Indonesia Diving, Raja Ampat Island "The incradible reef and fish"

No doubt about it, the Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish, that I have ever been. Dr G.R.Allen"

I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier.

Michael Aw
"I love the people, I love the diving, It's super!! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the third time!! Should I say more?" Peter van Dalen (Taken from www.iriandive.com)
Raja Ampat Island is the most western district of the Indonesian province of Papua. Raja Ampat consists of an area surrounding four major island off the western coast of Birds Head Panisula of New Guinea Island. The western half of which is Indonesia and the eastern half, Papua New Guinea. The province was called Irian Jaya, and its a cluster of over 1500 small Islands.
Raja Ampat is the most bio-diverse location in the world more than 3000 species of fishes and over 300 species of corals have been identified here, in a single one and half hour dive you can identified more than 282 fish species and more than 400 species. Till this very day the area is virtually unexplored and unknown due to its size. This area as there are still many remnants of WW II.
The Roughest seas and decreased visibility in the Raja Ampat area are from mid-June until the end of August. During the rest of the year, the sea is mostly very smooth whit good visibility.

Dive sites in Raja Ampat Island:
Kri Island: Kri has several sites and Cape Kri is one of the fishiest. The fish numbers and variety are truly amazing. The site is current dependent. Generally it's a steep slope with beautiful coral growth, lots of reef and schooling fishes, including the giant Queensland Grouper.

Sardine Reef: Sardine Reef has really giant clams at 10m (33ft) but it's all about non-stop fishes here. There's a resident school of bumphead parrotfish in the shallows, colorful soft corals and plenty of critters.

Kaboei Bay Rock Islands: The bay is a labyrinth of rock islands. Visibility isn't great but this is a great place for macro and finding odd nudibranches, mollusks and the pictured dragonet. Bat caves and skeletons are found on some of the islands.

The Passage: This is a drift dive through a narrow channel near Waigeo. Look for archerfish among the mangroves, orange cup corals, seahorses, and percula clownfish.

Fam Island: Several sites near Fam have stunning coral growth. Sponges and soft corals add color and fishes keep it going. Sites include walls, sloping reefs, and muddy bays.

Misool: Misool is awash in fish life and huge sea fans. Caverns and boulders mark several sites. The schooling fishes seem endless and pygmy seahorses live in less than 10m (33ft). Some sites are current dependent.

At a Glance Irian Diving
Reef type: Vertical walls, Lagoon channels, caves, platform reefs, etc.
Access: By boat from base camps.
Visibility: Very good, 20-45 meters.
Current: Moderate, excellent for drift diving.
Coral: Excellent " abundant & divers.
Fish: Variety & abundance guaranteed.
Highlights: Snorkeling with dolphins near the Wai base camp (5m); White-tip sharks under P47B wing; finding new wrecks untouched/complete.

Getting There
It is easiest to fly through to Sorong via Jakarta or via Singapore. Merpati, Pelita and Lion/Wings Airlines operate daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong (with stopovers in Ujung Pandang/Makassar and/or Manado), whereas Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Daily flights to and from Sorong by Airlines Merpati, Lion/Wings or Pelita.

Where to Stay
Raja Ampat Island have several accommodations whit traditional design, and there many boat you can rent for a stay. If you using dive operator they will arrange for your base came.

Moving Around

Raja Ampat islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white sand beaches. Explore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one dive site to another dive site.

Dining GuideThere are several restaurants and cafes throughout Sorong. Try their specialties: traditional irian foods!

Souvenir Tips

There are many traditional souvenirs made from wood.
Other Things to See or DoYou can visit gorgeous waterfalls, ancient burial sites, bat caves and stunning waterways breathtaking limestone landscapes and Manta ray spotting and bird watching.

Travel Tips
To enter Papua itself, you need a surat jalan (Travel Permit) which is issued by the local police. Please bring: 3 Passport Photos, 3 Copies of the photo page of your passport and 3 Copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa.
Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Irian Jaya Dive, contact: Sorong, Indonesia Office: Papua Diving. Phone: +62 (411) 401 660, Fax:

+62 (951) 325 274. www.Iriandiving.com

Basking on Beautiful Borobudur

Budha's Statue in BorobudurOne of the 7 wonders in the ancient world, Borobudur is located near Magelang. Borobudur, a Hindu-Buddhist temple, was built in the 9th century. This temple has Gupta architecture of India?s influence.
Constructed on a hill about 46 meters high, Borobudur has about 55,000 m3 or stones. Borobudur?s design symbolizes the structure of the universe. This design influences temples in Angkor, Cambodia. This temple was found in 1815, under volcanic ash. About 41 kilometers northward from Jogjakarta, Borobudur offers spectacular sight in this modern world.

Getting There

Borobudur is only 1 hour away by car from Jogjakarta. You can either join a tour or rent a car to this spot.

Where to Stay
Inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around
You'll explore this site on foot. Climb this magnificent temple and marvel at various carvings on the stone around you.

Dining Guide
You can bring your own food or buy them around this site.

Souvenir Tips
Souvenirs related to Borobudur can be bought in Jogjakarta. You can buy silver Borobudur's miniature (silver plated ones are also available), keychains, and many more. T-Shirts and postcards with an overview of Borobudur are popular as keepsakes.

Other Things to See or Do
Marvel at the magnificent view. For better understanding of this temple, you can join a tour or hire a licensed tour guide here. Climb the temple to reach the top, where you can see an vacant space signifying emptiness as completion. There's a superstition saying that if you climb this temple with one wish deep in mind, try touching Buddha's figure inside the stupa, which is bell-like in structure. If you're able to touch the Buddha, your wish will come true. Take note of the stone carvings. There are many stories in these stones.

Travel Tips
Dress lightly and comfortably.
Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.
Wear a hat or an umbrella. Bring along a raincoat, just in case.

A World Heritage Site: Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is the first national park, founded in Indonesia. The park (80,000 ha) lies on a peninsula in south-west Java and includes the islands Pulau Peucang, Pulau Panaitan and the Krakatau archipelago. On 1 February, 1992, the Proposed Ujung Kulon National Park complex and the Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve were declared a World Heritage Site. The borders on the north, south and west side of Ujung Kulon are made up by the Indian Ocean. The Honje mountain range, including the highest point of the park Gunung Honje (620 m), forms the eastern border. The Indian Ocean is the main access route.
Single-horned RhinocerousHabitats in the park consists of lowland rainforest, swamp, mangrove and beach forest. Vegetation on Pulau Panaitan consists of dry-beach forest, mangrove forest and lowland rain forest which is characterized by an abudance of palms. On Anak Krakatau, the island that came into existence after the Krakatau exploded, flora and fauna are still young. Small animals and birds gradually colonize the lava island. The principal flora consists of grasslands, beach forest, lowland rain forest and moss forests at the higher altitudes. The most important reason to declare Ujung Kulon a National Park is the existence of the almost-extinct Javan Rhinoceroses in the area. The population of these extremely endangered animals in Ujung Kulon is estimated to be 50-60.

Getting There
Ujung Kulon National Park is accessible by boat (5-6 hour) from Labuan. You can get to Labuan by minibus from Jakarta (3-4 hour) or Bogor. An other possibility is to take a bus with destination Merak from Kalideres bus station in Jakarta. Get out in Cilegon and from there catch a bus to Labuan.The boat from Labuan leaves for Pulau Peucang or Tamanjaya.
The beach of Ujung KulonComing from Sumatra by ferry, your journey will end in Merak. From Merak, take the bus to Jakarta, jump off in Cilegon and from there see above. There may be minibuses going all the way from Merak to Labuan. A cheaper alternative to access the park runs over land. From Labuan you may take the HM minibus (from Serang bus station) or a taxi to Tamanjaya (about Rp. 25,000, 3,5 hrs). In Tamanjaya you'll be able to arrange a boat to Pulau Peucang (Rp. 700,000), Pulau Handeleum (Rp. 200,000) or Pulau Panaitan (Rp. 900,000); mooring and boat entry permits are not included. Krakatau is best visited from Labuan.

Where to Stay
Permits, local guides speaking only bahasa Indonesia (about Rp. 30,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes), English-speaking guides (Rp. 100,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes) and accommodation can be arranged at the PHPA office in Labuan, or at Kagum in Jakarta. You can also find accomodation in Ujung Kulon. But it's always best to plan ahead.

Moving Around
Navigate around the park on foot. If it's your first time here, you may want to consider hiring an English-speaking guide.

Dining Guide
Although you can order meals at places of accomodation, you should bring your own food for the trip.

Souvenir Tips
Unfortunately, not much to hope for. There may be some rhinoceros figures for sale, but you'll have to keep a keen eye on the quality. Ask your guide for keepsake recommendation, things that you're allowed to pick up along the way and will remind you for this pleasant experience.

Other Things to See or Do
Round Pulau Peucang and Pulau Panaitan you'll be able to snorkel and dive among beautiful coral reefs.

Travel Tips
The best time to visit the park is April to August, when the sea is calm, so you won't get seasick.
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Diving Experience in Celebes

Bunaken is one of the most spectacular spots for diving and admiring marine life. Other places nearby are also ranked among the favorites by locals and international tourists Located near Sulawesi or Celebes, Indonesia, Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen Island, Lembeh Strait are perfect destinations for amateur and professional divers.

Getting There
Where to StayInns and hotels in Manado, or in Sulawesi Dive Quest on Bunaken island Liang beach, a small beach resort.
Moving AroundExplore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one place to another.

Dining Guide
Various restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood and food made of coconuts!

Souvenir Tips
Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.

Other Things to See or Do
Diving, swimming, snorkeling.
Walking around on the beach.
Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
Ornitologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips
Bring along your bathing suit, if you plan to swim. You can rent diving suits and equipments in Manado area, though. So no need to bring your own, unless you're a pro.
Join a tour if you'll be diving for the first time.
For more information about diving in Manado, you can visit the Odyssea Divers' About Manado page.From some major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, join a flight to Manado (in North Sulawesi). To save the hassle, you can join special tours provided by a travel agent of your choice.

The Komodo Islands: Diving & Visit the Dragon

The islands of the Komodo Dragon: Rinca & Komodo Islands are part of the complex of 175 islands (about 90% unhabitant), situated 200 nautical miles east of Bali, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Both above and below the sea Komodo represents a unique range of geological and biological diversity. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo's symbol of international fame its dragons, the world's largest living lizard.
In the sea it's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and marine invertebrates - an underwater photographers paradise.
The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalled marine life. A marine reserve has recently been established and this reserve is largely undocumented and remains unexplored. Komodo National Park was established in 1980. It was declared as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. KNP includes three major islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands together totaling 41,000 ha of land contains 132,000 ha of marine waters.
The corals in Komodo National park are pristine, with Mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong, many pelagics, to the tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish, you name it we've got it. The sites vary from gentle easy coral slopes to heart pounding adrenalin rides, from the warm waters of the Flores Sea in the north to the chillier waters down south in the Indian Ocean, the underwater terrain is so varied with sheer cliff walls, pinnacles, sandy flat bottoms, underwater plateaus, slopes, caves, swim-throughs, channels, all with varying colours, sizes and types of coral both hard and soft.

DIVE SITES:
Bidadari Island
Angel Steps, huge towers of stone, encrusted with hard and soft corals, covered in nudibranchs, small caves and overhangs make this a very interesting and beautiful site, Dusky sharks, humphead parrot fish are among the bigger creatures we see here. Cathedral Coral, a gentle slope covered with table corals of every colour and schooling fish, a towering spire of coral with a small cave at it's base is the home to some huge lobsters.

Sabolon
Sabolon kecil a slope on the east side of this tiny island, with two underwater mounds at the southern end with fields of garden eels and sea pens, schools of round bat fish are often seen coming quite close for some nice photography.

Sabolon Besar steep slopes off the southern and western sides of the bigger island, fabulous coral coverage and a good chance of spotting Scorpion leaf fish.

Sebayur kecil walls and slopes of every kind of coral you can imagine, wide variety of marine life to be seen at this site, mantas often seen.

Tatawa Besar slope with soft coral garden changing to hard coral along the slope, lots of shoaling fish, rainbow runners, fuseliers and often turtles and black tip sharks.

Tatawa Kecil (current city) as the name implies, this site is washed by very strong currents, which is why this site is among the many world class sites in the Komodo National Park, schools of pelagic fish patrol the waters, best dived at slack tide.

Batu Bolong

A little further west from current city a small rock outcrop with a hole through it is the surface mark of another world class site, only to be dived at slack tide or with a current not long from stopping or starting to run, these giant slabs of rock which disappear into the depths are an amazing sight to see, covered with every form of marine life and patrolled by giant trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, sharks and turtles with schools of barracuda sweeping in to check out the divers.

Diving the Komodo National Park provides some fantastic conditions:
WATER TEMPERATURE: 20 - 28 Degrees Celsius (68-85 F) , cooler water is experienced on the southern sites. Full 3mm wetsuit & hood is recommended. More active people will prefer a sports suit in northern sites.

VISIBILITY: 10 - 50M year round. Traditionally clearer water on northern sites.CURRENT: Komodo experiences a strong tidal flow. Not all sites are affected by current. Drift diving is excellent, however during spring tides some sites are impossible to dive. Particular attention is placed on diving the correct sites at the most suitable time to ensure optimum conditions, in accordance with the preferences of the group.

NIGHT DIVING: The night diving in Komodo is breathtaking. The sheer beauty, color and diversity of life makes it a must see for all divers.

WALLS: There are numerous walls to choose from. Both drift and static wall dives are offered.

CANYONS: Huge chasms drop thousands of meters, fringed by extraordinary coral gardens.

CRITTERS: Found in all locations, however we do offer special sites for encountering unusual marine species.

OTHERS: Seamounts, fringing reefs, gutters, muck, and sandy locations are also found in the archipelago.

Getting There
By daily flights from: Bali - Labuan Bajo/Komodo Airport - Bali (each 1.5 hours)

Where to Stay
You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.

Moving Around
On foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything? including the transportation.

Dining Guide
Traditional restaurants and small cafes.

Souvenir Tips
Wooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do
-Fishing
-Snorkeling in Komodo has one of the world's most famous snorkel sites (Pink Beach)
-Dragon walks
-Nature walks
-Hiking
-Beach-combing.

Travel Tips
Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Diving in Komodo Islands you can contact: Adventure Indonesia, Jakarta Office-Wisma 31 Kemang, 3rd Floor, Jl Raya Kemang 31, Jakarta 12730. Phone: 62-21-7182250, 7182256, Fax:62-21-7180438. www.adventureindonesia.com

email:info@adventureindonesia.com

bali@adventureindonesia.com

In Pursuit of Komodo Dragons in Komodo Island

The biggest lizard in this world, it's sometimes called komodo dragon. There is nothing dragonlike about the komodo, though. Admittedly a komodo (Varanus komodoensis) is huge an adult can grow to be 3 meters high with approximately 70 kgs in weight, but it is not as fierce as many people thought. For instance, komodo dragons do not pursue their preys actively or show vicious streak in their coup de grace. Checking on a komodo dragon's mouth and teeth must be every dentist's nightmare, for they are incredibly smelly and full of germs. A komodo dragon usually eats the youngs/wounded animals. But bigger komodo dragons are known to attack bigger livestocks. A bite from a komodo dragon is enough. Then the komodo dragon will follow its prey for days, if necessary. The germs are bound to take effect. When the prey dies, the komodo dragon feasts.
Located between Sumbawa and Flores island, Komodo National Park was founded as a conservation for komodo dragons. Six years after the establishment in 1980, UNESCO declared that this park is a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve. Komodo
National Park consists of three main islands, i.e. Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, also other smaller islands. One of the richest marine environments, this park is also the home for at least 1,000 species of fish, hundreds of species of reef-building, coral, and 70 types of sponges. You can also find sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs in this park.

Getting There

You can go to Lombok or Flores island first, then embarkbark on a boat/ship to this island.

Where to Stay

You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.
Moving AroundOn foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything?including the transportation.

Dining Guide

Traditional restaurants and small cafes.
Souvenir TipsWooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do
-See komodo dragons live even in action, if you're lucky enough to watch their feeding time (officers of this park supply food like fresh chicken to komodo dragons).
-Marvel at the diversity of the plants and animals.
-Swim on the pristine beaches.
-Snorkel to glimpse the diversity of the marine life.
-Visit a traditional village in order to observe their way of life.

Travel Tips
-Since most people in this place speak only Bahasa, it is essential that you learn a few useful phrases in Bahasa Indonesia.
-Join a tour to save your time and energy.
-Bring along sunblock, comfortable clothes, shades and hats.