 3 dives a day and made 41 dives in my 2 1/2 week stay in Alor with that setup. One gal even had a 7 ml she wore the whole time.
The currents are something to be aware of. During a full moon, the currents can be very unpredictable and the water can get very cold. Deep water comes from below and it brings water in the low 70"s F, but can also bring hammerhead sharks and sometimes mola-mola. Unfortunately, I did not see either during my stay. What I did see was one of the craziest events I've ever seen diving. While we were boating from dive 1 to dive 2, we passed through a narrow channel that was known for very cold water from down deep for about an hour a day. When we arrived at that spot, the water became very churned up with huge waves because of the crashing warm/cold waters meeting. I put my hand in the water and it was icy cold. We were there to experience that unusual event as the fishermen arrive in their local boats with nets and just scoop up the stunned fish that are too cold to swim properly and pop out of the water to escape predation. Dolphins stand by really close to eat as the fish get stunned. One of my boat crew just reached down and scooped up a stunned fish with his hands! Quite extraordinary.
I love muck diving and the bay offers quite a few muck diving sites. It's not as good as Lembeh Strait, but I did see the usual suspects: pipefish, seahorses, one Rhinopia, clown fish, sea snakes, ribbon eels, frogfish, etc. Take your sandstick.
The corals were brilliant and abundant and as healthy as they come. It reminded me of Papua New Guinea corals 10 years ago. As long as the diver is aware of the crazy currents and colder water, he/she should have an enjoyable time diving with Alor Tanapi. I wouldn't call Alor a place for newbies, however.
Owners Isabelle and Ken cannot possibly do any more to make you a happy diver. <((((<

Visited on 11/2024 - Submitted on 11/09/2024
5
5
5
5

Outstanding experience. The diving is terrific. The dive operation is well thought out by seasoned divers and underwater photographers. The Indonesian food is over the top! Accommodations are beyond comfortable -- the AC for sleeping during hot nights was a true luxury for those of us not accustomed to hot climates. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every detail, need, and desire was not only met, but exceeded. Will return!

Visited on 06/2024 - Submitted on 06/04/2024

BE THE FIRST TO GET NEWS AND SPECIALS

Sign up for the mailing list today