South Halmahera - Kusu Island Resort

Kusu Island Resort is situated in a remote corner of South Halmahera, positioned directly within the Coral Triangle. The resort is nestled between mangroves and coral reefs, offering a secluded base for exploring one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Because the resort sits inside a five-mile marine protection zone, the surrounding ecosystem remains virtually untouched.

Reaching the resort involves a journey through Ternate and Labuha. From Labuha, a 20-minute car ride followed by a 40-minute speed boat trip brings you to the island. The resort itself is composed of eight handcrafted Ocean Villas built on stilts over the sea, providing immediate access to the water from your own terrace.

The resort operates a dedicated water sports centre located at the end of the jetty, providing easy access to the house reef. This facility includes a camera room for photographers, personal equipment storage, and areas for relaxation. It is designed to support both recreational divers and those looking to progress through their training.

Instruction is available for all levels, with a focus on professional development. The centre offers training ranging from initial certifications through to Divemaster and Instructor levels. Whether you are looking to complete your first course or advance your professional career, the team is equipped to manage the requirements of your training.

The centre provides a comprehensive range of diving and free-diving courses. You can begin your journey with initial training and progress through all standard certification levels.

For those looking to enter the professional stream, the resort offers Divemaster and Instructor courses. Specialized training and other courses are also available upon request, catering to divers looking to refine their skills or advance their careers.

The water sports centre is well-equipped for resident divers, featuring a dedicated camera room and storage for personal kit. For those who prefer not to carry their own gear, a limited amount of diving and snorkelling equipment is available for rental on-site.

Practical amenities are located at the jetty, including fresh water wash basins, cold showers, and toilets to rinse kit and freshen up after a dive. The resort also provides chilled drinks and snacks, along with personal water bottles and towels for use during boat trips.

The reefs surrounding Kusu Island are bristling with life, ranging from large pelagics to delicate macro species. You can expect to see large schools of fish, tuna, and dolphins patrolling the waters, with the occasional sighting of whales or manta rays. Sharks, including various baby sharks, and stingrays are also part of the regular marine landscape.

For those interested in macro photography, the area is a haven for smaller organisms. You will find a variety of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and various other marine critters. Sea turtles are also a regular presence among the reefs.

The ecosystem is supported by a healthy population of reef fish and diverse invertebrates. The protection zone ensures that the delicate balance of the reef remains intact, providing a reliable environment to observe these species in their natural habitat.

The area offers diverse diving opportunities depending on your experience level. Experienced divers can take advantage of adrenaline-filled drift dives, where currents move you along the reef structures.

Local conditions vary, but the proximity to the house reef and the protected status of the area generally provide a stable environment for both reef exploration and more advanced drift diving.