Indonesia
A large, volcanic archipelago straddling the equator and 2 continents, Indonesia has amazing diversity, above and below the water. Lovers of nature and wildlife will be enchanted by its Sumatran and Kalimantan jungles, the birds of paradise in the remote Papuan provinces, and the famous Komodo dragons. Scuba divers flock to the country to enjoy the thriving reefs and the highest marine diversity in the world in places such as Raja Ampat, Sulawesi and the Banda Sea.
The country is also a fascinating melting pot of cultures, with a rich tradition of Islam, Christian, Hindu and Animist societies, represented in ancient temple complexes in Java and Bali. Of course, an added benefit of travelling in Indonesia is that it won’t burn a huge hole in your pocket.
Sub-destinations
BALI
Recent Indonesia Articles
Diving with Frogfish: the Obdurate Anglerfish
A pair of frogfish with amazing colouration in Kapalai, Malaysia. Photo Courtesy: Ketrick Chin Open any coffee table book of underwater photography and you are almost certain to see a few pages dedicated to the majestic frogfish. One of the critter kings, anglerfish...
The Banda Islands – a Brief History of the ‘Spice Islands’
The Banda Sea is surrounded by the sprawling mass of islands that comprise eastern Indonesia, lapping the shores of Sulawesi to the west, Alor to the south and with West Papua to the east. Within this body of water lie the fabled Spice Islands in the modern day...
Diving with Whale Sharks: the Largest Fish in the World
If you have been there then you know. If you haven’t, then it is difficult to describe the feeling of sharing the water with this, the biggest fish in the sea. More like a whale than a shark, these fish are right at the top of most divers “To...
Diving with Clownfish: Finding Nemo and Finding Out All About Him
Scuba divers have long held the clownfish close to their heart but in recent times, thanks to animated movies such as Finding Nemo, suddenly this little character of the coral reef has entered the mainstream consciousness. What is it about the clown fish that...
Diving with Barracuda – The Tiger of the Sea
Barracudas are perhaps one of the most feared marine creatures for non-divers but those in the know crave underwater encounters with these sleek and misunderstood creatures. However, many such scuba divers might agree that their villain appearance could send a shiver...
Diving with Bumphead Parrotfish – Bumping Coral Reefs into Balance
Finding yourself engulfed by a large school of bumphead parrotfish as they nonchalantly munch their way through acres of coral reef, is an experience not easily forgotten. Bumphead parrotfish in Raja Ampat. Photo Courtesy: Mermaid You may be busy inspecting the nooks...
SANGALAKI ISLAND DIVING VACATIONS
Manta ray in Sangalaki People often talk about ‘Hidden gems’ yet when you find them they are either not at all hidden or not at all gems. Scuba diving in Sangalaki is very much both. Although Sangalaki is not as hard to get to as it seems, many choose to...
TOGIAN ISLANDS DIVING VACATIONS
Spread over a 90 km stretch in the middle of Tomini Bay in Central Sulawesi, the winding, hilly coastlines and equatorial waters of the Togean Islands cast a magical spell of green, yellow and blue, in all the shades imaginable. A local boat in the clear waters of the...
Diving with Wobbegongs: Wobbe-what?
The wobbegong! A quite rare form of shark whose name is believed to come from the aboriginal word for a shaggy beard, after the tasselled appearance of the species found in the western Pacific. A tasselled wobbegong. Photo Courtesy: Fabrice Dudenhofer There are 3...