Indonesia consists of 36% of main
land and islands, and 64% of sea. So, besides having a range of beautiful
landscapes and volcanoes, Indonesia also has countless water resources and
underwater beauties. Not to mention the beautiful beaches stretch along the
country, for Indonesia is the biggest archipelago country in the world.
As an Indonesian, I am aware that
my country is an epicenter of biodiversity, hosting a greater variety of marine
life than anywhere else on earth. Having bunch of dive sites throughout the archipelago,
Indonesia provides many kinds of diving style to try. From challenging drift
diving, extensive reef diving, amazing night diving, unique muck diving, and
stunning steep walls to enjoy. This fact makes me curious of knowing more of
the underwater world and decided to take a diving license to explore deeper and
longer.
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Diving at Coral Garden, Tulamben. |
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Against the gravity in USAT Liberty Ship Wreck, Tulamben |
And once I saw how underwater
world looks like, I never stop craving for more dives in my life. Since I live
in a beautiful Bali island, which surrounded by some popular dives area, I
usually go for a dive trip every few months. Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, and
Menjangan Island are the perfect option for recreational dive as well for
beginner divers. For the adventure seekers and big fish lovers, Nusa Lembongan
and Nusa Penida Island in Bali or small islands in south west Lombok are the answer.
So far, my favorite dive sites are Tulamben with its Ship Wreck and Nusa Penida
with its Manta Point. Diving with some Manta Rays surrounds me gives a special
sensation and makes me more grateful for a chance to see such a beautiful giant
fish yet friendly.
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Manta Ray at Nusa Penida |
When I’m not diving, snorkeling and
skin diving are my other water activities. With its pristine water, Bali and
Lombok offer the easiest way to enjoy the underwater. You can get in a glass
bottom boat, and enjoy the trip to the snorkeling spot by watching the
underwater life beneath your feet.
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Reginald & Given; enjoy snorkeling at Tabuhan Island, East Java |
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Skin diving at Menjangan island |
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Free dive into an eternal silence in the blue sea |
Of course Bali and Lombok are not
the only underwater paradise in Indonesia. There are a lot more destinations
that have different beauty to offer. East Indonesia is famous with its
underwater heaven. From Karimun islands in East Java, Wakatobi islands in
Celebes, Mollucas islands, Nusa Tenggara islands, until the famous Raja Ampat
in West Papua islands. Not to mention, underwater of Weh island in the very
west of Indonesia also surprisingly beautiful. All of them offer you the
stunning underwater experience that you will never forget.
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Diving at Tulamben |
Spare your time to enjoy the sea
and underwater when you visit Indonesia. If you want to peep a bit of
underwater beauty, take a snorkeling tour. By floating with mask and snorkel,
you already can see the corals and colorful fish decorating the underwater
world. If you are curious what lies down there and want to explore deeper, take
a diving lesson to get a license. Or if you only have limited time, join in a
Discover Scuba Diving trip. It allows you to dive up to 12 meters without
holding the license. And trust me, once you get down there and see the
underwater beauty, you will never see the world in the same way you see it
before!
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Pose with Yellow Sea Fan |
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Lion Fish (photo courtesy by Reginald) |
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Underwater macro photography by Reginald |
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Beautiful empty beach at Tabuhan island |
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Menjangan island underwater (photo courtesy by Reginald) |