VIP Newsletter - September 08

DESTINATION: DIVING INDONESIA

If you plan to dive in Indonesia youll see loads of stuff you cant see elsewhere in the world. There are more than 3000 fish species, 600 coral species, WWII wrecks, underwater volcanic mountains, deep trenches and tons of macro life. Think whale sharks, sunfish, mantas, eagle rays, pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus, sponges, tunicates and corals.

If we havent got your heart pounding and considering holiday options already, theres one last little plug we can throw in. Just consider that 25 percent of the worlds coral reefs are located here, there are 13,500 often-deserted islands to explore and holidays in Indo are generally inexpensive.

So now youve started packing, heres a look at some of the top locations you should consider:

Sulawesi
The most famous diving area in Indonesia is probably Bunaken National Park and in fact it is considered one of the top 10 dive spots in the world. This is thanks to extremely deep and clear waters with specific oceanic currents that have led to a treasure trove of biodiversity. There are around 70 genera of corals and possibly 70 per cent of all fish species know to the Indo-western Pacific. Eat your heart out! Theres also breathtaking Lembeh Strait for superb macro diving.

Komodo Island
Komodo Island might be famed for its dragons but it also offers just about every type of tropical diving imaginable. Theres everything from shallow reefs crammed with colourful fish to the current-swept deep water seas where sharks, tuna and other big fish abound. You might even see dolphins and dugongs.

Banda Islands, Irian Jaya
The Banda Islands feature large numbers and varieties of pelagics and reef fish, vibrant healthy reefs with immense hard corals, sea fans and sponges.

Lombok Island
Most diving on Lombok takes place at the Gili islands to the northwest and in Blongas Bay to the south. The three Gili islands are literally surrounded by coral with rich underwater biodiveristy such as sharks, eagle rays, turtles and manta rays. Just take care in the Lombok Strait for strong currents. Wander south to see schooling hammerheads at Blongas Bay.

Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a little off the beaten track but if you like pioneer diving this is your kind of place. There are huge numbers of fish and coral species being discovered here all the time.

Bali
Bali is one of the most popular dive locations in Indonesia. Beginners will enjoy the shore-based diving options off the north-east coast including the famed Tulamben and Liberty wrecks near Amed. For the more experienced there is drift diving at Nusa Penida, pelagic species to encounter through the Lombok strait and awesome muck diving at Secret Bay. The diving around Bali is varied and theres plenty of onshore activity too with gorgeous volcanic peaks, rice paddys and beaches to enjoy.

Sumatra
Sumatra doesnt really compete with other Indo locations for visibility but it has a number of high quality reefs with prolific marine life. Pulau Weh off Banda Aceh is a popular spot and its reefs remain largely intact after the tsunami.

Dive Season
The good news about diving in Indonesia is the season runs year round. The best conditions are from April to December.

Wherever and whenever you go VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and theres plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services.