Indonesia Scuba Diving Site

North Sulawesi - Lembeh Strait - Dive Site

2008-05-14T09:35:00.001-07:00

Lembeh Strait - Dive Site

Dive sites mainland Sulawesi:

0. Tanduk Rusa
1. Police Pier I, II
2. Nudi Falls
3. Kungkungan house reef
4. Air Prang
5. Jahir
6. Jarijari
7. Nudi Retreat / Magic Rock
8. Lettuce Surpriz U (Kuda Laut)
9. Teluk Kembahu I, II, III
10. Hairball Two
11. Hairball
12. Aw Shucks
13. Batu Angus

Dive sites Lembeh island:

14. Batu Kapal
15. Batu Kapal south
16. Pulau Putus
17. California Dreaming
18. Angel's window
19. Batu Sandar
20. Tanjung Tebal
21. Tanjung Kubur
22. Pantai (Pante) Parigi
23. Pintu Kolada
24. Pintu Kota
25. Tanjung Lampu
26. Madidir
27. Divers Lodge house reef
28. Beting Pasir
29. Tanjung Kuning
30. Jiko I, II and III
31. Pulau Dua
32. Pulau Susulina
33. Batu Bunyan

Wrecks:

a) Mawali wreck
b) Kapal indah wreck
c) Bimoli wreck

Dive Resorts / Operators:

A) Kungkungan Dive Resort KBR
B) Kasawari
C) Black Sand Dive Retreat
D) Sulawesi Dive Quest
E) Lembeh Resort
F) Bakri Cono
G) Bastianos
H) Two Fish Divers
I) Divers Lodge Lembeh

Lembeh Strait
The world renowned Lembeh Strait lies off the northern tip of Sulawesi. Since resorts started to open in the mid-90s the area has rapidly gained popularity amongst macro photographers and is now considered the diving Mecca for critters and macro marine life. The extremely diverse marine habitat in this stretch of water offers a plethora of macro species, many of which can found nowhere else on the planet. Diving here is the ultimate experience for photographers in search of the unusual and unseen. It is often refered to as a muck divers paradise as most of the sites are either sandy areas or small reefs, there are no spectacular walls of drop offs here. With over 30 dive sites to choose from and even a WWII wreck all within a short boat ride over calm waters from the resort it is no surprise that the Lembeh Strait is a world class dive destination.

Lembeh is diveable all year but the conditions do vary from month to month. January to June sees variable (but still fine) conditions and less divers. August sees the poorest visibility but the richest numbers of critters and September to October are probably the best two months overall.

The Lembeh Strait has over 30 dive sites so since the topography and marine life is very similar for most of them we have only included the most popular. Other good dive sites in Lembeh include Jahir; a large sandy site with coral blocks, Nudi Retreat; very similar to Nudi Falls, Aw Shucks where whip coral and pipefish are abundant, Pantai Parigi; more muck marine life, Kapal Indah; wrecked cargo boat teeming with life, Jiko Yance; reef slope with good viz, Aer Perang and the house reefs at Kungkungan and Divers Lodge.

LEMBEH DIVE SITES INFORMATION

Police Pier
The sandy shallow slope here has a lot of rubble, trash and things that look out of place underwater. However don't let this put you off, they all make excellent hiding places for all manner of exotic critters. Under the pier itself you can expect to see frogfish, seahorses, waspfish, snake eels, cleanershrimp and cuttlefish, also keep a lookout for the endemic Banggai cardinalfish. This is also a great spot for a night dive wherre countless species of crab come out to forage for food and the rare Bobbit worm may be found.

Nudi Falls
A small vertical rock drops into a slope that ends on a grey sandy bottom at 25 meters. As its name suggests the highlight of this dive site are the sheer numbers of nudibranchs that can be found. The soft coral bed houses myriad macro creatures including pygmy seahorses, frogfish and mantis shrimps. The elusive Rhinopias can also be found here though your dive guide is more likely to spot one.

Hairball
This bizarrely named spot is one of Lembeh's more popular. Frogfish sightings here are pretty much guaranteed on this black sand bed of life. This is a true muck dive site with seahorses, octopus, crabs and plenty of other crustaceans. Many of the critters are very well disguised, as algae makes a great camouflage. Close by is Hairball 2 where juvenile batfish, cardinalfish and zebra crabs are seen.

Critter Hunt
Situated at the southern tip if Sarena Kecil Island is this spot which upon first impressions does not look like much. However with the majority of Lembeh's dive spots a keep eye and patience is the key for scattered amongst the rubble and small coral heads are myriad macro critters, hence the name! Keep a look out for decorator crabs, waspfish, frogfish and squat lobsters.

Angel's Window
Situated off the north coast of Lembeh Island the submerged peaks here have a number of gorgonians that are home to pygmy seahorses. It is a little different to the rest of Lembeh's muck dive sites, this spot is more like a coral reef dive. Visibility is usually a bit better and there is a couple of swimthrough at about 25 meters which makes up the "Window". Snappers and jacks are often found hanging out here and the walls are lined with crinoids and featherstars.

California Dreaming
This is a nice dive to get a break from all the muck. Colourful coral gardens with large orange tree corals and red gorgonians feeding in the current here. The visibility is also often better that that of the murkier muck sites. There is a plateau at around 14 meters where the critters can be found for those macro addicts that simply cant get enough!

Teluk Kembahu
These dive sites, abbreviated to TK1 and TK2, are named after a local village and are found on the Sulawesi side of the Strait. Topography consists of a dark sandy bottom with scattered rubble and sunken logs. It is where the first mimic octopus was sighted in Lembeh, also the home of the Banggai Cardinalfish which can only be found in this region. No shortage of other marine inhabitants here either with mandarinfish, gobys, devilfish, frogfish, porcelain crabs and razorfish, this is an exceptional dive site.

Mawali Wreck
A Japanese steel cargo ship from WWII was scuttled and sank in 1943. She now lies in 30 to 15 meters of water on her port side. The wreck is around 65 meters long and has heavy coral growth, a number of large lionfish lurk in suspension over the hulk. Spotted baramundi cod are seen along with the usual macro subjects including pipefish, nudibranchs and shrimps. Penetration is no longer recommended due to the heavily encrusted surfaces and instability of the structure.

Bimoli Wreck
Another Japanese freighter from WWII lies on her starboard side in 30 meters of water. Torpedo damage is quite extensive and the wreck is very overgrown and is almost its own mini reef. The wreck starts at 18 meters with the propeller at 30, ammunition can still be seen and very little has been removed. The twisted structure now forms the home of a number of critters such as rock lobster and circling barracuda and tuna.

resources :

www.lombokmarine.com

www.starfish.ch

images :

www.longwoodholidays.co.uk

www.travel.neunerweb.de

www.optimiste.ch

www.sunion.warwick.ac.uk

BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)

2008-05-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)

(BCD) Buoyancy Control Device comes in many shapes and sizes for both men and women, but its main purpose is to help you control your buoyancy underwater and to provide a safe resting float at the surface.

Buoyancy is controlled with an single air bladder which is either positioned in the rear of the BCD or distributed (jacket-style). Rear lift BCDs allow A little more freedom of movement While diving but are harder to balance at the surface. The tank is secured to the BCD’s backpack with a strap and buckle. Backpacks can differ in their rigidity, but the main difference between backpacks is in their padding.
Cold water diving calls for the use of thick wetsuits, both of which require ample lead to offset their buoyancy, and a BC with enough lift capacity to compensate for the loss of that buoyancy at depth. In contrast, warm water diving requires that a BC have little more than a place to strap the tank, hang your hoses and enough lift to float the diver and minimal weight.

Additional features:

Material weights from 400 to 1000 Denier Nylon. The higher the number means the more abrasion resistant.
BCs offer a variety of shoulder and waist adjustments to help you custom fit the BC to your body.

Single and Dual Tank band configurations.

Quick releases on the shoulders make for easy removal on the deck or in an emergency.

Weight integrated - conveniently and comfortably allows you to carry some of your lead in your BCD. One should still wear a standard weight belt as well with the integrated BC to lower the weight in the unit and to add better balance. This also reduces staff fatigue lifting and retrieving after dives.
A thoughtful diver will remove the weight pockets and hand them up to the boat rather than expecting staff to lift a heavy unit.

Clips & pockets - positioned to provide convenient access to lights, knives, writing tablets, etc

Cressi-Sub BC

SIZING CHART

	XSmall	Small	Medium
WEIGHT	Up to 115 lbs	120 - 145 lbs	140 - 175 lbs
HEIGHT	Up to 5'0"	5'1" - 5'4"	5'4" - 5'8"
WAIST*	Up to 32"	28"- 36"	32"- 40"

	Large	XLarge
WEIGHT	170 - 210 lbs	205-240 lbs
HEIGHT	5'8"- 6'1"	5'9"- 6'2"
WAIST*	36"- 44"	40"- 48"

Aqua light BCD

New, highly improved version of the Aqua light model, this BC has been specifically designed for travelers and divers who want an ultra light BC without sacrificing that Cressi quality, finish and accessories. It is made from 210-denier nylon combined with a special self-draining webbing. The soft backpack and tank attachment includes non-slip cushioning and two cam bands. The new version also introduces two large zip-up pockets on this model, perfect to stow small and large accessories. Two wallet weight pockets are applied on the outer side of the main pockets, locked into position by a 40mm adjustable buckle. These pockets have been designed to stow a modest quantity of weight (up to a maximum of 3kg per pocket), which can be instantly dumped thanks to the “gravity” system.

Who it's for

Aqua light R is the perfect BC for demanding travelers. It is ultra light and strong at the same time and comes with all the accessories and technical features that have made Cressi Bcds famous worldwide. Because it is close-fitting it has highly streamlined buoyancy, excellent even in strong currents.

This new version of the Aqua light BC has some new, improved features, putting it right at the top of its category. Users love this BC because it is lightweight, easy to carry and it has excellent buoyancy, which in practice means excellent diving performance, even when dealing with currents. It is made from 210-denier nylon, as it is light and strong at the same time, combined with a special self-draining webbing and strong grip rubber material inserts. The BC structure does not have a rigid backpack to make for easy carrying. The tank is attached with special non-slip cushioning, complete with two cam bands. On the back, at the top of the BC, there is a carry handle that can also be used as an extra safety attachment for the tank valves. The back part of the BC inner is well-padded for diver comfort. The waist strap is separate from the bag and is topped with a dual adjustment strap, allowing a natural “fold out” opening of the BC when there is a large amount of air, so the diver never feels any compression or constricting sensation. It has three deflation/pressure valves: one on the upper end of the hose, a second one on the right shoulder, controlled by a pull tab and third one fitted to the bottom right rear, like all Cressi Bcds controlled by a pull tab with the control on the lower front side of the BC for easier and quicker access to the deflation knob. The two zip-up accessories pockets have been enlarged. They are topped by 2 wallet-style weight pockets, which have also been expanded and are locked into position by a 40mm adjustable buckle. These pockets have been designed to stow a modest quantity of weight, up to a maximum of 3kg per pocket; the weight can be easily stowed even in the water and instantly dumped thanks to the gravity system. Technical features - Two external webbed pockets, which can also be activated in the water - Two large, zip-up accessories pockets - Three deflation and pressure relief valves - Rear valve with front control - Soft, well-padded backpack - Padded cushioning and two cam bands to hold the tank - Two 50mm techno polymer D-rings on the shoulders - Two 50mm techno polymer D-rings on the bottom edge of the BC - Two 30mm techno polymer D-rings above the pockets - Adjustable waist strap - Ultra light and easy to carry - Material: 210 denier nylon and self-draining webbing - Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL - Buoyancy in Newton: 75 (XS), 90 (S), 105 (M), 150 (L), 160(XL) - Buoyancy in kg: 7.7 (XS), 9.2 (S), 10.7 (M), 15.3 (L), 16.3 (XL) - Buoyancy in lbs: 16.9 (XS), 20.2 (S), 23.6 (M), 33.7 (L), 36.0 (XL) (values certified by R.I.N.A. according to CE standard 0474) - Weight in kg: 2.300 (XS), 2.350 (S), 2.550 (M), 2.650 (L), 2.750 (XL)

AERO PRO
Spearhead model of the new AERO range, it has been specifically designed to be able to stow all the diver's weights in the different pockets.

Complete with the brand new Lock-Aid System (L.A.S.), which consists of two special slip-off weight containers complete with the brand new and patented Lock-Aid-System with mechanical safety release for rapid extraction; each one can stow up to 4.5 kg of weight.

The shoulder straps are separate from the bag, which provides considerable buoyancy as required by the models with fully integrated weights.
Notwithstanding this, the mixed front-back volume and the anatomic conformation guarantee an extremely streamlined and enveloping structure that is perfect for forward moving.

The extensive accessories include two accessory holder zip-up pockets, two weight pockets on the back, several stainless steel D-rings, two knife sheaths and two carry handles.

The choice of materials makes it possible to keep the weight down for air travel.

Notwithstanding the excellent buoyancy guaranteed by the mixed front-back structure of the bag, this wraparound jacket guarantees a particularly small forward moving section.

Considerable comfort is guaranteed by the anatomic padded back and by the two-piece elasticized waistband, extensively adjustable in length, complete with the famous Freematic Cressi system that stops the abdomen from feeling compressed even when it is fully inflated.

The integrated weights system uses large pockets that can be slipped off towards the front of the jacket, with the brand new, patented Lock-Aid-System, which makes extraction immediate and extremely easy, while still combined with anti-slip off safety.

The extensive accessories include two accessory holder zip-up pockets, two 50 mm D-rings on the shoulders, two on the bottom of the jacket, a knife sheath above each of the front pockets and two more weight pockets on the back.

There are three dump/pressure valves: one situated at the upper extremity of the hose, a second one on the right shoulder, controlled by the tubed line and a third one fitted to the bottom right rear of the jacket.

Although the structure is strong, the judicious choice of materials has made it possible to keep the weight right down for air travel.

Technical features

- Bag expansion: mixed front-back
- Material: 500 Cordura for the outer, 420 denier Nylon on the inner
- Two large zip-up accessories pockets
- Integrated Lock-Aid weight pocket system
- Bag retaining system
- Two back weight pockets
- Three dump-pressure valves
- Two, 50mm stainless steel D-rings on the shoulders
- Two, 50mm stainless steel D-rings on the bottom
- Two, 30mm techno polymer D-rings above the pockets
- Rigid carry handle
- Adjustable nylon handle on rear
- Two knife sheaths above the front pockets

BACK JAC BCD

In the new AERO range, this is the rear expanding model that offers the maximum buoyancy of all. The anatomic conformation of the jacket and the special elastic bag retainer keep the size smaller and ensure a favorable forward moving section.

Like the other models in the AERO series, it has been specifically designed to be able to stow all the diver's weights in the different pockets.
Complete with the brand new Lock-Aid System (L.A.S.), which consists of two special slip-off weight containers complete with the brand new and patented Lock-Aid-System with mechanical safety release for rapid extraction; each one can stow up to 4.5 kg of weight.

The extensive accessories include two accessory holder zip-up pockets, two weight pockets on the back, several stainless steel D-rings and two knife sheaths.

A judicious choice of materials has made it possible to combine its extreme sturdiness with a smaller weight for air travel.

The rear expanding bag offers extreme comfort without in the least interfering with the diver's body, irrespective of how inflated it is. The special elastic bag retainer guarantees quick deflation and at the same time keeps the volume to a minimum.

Considerable comfort is guaranteed by the soft covering made from special webbed material on the back and all along the inner jacket. The two-piece elasticized waistband, adjustable in length, comes complete with the famous Freematic Cressi system.

The integrated weights system uses large pockets that can be slipped off towards the front of the jacket, with the brand new, patented Lock-Aid-System, which makes extraction immediate and extremely easy, while still combined with anti-slip off safety.

The two large webbed, vertical accessories pockets are concealed and when not used they can be rolled up and protected by a zip.

The extensive accessories include two 50 mm D-rings on the shoulders, two on the bottom of the jacket, a knife sheath above each of the front pockets and two more weight pockets on the back (situated on the front).

There are three dump/pressure valves: one situated at the upper extremity of the hose, a second one on the right shoulder, controlled by the tubed line and a third one fitted to the bottom right of the jacket.

Although the structure is strong, the combined use of 500 Cordura and 420 denier nylon has made it possible to keep the weight right down for air travel.

Technical features

- Bag expansion: back
- Material: 500 Cordura and 420 denier Nylon
- Two large zip-up concealed accessories pockets
- Integrated Lock-Aid weight pocket system
- Two back weight pockets
- Three dump-pressure valves
- Two, 50mm stainless steel D-rings on the shoulders
- Two, 50mm stainless steel D-rings on the bottom
- Two, 30mm techno polymer D-rings above the pockets
- Rigid carry handle
- Adjustable nylon handle on rear
- Two knife sheaths

Resource :
www.diveremporium.com

Bunaken Dive Sites - North Sulawesi

2008-05-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

Bunaken - One of the most exotic dive site

Explore Bunaken area for the world-class walls of life, Bangka group of islands for sea mounts, slopes, cavern and pinnacles, Manado Coast and Lembeh Strait to discover the rare, exotic and bizarre marine life. Our Instructors/Divemasters are more than familiar with the dive site of all 4 areas. Our most experienced Indonesian certified Dive-Master has been helping guest enjoy the diving of North Sulawesi. Another of our dive guides is well known to many underwater photographers for his ability to spot the super macro critters.

Bunaken National Park & Manado Coast Dive Sites

1. Muka Kampung
2. Lekuan 1
3. Lekuan 2
4. Lekuan 3
5. Cela Cela
6. Alung Banua
7. Fukui
8. Ron's Point
9. Mandolin
10. Bunaken Tengah
11. Raymond's Point
12. Mike's Point
13. Sachiko's Point
14. Bunaken Timur
15. Pangalisang
16. Siladen
17. Siladen Utara
18. Bualo

19. Muka Gereja
20. Pangulingan
21. Barracuda's Point
22. Gorango
23. Bango
24. Batu Kapal
25. Jalan Masuk
26. Tasik Ria House-Reef
27. Kalasey
28. Blue Banter House-Reef
29. Barracuda Dive Resort House-Reef
30. Shipwreck Molas
31. Tanjung Pisok 2
32. Tanjung Pisok 1
33. Abang's Point
34. Tiwoho

Bangka Dive Sites

1. Teluk Kora-Kora
2. Tanjung Tarabitan
3. Gangga Lake
4. Lehaga
5. Aer Banua
6. Tanjung Arus
7. Batu Kapal
8. Airplane Wreck

9. Bosa Bora
10. Batu Goso
11. Tanjung Toto
12. Sabina
13. Sahaung
14. Batu Mandi
15. Pulisan
16. Batu Pendeta

Lembeh Strait Dive Sites

1. Batu Angus
2. Aw Shucks
3. Hairball 3
4. Hairball 1
5. Hairball 2
6. Teluk Kambahu 1 / TK 1
7. Teluk Kambahu 2 / TK 2
8. Teluk Kambahu 3 / TK 3
9. Retak Larry
10. Magic Rock
11. Nudi's Retreat
12. Makawide
13. Jahir
14. Aer Prang
15. Nudi's Fall
16. Police Pier
17. Tandurusa
18. Bimoli Shipwreck
19. Batu Kapal
20. Jiko Yansi

21. Pulau Putus
22. Batu Merah
23. Angel's Window
24. Batu Sandar
25. Tanjung Tebal
26. Tanjung Kubur
27. Pantai Parigi
28. Pintu Kota
29. Pintu Kolada
30. Critter Hunt
31. Bastianos House-Reef
32. Mawali Shipwreck
33. Pulau Abadi
34. Kapal Indah
35. Gaby Acrab
36. Jiko Dolong
37. Pulau Dua
38. Menara Mandolang

PUBLISHED RATES 2008 ( EURO )
Valid from 1 April 2008 - 31 December 2008
Rates info taken from http://www.bastianos.com

Published rates subject to change without notice.
However we will notify of any changes ASAP

** ROOM **

Beachfront Room ( Sea View )

Double / Twin	Single
€ 25 /person/night	€ 30 /person/night
10 beachfront cottages right on the bright sandy beach only 2-3 meters from the shore when high tide. Double / Twin-bed room with cooling fan, attached bathroom with shower and western-style toilet, balcony

Hillside Room ( Sea View )

Double / Twin	Single
€ 20 /person/night	€ 25 /person/night
11 hillside wooden rooms right under lush tropical vegetation and most have ocean views. Double / Twin-bed room with cooling fac, attached bathroom with shower and western-style toilet, balcony

Standard Room

Double	Single
€ 18 /person/night	€ 23 /person/night
4 standard wooden rooms. All comes with double bed, attached bathroom, shower and western-style toilet.

Children Policy
Children 6-10 years old 50% discount from adult non-diver price sharing in the same room with parent. Children below 6 years old free of charge

Room Rates includes : breakfast, buffet-lunch and dinner, free coffee, tea and mineral water,government tax and service charges, roundtrip airport transfer included with reservation (min. 3 or more nights). Please see the transfer information below
Room Rates not includes : Bunaken Entrance Fee ( please see Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee Announcement )

Transfer Information.

We also include transfers from airport to Bastianos and back to airport for guests staying 3 or more nights with reservation at no charges. Reservation guests who stay less than 3 nights will be charged € 5 / person / trip. Our staff will be standing by at the arrival gate of Manado airport to pick you up with a Bastianos board and guests name(s)on it. It's about 30 minutes by car to Manado city and another 50 minutes by boat to Bunaken. Bastianos regular transportation boat will leave Bunaken at 10.00 (morning) to Manado and return to Bunaken from Manado at between 15.00 or 16.00 (afternoon). Reservation guests who wish to be transferred from and to Bunaken not within the regular boat schedule will be charge extra for special chartered boat € 40

Bastianos Boat Departure Time. Free for Minimum staying 3 nights or more

From Manado - Bunaken. 15.00
From Bunaken - Manado. 10.00

** DIVING **

Scuba Fun Dive 1 boat dive / day 2 boat dives / day 3 boat dives / day incl. weights+belt,tanks,guides	€ 25 € 43 € 61
Night Dive incl. weights+belt,tank,guide	€ 29
Refreshal Dive theory and basic skills review. Additional to one boat dive using the same tank	€ 13
Special Excursion / DayDive Trip additional cost : * Nain Isl. - min. 4 divers * Poopoh - min. 4 divers * Bangka - min. 6 divers * Lembeh Strait - min. 6 divers * Early Morning Dive (around bunaken isl.)	€ 11 /pax € 15 /pax € 25 /pax € 29 /pax € 8 /pax
Scuba Gear Rental per day : * Fullset Scuba Gear (Reg,BCD,Wetsuit,M,S,F) * Regulator * BCD Jacket * Wetsuit * Mask * Snorkel * Full-foot Fins * Open-hill Fins * Booties * Open Heel Fins + Booties * Suunto Dive Computer * U/w Light for ND ( incl. new batteries ) * Snorkeling Vest	€ 11 € 3 € 3 € 4 € 2 € 1 € 3 € 3 € 3 € 5 € 5 € 4 € 3

** FULLBOARD STAY and DIVE PACKAGES **

No. of Nights	No. of Dives	Beachfront Room	Hillside Room	Standard Room
3N	4 dives	€ 157	€ 148	€ 137
3N	5 dives	€ 175	€ 166	€ 154
4N	6 dives	€ 222	€ 210	€ 194
4N	8 dives	€ 257	€ 245	€ 229
5N	8 dives	€ 285	€ 270	€ 251
5N	11 dives	€ 336	€ 322	€ 303
6N	10 dives	€ 346	€ 329	€ 306
6N	14 dives	€ 415	€ 398	€ 375
7N	12 dives	€ 407	€ 387	€ 360
7N	17 dives	€ 491	€ 471	€ 445
8N	14 dives	€ 465	€ 443	€ 413
8N	20 dives	€ 566	€ 544	€ 514
9N	16 dives	€ 523	€ 498	€ 465
9N	23 dives	€ 639	€ 614	€ 581
10N	18 dives	€ 579	€ 552	€ 515
10N	26 dives	€ 710	€ 683	€ 647
11N	20 dives	€ 634	€ 604	€ 565
11N	29 dives	€ 780	€ 750	€ 711
12N	22 dives	€ 687	€ 655	€ 613
12N	32 dives	€ 848	€ 816	€ 773
13N	24 dives	€ 740	€ 705	€ 660
13N	35 dives	€ 914	€ 880	€ 834
14N	26 dives	€ 790	€ 754	€ 705
14N	38 dives	€ 978	€ 942	€ 893
Package Prices are Per Person based on double or twin-share in one room. For Single Occupancy extra € 5/person/night. Packages incl. room, three meals/day, coffe, tea, drinking water, weights+belt, tanks, guides, roundtrip airport transfer and boat transfer ( please see the transfer information above ). Extra Dive during daytime possible to arrange. 3rd Dive € 18 All dives are boat dives during daytime. For upgrade one of the boat dive to be Night Dive, extra € 10 per ND. No dive on arrival and departure day if joining bastianos regular boat. Scuba Gear excluded Bunaken Entrance Fee excluded

** PADI COURSES **

PADI Certification Course : * Scuba Diver ( 2-3 days ) * Open Water Diver ( 4-5 days ) * Referral dives for OWD Course incl. PIC	€ 170 € 285 € 160
PADI Continuing Education Course : * Adventure Diver ( 3 adventure dives ) * Advanced Open Water Diver ( 5 adventure dives ) * Emergency First Response with AED * Rescue Diver * Package EFR + Rescue	€ 120 € 190 € 65 € 235 € 295
PADI Specialty Courses ( Available upon request )
PADI Vocational Training : * Divemaster ( 3-4 weeks ) * Divemaster Internship ( up to 5 weeks ) ( scuba gear, PADI Divemaster application & membership are not included. Membership is AUS$ 110 pay directly to PADI )	€ 480 € 645
All PADI Course Prices incl. scuba gear during the course, instructor, certification. Course Prices not includes course manual.
PADI Course Manual : * Scuba Diver / Open Water Diver * Adventure Diver / Advanced Open Water Diver * EFR * Rescue Diver * Divemaster Course Manual, Diving Knowledge Workbook, Encyclopedia of Recretional Diving	€ 29 € 36 € 22 € 36 € 65

** SNORKELING **

Snorkeling trip (joining one boat dive trip) – around Bunaken National Park Area per dive site	€ 5 /pax
Snorkeling gear ( M, S, F )	€ 6 /day

** BASTIANOS INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM **

Introductiion + 1 dive	€ 50
Introduction + 2 dives	€ 75
Additional Dive after Introduction	€ 25 /dive
This is a "learn to dive" program for non-certified diver. Prices incl. short theory and basic underwater skills, fullset scuba gear, weights+belt,guides,boats,tanks.

LANDTOURS ( min. 2 person )Available upon request

Manado City Tour
Minahasa Highland Tour
Tangkoko Nature Reserve Tour
Mahawu Trekking
Adventure Rafting

Resource
www.bastianos.com

Raja Ampat Diving Sites - Cape Kri

2008-05-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

Cape Kri

This reef is one of the more popular dive sites of Raja Ampat and its no surprise why. Marine Biologist and respected author of a number of marine reference books Dr. Gerald R. Allen said "On my last trip to Raja Ampat, I recorded 283 fish species during a single dive near the Kri Island resorts. This is the most fishes ever seen on a single dive over a career spanning almost 30 years."

Divers here can look forward to being literally engulfed by fish, huge swirling schools of dogtooth tuna, jacks, giant trevally and chevron barracuda. In addition to these expect to see large napoleon wrasse, car sized Queensland groupers and reef sharks as you drift along with the fish. Coral growth here is also diverse with all manner of hard and soft varieties. It is best to stay deep here to avoid the stong surface currents.

If you crave for the sense of being surrounded by fish you're gonna love this Raja Ampat dive site. Normally you will no sooner have deflated your BCD than the spectacle begins. A tremendous variety of fish will come into view, dominated, in terms of biomass by dogtooth tuna, giant trevallies and chevron barracuda.

Add to this the likely presence of large Napoleon wrasses, whitetip reef sharks and giant groupers, as well as innumerable fusiliers and snappers, and you will wish your log book pages were longer. The very fortunate may even get a look at the five gigantic Queensland groupers, reputed to be as big as small cars, which are sometimes seen on this dive.

To dive here is to drift effortlessly with the current past these great numbers of fish. However that is not all the site has to offer, as the coral growth is equally diverse. In and around the coral you can look out for nudibranchs and scorpionfish as your air supply decreases at the end of what tends to be a most rewarding and always entertaining dive.

Cape Kri Reef Basics: Sloping wall
Depth: 5 - 40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Moderate but can be very strong
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: ~50 km north of Sorong (5 hours), at Kri Island, near Waigeo Island
Access: Raja Ampat liveaboards from West Timor or Irian Jaya

soource:
www.divetheworldindonesia.com
asiadivesite.com

Irian Jaya Diving - Raja Ampat Sites

2008-05-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

Dive Sites of West Papua Province

Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. It is a part of the newly named West Papua province of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya.

Put simply, Raja Ampat diving is the bees knees in the world of scuba. If you don't enjoy your dives here, you may as well sell your dive gear! According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin and their more recent 2006 scientific surveys, the marine life diversity for scuba diving in Irian Jaya is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the coral triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea - the cream of the cream in world diving.

Over 1,200 fish species - a world record 284 on one single dive at Kofiau Island, the benchmark figure for an excellent dive site of 200 fish species surpassed on 51% of Raja Ampat dives (another world record), 600 coral species (a remarkable 97% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), 699 mollusc species - again another world high.

The term "Frontier Diving" seems to have been invented for Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya. To visit these waters is to feel at the edge of the earth. To gaze over crystalline seas at the beehive-shaped, largely uninhabited islands is to be as far away from it all as you can imagine. At most places on the sea in Asia, the night sky is lit up like Piccadilly Circus by fishing boats. At night time in Misool you can peer out at the horizon and maybe see one or two distant specks of light.

Not many Indonesia liveaboards cover the Raja Ampat scuba diving sites around Irian Jaya making the exploration of this fabulous area even more special. Some of the highlights include the innumerable war wrecks, both ships and planes (with new wrecks being discovered constantly), encounters with dolphins, Misool Island and the simplicity of drifting effortlessly over some of the most pristine and fascinating coral scenes imaginable.

To dive in Irian Jaya is mostly drift dives due to the moderate currents prevalent in the area, which provide nutrients for the myriad fish and coral. The variety of marine life can be staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it's highly likely you'll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.

Due to these currents and the number of wrecks, Irian Jaya is not really considered a destination for absolute beginners, rather for divers with a few dives under their weightbelts looking to get away from the crowds. Visibility is normally very good but can vary and is normally at its best earlier in the day so your pre-breakfast dives are not to be slept through!

Diving Season

Raja Ampat diving is superb just about all year round. The term High Season is of little meaning here since there is such an expanse of sea visited by only a few liveaboards that "diver soup" is not really a danger. May to September is light rainy season, and Mid-July to mid-September sees some small surface swells, but not usually serious enough to interfere with your enjoyment.

Reef Basics

Great for: Reef life and health, large animals, small animals, underwater photography, advanced divers
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: Unknown but >200
Distance: ~1,200 km north east of West Timor (60 hours)
Access: Raja Ampat liveaboard cruises from West Timor or Irian Jaya
Recommended length of stay: 10 - 16 days

resources :

www.divetheworldindonesia.com

www.honusports.com

Alor Island Diving & Travel Guides

2008-05-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

1	Behind Kepa Island	8	Melangwala	15	Buaya Island	22	Papajahi
2	Front of Kepa island	9	Dolabang	16	Buaya Island	23	Matap
3	South Alor island	10	Limarahi	17	North Buaya Island 1	24	Lola
4	Solangbali	11	Ternate besar	18	North Buaya Island 2	25	Tamalabang
5	Harilolong	12	South Ternate	19	Batu Putih	26	Bana Village
6	Rata	13	Umapura	20	Koka	27	Pantar Island
7	Pura selata	14	East Ternat	21	Aimoli	28	Bama Village

Alor is a hidden paradise for marine biodiversity. You can meet the best coral formations and underwater life in the Alor-Pantar strait.

Diving allows you to appreciate all the richness of underwater world in all types of configuration of the reef, but just with your snorkelling gear, you can enjoy the reef scenery, many types of corals where revolve thousand of fishes.

Snorkelling is possible all around Kepa island, but you can also try magnificent coral garden of Alor Besar, or the excellent spots of Pura, Ternate and Pantar, just a short ride by boat.

Alor is recognized to keep some of the best diving in Asia. Surround by clear water, the visibility can reach more than 40 meters, with a temperature of 28°C.

With its volcanic origin, Alor offers great variety of dive sites, nearly limitless ; some outstanding walls, rock slides, valleys, seamounts, pinnacles, and unspoiled coral reefs.

Alor got a real good health reef : fishermen here are sustainable fishing practices (bubu or bamboo traps,...).

The variety and diversity is wide, from small fish to big pelagic sea life, with a rich concentration of invertebrates as well, hard and soft corals.

Some dive sites are renowned for big fishes, sharks, hammerheads, giant groupers, Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, mola-mola, dog tooth tunas, schools of big eyes jack...

ALOR DIVE SITES

The remote islands of Alor and Pura lie east of Flores and north of Timor. They are not renowned dive destinations and consequently get few visiting liveaboards. However the diving here can be pretty spectacular at the right time of year. A lot of cold water passes through narrow straits between the islands causing strong currents and eddies. They also attract big fish that come in to feed such as barracuda, schooling big-eye jacks, dog-toothed tuna, monster groupers, and lots of sharks. There are no resorts here due to its remoteness but that, for many divers, is the attraction of diving Alor.

There are a number of dive sites between the west coast of Alor, around Payar island and up to the smaller islands of Ternate and Buaya. Coral reef profiles are extremely varied with walls, sloping reefs, pinnacles, caves and seamounts. There are both rocky sites with coral cover and true coral reef sites. Highlights are not only the big visitors but great viz, critters and very few other divers.

Kal's Dream
This is probably the most well known dive site in the area. The submerged pinnacle which can only be dived on slack tide are teeming with schools of small fish including anthias and fusiliers. You need to fin down to it since the current is usually quite strong, once there keep a lookout for barracuda and blacktips however they arent guarunteed to show. "The Dream" can be hit or miss, on a good day the viz can be gin-clear, large grey reef sharks and even hammerheads have been known to visit this spot.

Sharks Galore and Clown Valley
These two sites are located on the eastern site of Pura island. Dives are usually started in Sharks Galore where blacktips and grey reef sharks are often spotted, the dive moves south and finishes at Clown Valley which is named after the abundance of anemones and clownfish found here. There are so many of them in fact that they occupy more surface area than any other form of live at this spot.

Mandarin House and the Boardroom
The north side of Pura island offers this healthy reef slope where mandarinfish can be seen dancing in the daylight. Dusk often yields the opportunity to witness them mating. A 50 meter deep wall at the Boardroom just east of Mandarin House offers caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers at depth.

Pertamina Pier
This relatively new site is a black sand slope in the harbour that forms a haven for critters. Keep a look out for ghost pipefish, seahorses, hairy crabs and even wonderpuss - a bizarre species of octopuss. Night diving here can be even more interesting!

There are a number of other dive sites in the area including The Arch off Ternate island. This spot has a large underwater arch at 20 to 30 meters covered in whip corals and gorgonians. Small caves can be found while diving arounf Buaya island and sea apples are the highlight diving off neighbouring Pantar island. Many of the other Alor dive sites are great for small critters and macro delights.

resources: