We meet at the airport for those who wish to take the complimentary group transfer. Once we arrive at the beachside resort, we will carry out a welcome meeting and briefing alongside our first dinner together. This is a chance for the team, both guides and resort staff, to answer any of your questions for the week ahead.

Today, we rise for a short acclimatisation swim before breakfast. We then head out from the resort to our first swim location in the bay opposite Pulau Sahong. We complete our morning swim and return to the resort for lunch. After a relaxing lunch, we head back to the water, but this time for a snorkel session along the house reef. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to snorkel (if you haven't before) and to familiarise yourself with the equipment. This way you will you have the freedom to use it throughout the week, especially as we explore more of the reefs around the islands.

After breakfast, we make our way round to the eastern side of Bangka and head to the dive spot of Batu Angus. Here the coastline changes and we swim between several rock formations, before finishing at the boat and riding it back to the resort for lunch. After lunch, we head back out for a coastal swim along the Tonggene peninsula. We then take a short boat ride back to the resort before a group dinner.

We begin our day of activity after breakfast and venture this time to the western side of the island, giving you a chance to see the spectacular scenery of neighbouring islands on the way. We swim around the corner of a popular dive location called Tanjung Merah in the vicinity of Raja Ampat. We travel back for lunch at the resort and make our way to a nearby coastal spot for the second swim of the day. You will then have some time to relax before the evening dinner.

Today, we head out for the day after breakfast and make our way over to the island of Talisei. Depending on the currents, we can explore both sides of the island and uncover the stunning reefs it has to offer before taking lunch on the boat. As with the other days, snorkel equipment will remain on the boat for those who wish to further explore the waters. After a great day of swimming, we return to the resort for dinner.

This is our final full day on and under the water. Firstly, we transfer over to Gangga Island and explore the iconic Crystal Bay where the water is clear, and the reef is always busy with marine life. We spend the morning here and return to the hotel in time for lunch. Our final swim takes us on a relaxing coastal route with Bangka as our backdrop. Together, we swim ourselves home to the resort, passing the house reef and arriving at a familiar stretch of white sand. This is the perfect end to a week of swimming, with plenty of time to relax before our final night together on Bangka Island.

We wake for a short farewell swim over the house reef outside the hotel. Then we gather for our last breakfast and say our goodbyes before departing the island.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience - however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking. Please also be aware that there can be strong currents around the islands we swim, whilst our guides and boat safety crew will do our best to select the route to swim with the current, it may change during the swim, so ensure you listen to the instructions given.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces, and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes two larger vessels piloted by local crew and supported from kayaks. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

To help with the preservation of the local reefs, please note the importance of wearing rash vests for sun protection and using only reef safe sun block where required. For your essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

The easiest way to travel to Manado is to fly to the Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado (MDC) and join the group transfer.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Joining the group transfer

A transfer is included in your package (for 2 or more individuals). You will be asked to provide your flight details to our customer team who will liaise with the resort to schedule a transfer. If you are a solo traveller and wish to arrange a private transfer then there will be a surcharge for this and please contact the resort directly.

As you exit the airport terminal you will see a member of the Murex Resort team with a SwimTrek sign. They will escort you to the vehicle and take you to the resort.

The group transfer will take you by land through Manado to a beach on the east side where you will transfer to a boat and complete the journey by water.

Travelling Independently

If you do not wish to join the group transfer, you can arrange your own transfer directly with the hotel at an extra cost if you are travelling solo. They will arrange both elements of the transfer but may group you with other guests to reduce the environmental impact.

Return Transport

For those returning on the day of the trip, a return group transfer is included. If you are staying longer, the team at the hotel will be able to assist with organising a transfer at your own expense.

Food and Drink

• Breakfast: All buffet breakfasts are included in your package and will be taken at the hotel. They will include hot and cold food as well as a help yourself tea and coffee station.
• Lunches: All lunches are included in your package and will either be taken at the resort or on the boat.
• Dinners: All dinners are included in your package and will be taken at the resort.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency in Indonesia is Indonesian rupiah (IDR) but the resort accepts all major cards. The resort does except Amex but at an extra service charge. In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guide, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip. The resort will also present you with an envelope at the end of your stay should you wish to share a tip with the staff.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining after departure from Indonesia. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes may travel within the visa exemption policy entering without a visa for up to 30 days at certain ports of entry.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel but please note it is limited.

Also, to reduce the electricity usage on the island, they electricity in your room will turn off during the day. Should you need additional electricity, the staff at the resort will be able to assist.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.