Pristine Paradise Dive Resort

The one star rating is aimed at the manager Umar.As you can see in one picture, the website states that you can pay on site with Paypal, pay with a credit card, by bank transfer in euros or in cash in euros. The first three options are not even possible on site. However, this is not addressed in advance when booking.The fourth option of paying in euros was possible after repeated requests, but at a different exchange rate which would have resulted in an additional cost of €25. The current exchange rate and also the exchange rate used for my advance payment in euros was rp 16,800 = €1. On site, Umar, communicated through his staff, only wanted to accept the euro payment with an exchange rate of rp 14,000 = €1. As a result, I had to create a very complicated Wise account in contact with relatives in Germany in order to be able to make the payment. This turned what was supposed to be a relaxing last evening into a stressful affair.When asked, we had to insist on a discount for the entire stay and dives and therefore extra payment on site (rp 300,000) so that this was also offset.The same percentages for our own partial equipment were not possible on site (approx. Rp 35,000 additional costs).Unfortunately, the trip to the island of Wakai is very expensive. Apparently the boat costs rp 1,000,000 for 4 people. Since at the beginning there were only two of us traveling by boat and “only” had to pay rp 250,000 per person. We found out afterwards that the other rp 500,000 would be covered by the accommodation. On the return trip there were 7 of us on the boat. Suddenly the price for the same boat increased by rp 500,000 because there would be more people on the boat. It's impossible to want to make more money out of a situation like this.I slept in the standard bungalow; an extension for one night was easily possible on site. It is kept very simple and is sufficient for my ideas. Unfortunately the mosquito net over the bed was totally dirty with large red stains (the net is white).The diving and the different dive sites were great and Sri responded to our wishes for her suggested dive sites. It was very relaxed and communication was always very good.Big praise to the kitchen staff. The food was always sufficient, plentiful and varied. Nanda, Ronny and Sri made the stay very pleasant. However, Umar completely destroyed this relaxed atmosphere in the end. I would only recommend this property under a different manager!

We booked the VIP bungalow, but unfortunately this was very disappointing.- The air conditioning kept going off the first two nights and beeping very loudly. We reported this and resolved it. However, the space is too large and it therefore always remains warm in the room. Also, there is only electricity from 5PM to 5AM. We did not know this in advance.- We were promised a 'decorated outdoor bathroom' but it was missing. The bathroom is a large room without windows, so it is dark during the day and you cannot see anything (so the lamp cannot be turned on because there is no power). There was also hardly any water from the shower and there is no door for the bathroom, making the air conditioning even more inefficient.- The only option for some fresh air is to open the door, but there is no mosquito net. The photo on the website does show a mosquito net.- The bungalow is said to have a remote location, but is located right next to the restaurant and between other bungalows. We would also have a direct view of the sea, but this is blocked by a half-demolished veranda.Furthermore, the VIP bungalow appears to be new but simply not finished yet. There is a nice bed, but otherwise it is mainly a large empty space. We were very disappointed, especially considering the high price they ask.When we indicated that we had some complaints and especially that what you get does not match what was advertised, the co-owner / manager (?) Umar called me. He was VERY rude on the phone and didn't listen at all. He was angry and constantly shouted on the phone. In the end we received a very small discount, but in our opinion we paid way too much.We have also noticed that many other bungalows in the park are outdated. The staff sits at the table all day while there is plenty to do.To end on a positive note:- The coral in front of the resort is very beautiful and you can enjoy snorkeling there- Employees (except Umar) are friendly- The volcano trip is a lot of fun- You can dive nicely there

First of all, the accommodation actually deserves more stars. BUT: When we were there, one of the staff (who are all super friendly and accommodating) strolled past our hut with the trash can in his hand, which is in the restaurant. The rubbish then ended up in a high arc directly behind the equipment storage room in the botany. Right on the beach. About 10 meters from the sea... For a resort that makes its money from divers who want to marvel at the beautiful and untouched reefs of the Togians, this is a NO-GO!I know the resort is on a very remote island. But exactly then it is the responsibility of the staff to protect and preserve this beautiful and still very untouched place.I actually really liked it there (if you can compromise on comfort and cleanliness), but thanks to this promotion I won't be coming back. I'm so sorry.One more positive note at the end, I didn't see any rate in the three days on site, as this has been mentioned several times in the past.

Nice and amazing corals in some spots. But we have been disappointed by the general quality. There is no electricity during the day so no cooling and no ventilator then it was so hot that impossible to stay inside .... …

Nice setup, great trip to volcano, diving very nice (although visibility was not best due to waves), rooms were nice, service was great, food much better than at PoyaLisa. Site is managed like one big family, we had a very nice. Regarding rats, we stayed 4 nights and just in last night we had a rat in the room, but we managed :)

A truly memorable experience at a great resort. I visited with 2 teenage children and we stopped to do our PADI here. The training was great and we felt well looked after. …

A truly memorable experience at a great resort. I visited with 2 teenage children and we stopped to do our PADI open water here. The training was great and we felt well looked after. I've been lucky to have visited quite a few Indonesian islands from Raja Ampat, Bunaken to Bali, this was the most exciting and off the beaten track. Well worth the journey and not always easy- except in the resort where the hospitality and kind staff are superb. The volcano trip was far more than I could have anticipated. The food was great (we had good veggie and fish options and all with a local focus). There may be some aspects that have attracted criticism in other reviews, but it's a long way from the rest of the world and next to the jungle. I don't think anyone could offer this location and care for you better, as well as catering for an interesting mix of guests from all sorts of backgrounds and ages. The bits that matter were perfect.

Absolutely loved my stay here and extended as long as I could.The diving is really, really beautiful. I have dove at some amazing places, but the diving here definitely stands out as unique and worth exploring. The dive masters were top notch! I dove mostly with Sri, as well as Reven and Jay. Everyone was friendly and so helpful. Equipment included, I felt completely safe the whole time.For the accommodation, I was fully satisfied with what I paid for. I paid for the cheapest option, a standard bungalow. It’s nothing fancy, but for the price on a very, very remote island, it works great. There were several nicer accommodation options available here too. The atmosphere is also lovely here. It’s a gorgeous property with many nice spots to relax.Food was impressively varied, delicious, and plentiful. Free water, tea, and coffee always available.Everyone on staff, dive masters and all, was so so friendly and helpful. They’ll get to know your name and make you feel at home.It does take some patience to get here, and it is certainly not a luxurious Bali resort. But if you want to experience life on a very quiet remote island, support the local economy, meet some great people, and have some of the best dives of your life, you should stay here!