Join writer, photographer and SCUBA magazine editor Simon Rogerson on this world-class diving journey, exploring premier muck diving in Lembeh and the diverse, little explored waters of Halmahera.
This journey begins in a familiar location to many divers, and a soon-to-be favourite for the rest, the Lembeh Strait. This area is renowned for its muck and macro dive sites. Marine life considered rare elsewhere is frequently observed by the eagle-eyed dive guides of Dive Into Lembeh Resort; species of seahorse, nudibranch, shrimp and crabs, octopus, eels, frogfish, pipefish, cuttlefish, scorpionfish and mandarin fish are all seen here. To the north, coral reefs can be found too, providing something for every diver. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a must-visit for any curious diver.
A domestic flight and short boat ride away reveals the little explored Halmahera and the dive resort of Sali Bay. Surface intervals are spent spotting sea eagles in the sky and monkeys swinging in the shoreline canopy. If luck is on your side, dolphins hunting shoals of mackerel may even join the party. Below the waves are thriving reefs; abundant with soft and hard corals. Batfish, unicorn fish, fusiliers and reef sharks call this region home. Macro fanatics will continue to be delighted with the range of pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, outlandish nudibranchs, and rare shrimps and crabs. Even better, you’ll be the only divers around.
This expert led group tour offers up to 33 dives across these two superb locations. Join like-minded travellers on this world-class diving journey.
“Join me on an epic trip next June to visit two of Indonesia’s greatest dive spots – the Maluku Islands and the Lembeh Strait. The first part of the journey takes us to the fabled critter hotspots of North Sulawesi, while the second offers an island paradise with all the colour and diversity of the Coral Triangle.
We’ve got two beautiful resorts lined up, the idea being to have a relaxing and friendly time while making the most of the marine life. What to expect? In Lembeh we’re looking at a catwalk of macro supermodels, from hairy frogfish to flamboyant cuttlefish. Then in Halmahera we’re looking at classically beautiful reefs, schooling fish and – something I’ve always wanted to see – the enigmatic walking shark.” - Simon Rogerson
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart for Indonesia
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Day 2:
Arrive in Manado & transfer to Dive Into Lembeh
On arrival, the group is transferred by road to Dive Into Lembeh Resort on the shores of the Lembeh Strait; a photographers’ paradise famed for its diversity of weird and wonderful marine life.
Located in Kasawari Bay, this experienced and friendly dive resort offers panoramic views of Lembeh Island and easy access to the many muck dive sites of Lembeh Strait, two of which form the house reef. The owner-managed, diver-dedicated resort features three economical longhouse rooms, and 12 Garden & Seaview Bungalows and Pool-front Seaview Bungalows built from locally-sourced materials. Each have their own private verandah furnished with a Japanese Onsen (hot tub) to unwind at the end of the diving day.
Facilities include an open-air restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and bar area with communal TV. The swimming pool overlooks the ocean, and spa treatments can be arranged upon request. Complimentary WiFi internet access is available throughout.
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Days 3-7
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Enjoy three dives a day plus shore diving in the Lembeh Strait
Our itinerary includes three daily boat dives in the Lembeh Strait, with house reef diving also available. Nitrox is included.
Lembeh is an extraordinary destination for divers, dubbed the engine room of evolution. Here, one can find all kinds of magical marine life, including numerous species of seahorse, nudibranch, shrimp and crab, octopus, frogfish, pipefish, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, and mandarin fish. Photographers will not be short of subjects to practice on, and there's arguably no better place to develop your macrophotography skills.
Divers without cameras will also enjoy the treasure hunt of finding these superbly camouflaged creatures with the help of expert local dive guides. The northern dive sites of the Lembeh Strait are also home to some exceptional coral reef dives to provide a balance of diving interests.
Simon is on hand to guide you through your time, offering one-to-one advice and providing some informal talks tailored to the interests of those on the trip.
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Day 8:
Fly to Halmahera and transfer to Sali Bay Resort
Your time in the Lembeh Strait comes to an end today, and you're transferred to Manado Airport for a domestic flight to Labuha, in southern Halmahera. On arrival, the group is met and transported by boat to the remote resort.
Sali Bay Resort has four lodges and 12 villas, all situated directly on the beach with sea views. The lodges are a comfortable size with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms, and shared verandah for socialising post dive. The villas are more spacious, with the addition of a desk/camera workstation and small fridge, each has its own private terrace with sun lounges. Twin and double rooms are available in both lodges and villas.
At the centre of the resort is the restaurant and bar, where meals are a combination of local and Italian delights. Other facilities include a small swimming pool complete with bar service, pool table, and intimate spa. Solar panels power the resort when possible, and satellite WiFi is available at an additional cost.
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Days 9-14
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Dive Halmahera
Our itinerary includes three dives daily in southern Halmahera, by boat and on the house reef. All dives are guided, and Nitrox is included.
Far from the traditional tourist routes in a protected bay in southern Halmahera, it would be a surprise to see another dive boat. Explore pristine shallow reefs, shelves, and drop-offs with a huge variety of coral species, each vying for space to feed in the current. Coral gardens border muck seascapes, with painted frogfish and hairy shrimp. Shoals of yellow-lined snapper and sweetlips dance above the soft corals at dive site Jebeje, while anthias and red tooth trigger fish fill the water at Nanas Reef South, obscuring the turtles and bumphead parrot fish from view.
For those with a camera, there are ample dive sites for macro, super-macro, and wide angle. Currents and nutrient rich water pushes through the area, feeding the varied marine life.
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Day 15:
Day at leisure
Today is for relaxing under Sali Bay’s fringing palm trees while soaking in the island atmosphere.
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Day 16:
Fly to Manado for an overnight stay
An early morning boat transfer begins your journey back. After the domestic flight, you're transferred to a resort for your final night with the group. This evening is yours at leisure to relax and share stories from your time away together.
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Day 17:
Depart Indonesia
Your Indonesian adventure comes to an end today, and after saying goodbye, you're transferred back to the airport for your homebound flight.
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Day 18:
Arrive home
