Metita Beach & Dive Resort – The Wonders of Morotai
Travel period
Features
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Dive into paradise at Morotai, Halmahera
Very occasionally, new dive resorts still open that make your mouth drop open! In this case, a new diving paradise in Morotai – North Halmahera . Located in the north of the island of Halmahera, in the province of North Maluku, Metita Beach & Dive Resort is located on Morotai. This island has a rich history, especially during World War II when it served as a strategic base for Allied forces led by General Douglas MacArthur. From here, attacks were launched on the Philippines and Borneo in the valiant fight against Japanese forces. After this turbulent period, Morotai has now regained its original form as a peaceful tropical paradise.
Metita is a small coral island located just below the large island of Morotai. Metita is only 900 m long and 450 m wide, surrounded by a beautiful reef that you can explore in about 45 minutes. The reef plateau in front of the resort extends more than 100m into the sea, making it perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. For divers, the house reef right outside the door offers a spectacular drop-off and a little further north you can admire a population of blacktip reef sharks on a plateau.
The resort’s dive area extends from the east coast of Pandanga to the southern tip of Morotai Island, where you can find steep walls surrounding Metita Island. From there it heads north to Rau Island, including Dodola Island with its beautiful coral reefs and GaloGalo, known for the presence of manta rays. During day trips you can also explore Halmahera’s mainland dive sites in the Tobelo area, which include an underwater volcano and several muck dives. The dive center offers a wide range of diving courses, ranging from trial dives to obtaining a PADI divemaster certification.
Best travel time: The Morotai Islands District has a rainy and a dry season. The rainy season runs from November to March, with stronger winds and as a result, it is less favorable for diving. The dry season offers better diving conditions with calm waters and 99% sunny weather from March to November.
Wave surfing on Morotai: The northern Moluccas and Morotai in particular, cater to surfers looking for empty LineUps. The waves originate from the same storm systems that also cause the more famous waves in the Philippines. The peak season for waves runs from late October, early November to March. During these months, traveling surfers can expect consistent, medium-sized and varied reef waves without many other surfers in the lineup.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Morotai
A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended. Water temperatures range from about 27-29°C throughout the year.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 - Travel to Manado
Today begins the journey to Metita on Morotai. First of all, you fly to Manado. The most common route for travelers to fly to Manado is via Singapore. Once arrived in Manado, it is time to rest for a while. We will arrange a (airport) hotel by mutual agreement.
In some cases you don’t fly to Manado but to Jakarta, we can sometimes choose that if those flights are more favorable at that time.
Day 3 - Arrival in Metita Beach
Today you will fly on to Ternate. The flight from Manado is by one to Ternate takes about an hour. Once you arrive on Ternate, you will be met by the staff of Metita Beach & Dive Resort, who will take you to the resort by car and boat. The transfer takes about 6-7 hours.
Day 4 to 15 - Diving around Morotai, delicious food and relax
Over the next 12 days, you will have the opportunity to explore more than 40 dive sites around Morotai. You certainly won’t get bored easily, as these dive sites offer a wide variety of experiences. From spotting sharks at the house reef to admiring manatees, manta rays and eagle rays. You can also enjoy huge coral gardens, stunning wall dives, exciting wreck dives, intriguing cave dives and even diving at an underwater volcano, where you can muck dive. You can make up to 4 dives per day here, including 2 in the morning, an afternoon dive and a night dive.
Almost the entire eastern side of the island has been declared a marine park, making it a true paradise for any diver looking for diversity during their vacation.
Day 16 - Land excursions, vulcano climb
Today is already the second-to-last day and that means, no more diving. On land there are several activities to do, for example, guided tours are available that allow you to discover the rich history, nature and various wildlife.
For adventurous hikers, the island of Morotai offers wonderful hiking opportunities through pristine forests. Here you can enjoy the sight of beautiful birds of paradise and mesmerizing waterfalls, such as the impressive Raja waterfall with nearly 80 meters from the basin to the upper rim. There are also large caves to explore, offering an adventurous experience and taking you back to the time when the first Europeans explored these areas.
Morotai’s rich history as an important stronghold for the Allies during World War II is still visible in numerous artifacts. The island’s history as a spice and silver island of Indonesia and the Western world is also fascinating. To this day, you can experience the smell of sun-dried cloves and nutmeg during harvest season and silver jewelry is a popular gift to explore and buy.
As part of day trips, they also offer excursions to mainland Halmahera, where you have the opportunity to climb one of the world’s most active volcanoes: the Dukono. This volcano is a whopping 1,185 meters high and spews ash almost year-round. Please note that if volcanic activity temporarily increases, this tour may not be available for the safety of participants.
A two-day trekking trip to the Dukono volcano is also available. On the first day you will climb the volcano and arrive at a specific campsite spot after setting up your tent you will climb on to the crater where you will watch the sun set – then return to your tent, on the 2nd day you will again climb to the top of the crater and this time enjoy a spectacular sunrise. This two-day tour costs €440,- p.p. and we are happy to tell you more about it.
Day 17 & 18 - Travelling back home
Today you check out at Metita Beach in the morning and will be you will be transferred to the Ternate airport for your flights back home.
Depending on the flight times & final destination, you can either continue in one go or make one more overnight stay in Ternate, Manado, Jakarta or Singapore.
Want to stay longer in Indonesia? Since many flights go via Manado, Sulawesi (Bunaken or Lembeh) is a perfect 2nd destination. Other destinations to consider – are Raja Ampat (only 1.5 hours flight from Manado) or Bali (about 4 hours flight with stopover).
Everything is possible, including liveaboards around Komodo etc. We are happy to think with you.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Metita Beach & Dive Resort
The Metita Beach & Dive Resort, located on the beautiful island of Metita near Morotai, is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, surfers and beach lovers. Run by Germans, this resort is unique in North Halmahera, offering an oasis away from the crowds and placing a strong emphasis on quality, service, and ecology. Environmental conservation is being actively pursued, with efforts such as plastic avoidance, a sea turtle conservation and coral conservation initiatives. The culinary experience is enriched by the use of organic fruits and vegetables from their own garden and collaboration with local fishermen and farmers. The breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner offer a wide range of both Indonesian and European dishes. For relaxation, the lounge has various facilities such as a pool table and a well-stocked bookshelf, while the bar offers a wide range of drinks, from tea and mocktails to beer and cocktails.
There are two accommodation options at Metita, the beach cottages – ideal for just the two of you or the family cottages:
The beach cottages are perfectly integrated into nature and offer comfort and relaxation. Built of local wood and air-conditioned, they have spacious open-air bathrooms with freshwater rain showers. The cottages are 59 square meters and feature a king-size bed, minibar, music station, walk-in closet, and veranda with ocean views. The room-high glass front offers stunning views. It is the perfect place to enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings.
The family cottage has the same amenities as the beach cottage but at 103 square meters, is ideal for divers on a family trip. A spacious veranda with lounge chairs and hammocks provides a place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet after a day underwater.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €2368 per person based on two people in beach bungalow. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €2368, - p.p.
- 14 Overnight stays in a 2-bed bungalow
- Full board accommodation
- Return transfers from and to Pitu Morotai Airport
- Dive package consisting of 20 dives
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Manado
- Flight to Morotai
- Overnight at Manado (or Jakarta)
- from €800,- p.p.
- approx. €300 p.p.
- approx. €60, - p.p.
Optional
- Nitrox
- Diving equipment
- €5 per dive
- €25 per day
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
Shore diving & Boat diving
Most dive sites are between 5 and 30 minutes by boat. The underwater volcano, manta rays and dugong are a little further away. Up to max 1.5 hours.
By default, this package includes 2 dives per day for the duration of 10 days. You can expand this on the spot with a 3rd or even 4th (night) dive.
Yes definitely!
Yes there is a house reef!
Among other things, you can book all PADI courses up to Divemaster.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
PADI Open Water Course
PADI Advanced Open Water
PADI Rescue Diver
PADI Dive Master
Yes indeed, on the same site… nice and easy 🙂
Diving equipment
The standard tanks are both DIN and INT.
Upon request.
Yes, this costs €5 per tank.
Complete diving equipment costs €25 per day.
Other activities & excursions
Right outside our door, a 90-meter reef platform offers excellent snorkeling for young and old. The corals are particularly beautiful at the drop-off, where the reef slowly descends into the depths. Regular visits of big fish such as humphead parrotfish, tuna or our blacktip reef sharks are also on the program here.
The house reef is also great for an evening visit after sunset. Then the nocturnal animals come out of their burrows and offer a very different snorkeling experience than during the day. One of the guides can accompany guests to take away any uncertainties and create a beautiful memory.
Snorkeling without a guide is free, with a guide you pay between Rp 200,000 and Rp 240,000 per snorkeling trip.
In addition to snorkeling, you can take several excursions described at day 16 of this trip.
See day 16 of the itinerary.
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