Are you thinking of traveling to the incredible Misool Eco Resort? This comprehensive Misool Eco Resort review aims to help you decide if this unique Raja Ampat diving resort is the right place for you. Find out about the Misool Eco Resort pros and cons, get an in-depth look at the spectacular Misool Eco Resort diving and snorkeling, understand its commitment to Misool Resort sustainability, and gather plenty of practical tips – from insights on getting to Misool Eco Resort from Sorong, what to bring, and essential Misool Resort room recommendations. Read on to discover what this luxury eco resort in Indonesia experience is truly like and if Misool Eco Resort is worth it for your next adventure.
Misool Eco Resort is certainly a remote destination, located in the heart of Raja Ampat, West Papua. Reaching this paradise feels like embarking on an expedition to the end of the world, involving multiple travel stages. 🙂
You must first fly to Indonesia (typically Jakarta or Bali), then take a domestic flight to Sorong in West Papua. From Sorong, the final leg involves a 4-hour speedboat transfer organized by the resort, which usually runs once a week.
Several Indonesian airports connect to Sorong (SOQ), including Jakarta International Airport (CGK), Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado (MDC), Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar (UPG), or Pattimura Airport in Ambon (AMQ). Most international travelers connect via Jakarta. Information on traveling to Raja Ampat can also be found on the official Indonesia Tourism website.
TIP: At the time of this writing, Garuda Indonesia often allows an extra 15 kg of luggage free of charge specifically for diving equipment. Garuda also tends to be one of the more reliable airlines for flights to Sorong.
Flights within Indonesia can frequently be canceled or delayed, so it is highly recommended that you spend a night in Sorong before your boat transfer to avoid missing the connection due to unforeseen travel disruptions.
As I was staying at the Swiss-Belhotel Sorong the night before, I was picked up promptly at 8 am by a car organized by Misool Resort.
If you need accommodation in Sorong before or after your Raja Ampat trip, options include the Swiss-Belhotel or the Favehotel. Having stayed at both, I found the Favehotel to be slightly cleaner. If you have a day to spare in Sorong, check out my article about what to do in Sorong.
Most travel packages to Misool Resort include accommodation in Sorong for the night *after* your stay at the resort concludes, as most flights departing Sorong leave in the morning.
We boarded the Misool Eco Resort transfer boat around 8:30 am for a scheduled 9 am departure. The speedboat itself is relatively small but comfortably appointed for the journey.
Tip: Make sure you have a substantial breakfast before departure or bring some snacks along. The journey takes about 4 hours, and only bananas, oranges, and soft drinks were offered during our trip, leaving me quite hungry by the end. There’s a small shop opposite the boat departure point where you can purchase snacks beforehand.
The boat is equipped with a large bathroom. The main downstairs cabin can accommodate about 40 passengers, with additional outdoor seating upstairs for around 10 people. The air conditioning wasn’t functioning on our trip, so the windows were kept open. The temperature was pleasant, but we encountered splashes from larger waves. It’s wise to protect any electronic equipment; my laptop got unexpectedly splashed, though fortunately without severe damage.
TIP: If you are prone to seasickness, choose a seat downstairs, towards the back of the boat, and near the center aisle, as these areas experience the least motion.
The initial part of the boat ride was calm as we navigated through sheltered channels. However, after approximately 90 minutes, the sea became quite rough upon entering open waters.
Tip: Bring sea sickness medication if you are susceptible to motion sickness.
The conditions calmed down considerably after about an hour of bumps and splashes.
We could then start enjoying the stunning views of the iconic limestone karsts and paradise-like beaches of the Misool area in Raja Ampat.
Excitement mounted as we arrived at the resort, greeted immediately by the sight of sharks swimming in the crystal-clear water right by the jetty!
Upon arrival, we were taken directly to the restaurant for lunch, which consisted of a buffet featuring Indonesian dishes with plenty of vegetables and chicken.
Following lunch, we were shown to our rooms. There was a slight mix-up with the luggage – we initially received someone else’s bags, and one of mine was missing – but the issue was fortunately resolved within an hour, allowing the holiday experience to begin truly.
I begin this Misool Resort review with sustainability because this commitment is precisely what makes Misool Resort a unique and vital place in the world. Environmental and social Misool Resort sustainability is not just a buzzword here; it’s the fundamental core of their operation. The resort deserves immense respect for its accomplishments in conservation, and choosing a Misool Resort stay means directly contributing to a critically crucial marine protection effort within the Misool marine reserve. You can delve deeper into their work in the sustainability series interview available we dit for This is Luxury Travel here.
Misool Resort was established in 2005 on a former shark-finning campsite. It secured a lease for a vast 1220 sq km area of sea to create and actively protect the Misool marine reserve. Central to this is the Misool Foundation (supported by partners like Conservation International), which employs local rangers for patrols. Misool Eco Resort donates 100 USD per guest directly to the Misool Foundation.
This expansive area operates as a strict no-take zone, and the results have been remarkably positive. By 2020, reports indicated increasing fish biomass and more frequent sightings of sharks and manta rays within the reserve, crucial progress in one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems!
However, during my visit in January 2021, observing numerous local boats fishing very close to the resort boundaries was concerning. We were informed they had permission to collect giant clams for an annual festival. Yet, over the week, we saw upwards of 50 boats, seemingly all engaged in fishing rather than clam collection. Witnessing Napoleon wrasse and groupers with fishing hooks near the resort was heartbreaking. Protecting this pristine marine environment for future generations remains a critical, ongoing challenge. I did another liveaboard cruise a year later and the fishermen were still very active in the area. I hope the Misool resort manages the disagreement and restores the no-fishing zone area.
Beyond establishing the Marine Protected Area, Misool implements numerous environmental initiatives. The resort’s use of solar panels, bio-septic tanks, and permaculture gardens are examples of how it actively minimizes its ecological footprint in this precious environment.
Misool Resort also champions social sustainability by hiring most of its staff from nearby local villages and investing in education programs. They’ve done an excellent job training their team; every staff member I encountered was competent, genuinely helpful, and exceptionally friendly. While you shouldn’t expect the proactive, high-touch service of a Four Seasons (complete with butlers), Misool certainly delivers a 5-star standard of simple, warm, and efficient service. The managers on site, Sue and Mark, were also notably kind and addressed all requests promptly.
Misool Resort is an intimate property featuring only 19 rooms distributed across two distinct locations: the North Lagoon, which houses the iconic Misool Resort overwater bungalows, and the South Beach, home to beachfront cottages.
In addition to the accommodations, the resort comprises a central restaurant with a spacious outdoor terrace and a dive center. The dive center serves as the central hub of activity, hosting evening talks and offering a comfortable, scenic spot to relax during the day with views over the lagoon.
I stayed in water bungalow number 3 for this review of the Misool Resort water bungalow and absolutely loved it!
It’s a one-bedroom bungalow with a private terrace overlooking the serene lagoon and distant islands. This balcony was the room’s standout feature; I spent countless hours simply lazing on one of the lounge chairs. The built-in hammock net suspended over the water quickly became one of my favorite spots to relax and observe the marine life below.
The steps leading directly from the room’s terrace into the lagoon are a brilliant design choice. It was a pleasure to step straight from my room into the sea for a morning Misool Resort snorkeling session on the vibrant house reef.
It’s worth noting, however, that the bungalow balconies offer limited privacy. They are open on the sides, meaning guests in adjacent bungalows or people walking along the connecting wooden path can see onto your terrace.
The bedroom is relatively compact but comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with extensive use of wood lending a natural, warm feel. Natural ventilation integrated into the ceiling design makes air conditioning largely unnecessary, though it does mean mosquitoes can enter. Therefore, sleeping under the provided mosquito net and ensuring it’s adequately tucked in is essential.
Tip: Bring ample mosquito repellent (both cream/spray and plug-in devices). These are not provided by Misool Resort, and mosquitoes can be quite aggressive, particularly starting around 5 pm.
The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the gentle sounds of water lapping beneath the bungalow and against the nearby limestone cliffs made for incredibly deep and restful sleep.
The room has a minibar, which offers complimentary soft drinks and is restocked daily. Pocari Sweat was a thoughtful addition for rehydrating after diving. Beer and wine are also available in the minibar but are chargeable.
TIP: Misool Resort does not sell hard liquor (spirits). Ensure you bring your own bottles or purchase them duty-free before arrival. If you have a preference for specific good quality wines, you might also consider bringing those.
A large water gallon is also conveniently placed in the room for refilling reusable bottles. However, during my stay, the water from this gallon had a noticeably unpleasant taste. I mentioned this mid-week and was told the gallon had been replaced. Towards the end of the week, upon removing the cover, I discovered the gallon was visibly dirty and contained algae. Fortunately, I didn’t suffer any ill effects, but this issue with water quality and container cleanliness is a significant area where Misool Resort needs improvement.
The bathroom is spacious and features an open-air design, complete with a hot water shower. Soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided.
Understanding the two distinct areas of the resort – the South Beach and the North Lagoon – is key when deciding on accommodation. These are my Misool Resort room recommendations based on location and preference:
The North Lagoon is the heart of the resort, hosting the dive center and the main restaurant. All bungalows and villas here are interconnected by a raised wooden pathway, allowing easy access back to your room between dives or meals.
If diving is your primary focus, consider Water Bungalows 1 through 5, as they are the closest to the dive center. Bungalows 1 and 2 might feel less private, as their terraces face the main walkway and are nearer the dive center bustle. Bungalows 3, 4, and 5 provide excellent views. Bungalow 5, being at the path’s end, offers slightly more privacy and would be my top choice among the standard water bungalows.
Villa Tabisasu, also located in this area, is another superb option. It offers enhanced privacy and a prime position directly over some of the best parts of the house reef for snorkeling.
TIP: The price difference between the villas and the standard water bungalows is often not substantial, making the villas potentially great value for the added space and privacy.
The pathway extending towards the restaurant leads to Water Bungalows 6, 7, and 8. This path tends to be busier as it also provides access to three other villas and the staff village area. Some guests staying in villas near the staff village have occasionally reported noise from the village or generators.
The South Beach area features seven villas and presents a great alternative, particularly for families or guests who don’t anticipate spending significant time at the dive center.
Accessing the North Lagoon facilities (restaurant, dive center) from South Beach requires a scenic but potentially strenuous 10-minute walk involving approximately 100 steps up and over a ridge.
During high tide, the resort’s boat can often provide shuttle services between the two locations.
The last two villas situated directly on the beach in this area offer excellent privacy.
The beach is wonderful, featuring calm, gentle waves that are ideal for swimming, especially for children.
Some villas positioned higher up the slope boast beautiful views over the nearby ‘blue hole’. Villa Waya Biru is noted for its particularly stunning bathroom design.
During our stay, the resort did not offer an internet or phone connection. We were notified a few days prior to departure that the resort’s satellite internet system was down, and repairs were delayed due to spare parts being held up in customs.
Therefore, if reliable internet access is essential during your trip, you would need to bring your own satellite communication device or consider alternative accommodation options.
Meals were served five times a day, and the food quality was very good overall. The main restaurant setting is charming, open-air, with plenty of cooling breezes, and facing the North Lagoon.
A simple cold breakfast was available around 6:30 am before the day’s first dive.
Around 9:30 a.m., a more substantial cooked breakfast, featuring eggs made to order and a rotation of other warm à la carte dishes, was served.
Lunch, typically served family-style around 1 pm, often featured Indonesian cuisine with a good selection of vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and chicken. Variations included tortillas one day and tuna sushi another.
Afternoon tea time, around 5 pm, included delicious cakes and pastries.
The baked goods, particularly the pastries and bread, were exceptional. Misool Resort is fortunate to have a talented baker!
Dinner service started from 6:30 pm. Guests could usually choose between two daily main course options, and an à la carte menu with a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes (the pizza was a favorite!) was always available.
While the ingredients used are relatively simple (predominantly vegetables, chicken, and tofu), the chef demonstrated superb skill in creating consistently tasty meals. As long as you don’t arrive expecting premium ingredients like imported steaks, extensive cheese platters, lobster, or high-end fish varieties, you should be very satisfied with the food quality and variety.
I certainly was, and even managed to put on a little weight during the week! 🙂
I visited during Christmas week, and the Christmas dinner itself was somewhat underwhelming. Apart from a dessert table featuring Christmas cakes, there was no special mention of the occasion or a distinct festive menu. Coincidentally, it was ‘Vegetarian Tuesday’ at the resort, so my Christmas dinner consisted mainly of Tofu, Tempeh, and vegetables. ☹
What truly distinguishes Misool Resort from almost any other resort globally is the unparalleled quality of its underwater environment and its profound commitment to conservation efforts.
Given this focus, I was somewhat surprised that many other guests during our stay were not divers. Nevertheless, they appeared to be having a wonderful time, engaging in a variety of non-diving activities available.
Day trips to explore nearby islands and points of interest were organized daily.
The South Beach is an excellent spot for relaxation. It offers a large golden sand beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming.
I spent many enjoyable hours simply reading books on the balcony of my overwater bungalow. I absolutely loved that space; it was incredibly peaceful, and I could often spot turtles or sharks cruising by just beneath me!
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are readily available for guest use anytime throughout the day.
The establishment of the no-take Misool marine reserve by Misool Resort has contributed one of the world’s premier diving destinations. This focus makes it arguably one of the best dive resorts Raja Ampat has to offer for conservation-minded divers.
The Misool Eco Resort diving experience was nothing short of spectacular. From witnessing the incredible frenzy of a sardine bait ball hunt to calmly observing 5-meter oceanic manta rays at the renowned Magic Mountain dive site, every dive offered unforgettable moments. We couldn’t get enough.
We encountered manta rays on more than half of our dives. Because our group consistently respected the mantas and their cleaning stations by maintaining adequate distance, the mantas often seemed comfortable remaining with us for the duration of the dive.
TIP: You don’t need to decide your entire dive plan or pre-book all dives far in advance. Misool Resort offered flexibility; we simply needed to indicate the night before which dives we wished to join the following day.
Magic Mountain is arguably the most famous dive site in the Misool area, and the photos below illustrate why. It’s a pinnacle known for attracting large pelagics, especially oceanic manta rays seeking cleaning stations. Our dives here were truly magical encounters.
Perhaps the absolute highlight of our Misool diving experience was encountering a massive sardine bait ball frenzy at the Puri Pinnacle dive site. Millions of sardines swirled frantically as numerous predator fish, including an exciting school of Mobula rays, feasted upon them. It was an incredibly action-packed and unforgettable dive!
Hotel guests were allocated to one of three dive boats during our stay.
Our boat typically carried eight guests, which could sometimes feel slightly crowded, but the boat itself was large, comfortable, and well-suited for diving. The design, featuring two ladders at the stern, made re-entry easy, even for individuals with minor mobility concerns.
TIP: The resort seems to plan the dive week progression so that the sites visited generally get ‘better’ or more renowned towards the end. If you only plan to dive for a few days, you might consider skipping the initial days and concentrating your dives later in the week to potentially hit the ‘prime’ sites.
Our dive guide, Daddy, was excellent. He possessed thorough knowledge of the dive sites, maintained a comfortable pace underwater, and was skilled at spotting small, interesting critters for the group.
While the overall diving was fantastic, three aspects of the operation could potentially be improved:
These minor points didn’t detract significantly from our overall fantastic diving experience. The dive center manager, Sabine was consistently cheerful, available, and possessed a wealth of knowledge about marine life, often sharing fascinating anecdotes about fish behavior and encounters.
Beyond the boat dives, I snorkeled every afternoon directly from the resort, exploring the North Lagoon, the vibrant Misool Resort house reef, and the areas around nearby small islands. The quality of the Misool Resort snorkeling is exceptional.
While I usually prefer diving, the snorkeling at Misool Resort was so rewarding – teeming with life – that I found myself eagerly going back again and again. I also particularly enjoyed the freedom to snorkel independently at any time.
Remarkably, within my first five minutes of snorkeling in the water just off the jetty, I encountered over 10 sharks, a turtle, a Napoleon wrasse, and countless other fish species. It is possibly the best five minutes of snorkeling I’ve ever experienced! 😊
TIP: Other guests during our stay reported seeing the endemic walking shark while night snorkeling beneath the jetty. If night snorkeling interests you, the area under the jetty is worth checking out.
While I didn’t personally encounter strong currents close to the resort during my stay, it’s always prudent to be cautious. I informed Sabine, the dive manager, whenever I went snorkeling alone, ensuring someone was aware of my activity. Sabine was also incredibly helpful in suggesting snorkel itineraries based on the prevailing currents at different times of the day.
TIP: I did spot a box jellyfish and various other jellyfish species while snorkeling. It’s highly recommended to wear a rash guard or a thin wetsuit for protection against potential stings.
The big question for many planning a dive trip to this region is whether it’s better to experience Misool from a resort base like Misool Eco Resort or via a dedicated dive liveaboard. The answer depends on individual priorities and preferences – exploring the Misool Resort vs liveaboard diving Raja Ampat options is crucial.
I have experienced three liveaboard cruises that included the Misool area. You can read detailed accounts of those trips here:
Staying at Misool Eco Resort and cruising on a liveaboard have provided incredible experiences, and I genuinely recommend both approaches. Misool is, without doubt, the ultimate diving destination. If budget and time allow, experiencing both could be ideal. However, depending on your priorities, the resort or a liveaboard might be a better fit for you.
So, to summarize the Misool Resort vs liveaboard debate, a liveaboard might be preferable if your primary goal is an intensive diving holiday maximizing dive count and site variety. If you’re traveling with non-divers, desire more comfort and relaxation, value easy access to incredible snorkeling, or wish to directly support a major conservation initiative, then the unique Misool Resort experience will likely be the happier choice.
The primary diving season in Raja Ampat, including the Misool area, generally runs from September/October through April/May. Understanding the nuances can help you choose the best time to dive Misool / Raja Ampat:
If maximizing fish sightings is your priority, November and December often boast peak biomass. The seas during this period are typically very calm. However, these months can sometimes experience reduced water visibility (though this isn’t always the case; I’ve personally experienced good visibility in Raja Ampat in November).
For potentially the best water visibility, January and February are often recommended. The trade-off is that these months can be windier, potentially leading to choppier sea conditions.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Misool Resort stay . As long as you arrive with the right expectations, aligning with what this unique place offers, you will likely be extremely happy here. Misool Resort is undeniably a very special destination.
While other resorts in a similar price bracket might offer more luxurious rooms or more proactive service styles, what truly defines the Misool Resort experience and justifies its value is its unparalleled, isolated location within one of the world’s last pristine, effectively protected marine environments, coupled with its unwavering commitment to conservation. It felt like a genuine privilege to stay there and witness their work firsthand.
Based on this Misool Eco Resort review, I highly recommend it, particularly for passionate divers, snorkelers, and eco-conscious travelers. I certainly look forward to returning. However, be prepared to plan well in advance – due to its popularity and limited capacity, the resort often gets booked up 18 months or more ahead!
Getting to Misool Eco Resort involves a scheduled boat transfer organized by the resort. Guests are typically picked up in the morning in Sorong (either from the airport or a designated hotel like the Swiss-Belhotel or Favehotel). You then board the resort’s speedboat for a journey that takes approximately 4 hours to reach the resort in South Raja Ampat. This transfer usually runs once per week.
Absolutely. Based on this review, Misool Eco Resort is exceptionally worth it for both divers and snorkelers. The resort sits within its large, protected marine reserve, resulting in spectacular biodiversity, abundant fish life, and frequent sightings of sharks and manta rays. The diving, including famous sites like Magic Mountain, is world-class. Equally impressive is the snorkeling directly off the resort jetty and around the house reef, which is teeming with life and easily accessible, even from the overwater bungalows.
Misool Eco Resort is a remote, intimate, luxury eco-resort focused on sustainability and marine conservation in Raja Ampat. It features several rooms (overwater bungalows and beachfront villas), a central restaurant, and a dive center hub. The atmosphere is relaxed and connected to nature. Service is friendly and efficient, though not as formal as some high-end luxury chains. The main highlights are the incredible underwater environment (diving and snorkeling), the stunning natural setting, and the commitment to conservation. It lacks typical resort amenities like pools or extensive entertainment, focusing instead on the marine experience. The Internet is unreliable or non-existent.
The choice depends on priorities. Choose a Liveaboard if you want to maximize dive count (3-4 dives/day), cover a broader range of dive sites, possibly beyond Misool, enjoy a more social/communal atmosphere, or need more flexible/last-minute booking options. Choose Misool Eco Resort if you value more comfortable/spacious accommodation, easy access to world-class snorkeling anytime, are traveling with non-divers, want to directly support a significant conservation project, or prefer a land-based stay without potential seasickness.
The primary dive season is October to April. November-December often has the calmest seas and highest fish biomass but potentially lower visibility. January-February typically offers the best visibility but can be windier with choppier seas.
For divers wanting easy access, North Lagoon Water Bungalows 1-5 are closest to the dive center (with 3, 4, and 5 offering better views/privacy than 1 & 2). Villa Tabisasu (North Lagoon) offers privacy and great snorkeling access. For families or non-divers preferring beach access, the South Beach villas are suitable, though require a walk/boat shuttle to the main facilities. Villas near the staff village (North Lagoon path towards restaurant) may experience some noise.
If you enjoyed this review, you might also be interested in exploring other unique luxury travel experiences across Indonesia and beyond. Check out our adventures at the world-renowned Nihi Sumba, or discover different facets of Bali with reviews of The Oberoi Seminyak, the vibrant Double Six Luxury Hotel, the iconic Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and the expansive Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua. For different diving experiences, read about diving in Amed, Bali, or venture further with our guide to Ternate in the Maluku Islands.
Another great diving resort in Raja Ampat is Papua explorer and you can read my review here.
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View Comments
Thank you for this thoughtful and thorough review. We are leaving on November 22 and will stay 9 nights in South Beach. Looking forward and a bit anxious about mosquitoes as bathrooms are open. How did you manage? When you say poor visibility, I wonder what that means for you?
Best,
Arlene
Thank you for this thoughtful and thorough review. We are leaving on November 22 and will stay 9 nights in South Beach. Looking forward and a bit anxious about mosquitoes as bathrooms are open. How did you manage? When you say poor visibility, I wonder what that means for you?
Best,
Arlene
South beach has more mosquitos than the lagoon rooms.
If you stay there, bring lots of repellents. If it was me, I would even bring some electric mosquito plug ins.
Vis in Raja Ampat is umpredicatable and November is quite early in the season. How did it go?
What year was this trip to Misool?