General

Diving with Mermaid Liveaboards.

Explore the best diving sites of Komodo !
Take a unforgeteable exclusive dive safari from Bali to Komodo and return to the best dive sites in the world !

The luxurious MV Mermaid I Cruise Live-Boat offers all amenities you can dream of. All 8 cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with TV & DVD player, single, twin or double bed, a large wardrobe, plenty of storage room and an en-suite bath room with hot water shower, toilet and sink. We also provide fresh bath towels daily, beach towels, bathrobes, hair-dryers, towels, soap and shampoo for your comfort.

M/V Mermaid 1 is a 28 metre, Komodo luxury liveaboard equipped with double engine and steel hull, She comfortably hosts 15 divers. She was constructed in Bangkok in 1999 by a team of highly experienced boat constructors and became the flagship of the Mermaid fleet complete with IMO certification.

The food on board is excellent, featuring an a la carte menu with a wide choice of local and European dishes.
Nitrox is available on board; tank fills at 6 Euro per tank (discount if using Nitrox for the whole trip) or you can also get Nitrox certified during the cruise.

The Mermaid 1 is one of the few steel hulled boats operating in the area and is one of the most comfortable liveaboards operating in Indonesia. She is also a fast boat, meaning cruising time is reduced and more remote sites are easily within reach.

Mermaid Liveaboards with many years experience exploring the best Komodo offers is proud to offer our exciting next season.
We dive the best of the best, we know where and when its running ! Return guests will also appreciate some new sites and experiences we can share through our extensive experience with the Nusa Tenggara and Komodo National Park areas.

TOUR  ITINERARIES

Day 1
Check-in on board MV Mermaid I between 13:00 – 15:00 hours in Benoa Harbour Bali.
After the boat and safety briefing, equipment is prepared then settle into your cabin. Dinner is served at approx:
19:00 hours as e cruise overnight to Moyo Island off the north west coast of Sumbawa

Day 2
Start your adventure with a great dive in the calm, clear waters of Angel Reef at Moyo Island.
3 Massive elephant ear and barrel sponges, schools of long fin banner fish and red tooth triggers In their hundreds, frog fish, nudibrancs, eels, surgeon fish, snapper, dog tooth tuna checking out what is for lunch ! Visit the local village then its lunch for us ! Then we cruise to Satonda Island for a macro dive followed by a world class night dive after watching a million bats fly at sunset.  After a great dive and dinner we cruise overnight to Sangeang Volcano off the north coast of Sumbawa.
(3 Dives)

Day 3
The Nusa Tengarra region has some extremely interesting and unique marine life. Today we spend the day diving around Sangeang Volcano for rare nudibrancs, pygmy seahorse, leaf scorpion fish, blue ribbon eels, black sand diving with all its treasures and underwater hot springs that supports this very unique marine environment. Night dive here too or head on over to Gili Banta for the chance for Star Gazers and coral cat shark.
(4 dives)

Day 4
Current depending, we start the day at GPS Point Gili Banta famous for its sharks and pelagic fishes.  Then we enter the Komodo National Park and for more exhilarating blue water/fish soup diving !  Gili Lawalaut has several great dives if the tide is right we hunt grey reef shark and dolphin at Taka Toko Gili Lawalaut. Lighthouse Reef and The Old Passage offer fast drifts with pelagics, maybe manta ! Crystal Rock offers awesome soft corals in gold and orange hues plus the chance for sharks, turtles, Giant Maori wrasse, a ‘fish soup” dive. Tonight we dive the famous Pink Beach,  you may see spectacular colours and Frogfish, slipper lobster, basket stars, robust sea cucumbers unique to the area plus more !
(4 dives)

Day 5
Start your day with an exciting visit to Loh Liang Komodo National Park to walk with the dragons ! And as we quietly walk through the bush setting look out for Komodo dragons, deer, wild boar and birds.
Then relax as we cruise south to dive the Three Sisters or Pillarsteen at Padar Island. Next stop is a diver’s paradise – Horseshoe Bay Rinja Island – home of one of the top 10 dives in the world – Cannibal Rock – an abundance of corals, sponges, ascidians, sea apples, black corals, turtle, cuttlefish, loads of reef fishes too ! Here we can also watch dragons scavenging on the beach, monkey, deer, wild pigs along the shore, go beach combing…. Maybe even a chance to follow whales and dolphin
feeding in the calm bay. We overnight at this peaceful place, diving at one of the many fabulous spots.
(3 dives)

Day 6
More world class dives today as we relax in Horseshoe Bay Rinja Island  -the Yellow Wall of Texas is absolutely stunning covered with enormous yellow soft corals. Go slowly along the wall looking for unique creatures but don’t forget to look out into the blue to see what’s coming by…maybe e make a deep dive to check if the tiny yellow pygmy seahorses are on the giant gorgonians at depth. Nusa Kode offers more walls and critter chances coupled with white tip reef sharks etc ! Torpedo Alley
is famous for its “electric” rays and perhaps one of the best night dives of your life for critter fanciers.
(4 dives)

Day 7
Today we’ll head on over to Manta Alley to watch in awe as these magnificent creatures feed, play and get cleaned at the many cleaning stations. In the afternoon we can check out more big fish dives maybe at Loh Serah, Tatawa Kecil or the infamous “Current City” Batu Bolong – come face to face with reef sharks, turtles and giant Wrasse. Many good night dives around here – Gili Darat is great for sleeping turtles, colourful reef stonefish, Spanish dancers – calm sea – a good place to sleep.
(4 dives)

Day 8
The diving around Gili Lawalaut, Tatawa Kecil, Gili Darat is so awesome you will all want more so today we make 2 – 3 dives in clear arm blue waters – loads of fish both big and small. Then we’ll head off for a a night dive at either Gili Banta or maybe Batu Putih in Sumbawa – both interesting sites. Overnight we cruise back to Satonda and Sumbawa – solar powered nudibrancs, ghost pipefish anyone ?
(4 dives)

Day 9
We enjoy two good dives around Sumbawa and Moyo Islands – a chance to shoot anything you missed at the trip beginning.
Then the crew wash your equipment for you while you relax on the sundeck or downloading your pictures, enjoying
our trip video as well just before dinner with all your new friends.
(2 dives)

Day 10
Arriving in Bali.  After breakfast we transfer you ashore to continue your vacation…or its time to head home to start planning your next  cruise !
Transfer to your hotel.

 

Boat & Cabins Descripions

State Room (king size bed), 1 Single and 4 Deluxe Cabins (double or twin beds) and 2 Budget Cabins (double/twin beds) below deck. The master, single and deluxe cabins have ensuite bathrooms, refrigerator and panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabins are below decks with ensuite bathroom and refrigerator.

Each cabin features all the comforts of home:

  •  Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning
  •  Flat screen TV and DVD
  •  Refrigerator
  •  Private Bathroom and Toilet with Hot / Cold Water
  •  Hand Basin and Bathroom Counter Space
  •  Toiletries
  •  Bathrobes
  •  Bath and beach towels
  •  Hair dryer
  •  Bed Linens
  •  Mood lighting
  •  Wardrobe and Shelves
  •  Vanity Mirror
  •  Multiple 2 pin 220V electricity (bring an international adaptor)
  •  Luggage Space


On Board:

Our huge purpose built dive deck and wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers are a diver’s dream. 6 camera rinse tanks means your valuable equipment is well looked after.
Delicious Thai, Indonesian and western meals are served in our “Sawasdee Restaurant” with large windows to enjoy the views or how about trying our delicious BBQs !  On the cruise you have 3 delicious meals daily.
After meals relax in our saloon with our TV/DVD and music center, or select from our extensive library and full range of marine life books.
There are two outside decks, one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade plus cushioned sun beds – a great place to relax.
There are many staff on board, from captain to boat men, all of them are experienced and do their best to make your dives and stay on board very pleasant.
NITROX is available on every cruise.

 

Rates & Destination 2016

Cabin Type   Master Single Deluxe Budget

Individual Travelers 

No of Cabins:  1
Total # of Guests:15   2 pax 1 pax  8 pax   4 pax
# Dives Days/Nights        
Bali – Komodo – Bali 28 10/9 €3000 €3000 €2800 €2500
Bali – Komodo – Maumere 28 10/9  €3000 €3000 €2800  €2500 
Sorong – Raja Ampat – Sorong 32-34 11/10  €3800 €3800 €3500  €3200 
Rates in Euro. per Person

All rates inclusive tax & service charge.

 

Prices include:
Transfers from/to airport and hotel in Bali, all meals & snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and drinking water, tanks, weights, weight belts and diving with experienced Dive masters/Instructors.

Prices do not include: 
National park/Port Fees Komodo/Alor cruises  €90, Raja Ampat cruises €200,  Fuel Surcharges if applicable,  Nitrox fills (€6), rental equipment, on board courses, massages, souvenirs and alcoholic beverages.

 

 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Please Note:
All divers are required to complete a liability release waiver and to show proof of diving certification and dive medical insurance such as Padi, Dan or equivalent on check in. Please have these available in your hand luggage.

On board sales are accepted in Euros, US dollars, Indonesia Rupiah or via credit card at no fee. Please note on board credit card charges will be processed in Indonesian rupiah only as per government regulation.

Guests are strongly advised to have valid dive medical, travel and cancellation insurances. Guests are also strongly recommended to plan their holidays to arrive in the departure ports at least 1 day prior to the cruise. Please remember you are going to some truly exotic locations where the infrastructure is still being developed.
Be prepared for some of the world’s best diving plus a maximum of comfort, service and safety on the ship.

Free Transfers
Transfers are included on departure and arrival days from Denpasar International airport (DPS), Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Benoa and Seminyak regions. These are the main tourist regions of Bali, and the free transfers will ensure hassle free transport to and from the Ship.

 

MV MERMAID I 2015 Schedule

MMI 13/15P 24-May-15 15-June-15 In Port Bali  
MMI 14/15K 15-Jun-15 24-Jun-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 15/15K 25-Jun-15 04-Jul-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 16/15K 05-Jul-15 14-Jul-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 17/15K 15-Jul-15 24-Jul-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 18/15K 25-Jul-15 03-Aug-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 19/15K 04-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 20/15K 14-Aug-15 23-Aug-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 21/15K 24-Aug-15 2-Sep-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 22/15K 3-Sep-15 12-Sep-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 23/15K 13-Sep-15 22-Sep-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 24/15K 23-Sep-15 02-Oct-15 Bali – Komodo – Bali 10/9
MMI 25/15P 2-Oct-15 11-Oct-15 In Port Bali 10/9

 

Route Map:

Lesser_Sunda

 

 

Available departures

This is a daily cruise.

  • Outdoor standard cabin

    Half board

    + more info
    Max:
    Price from:
    $ 2,850
    Select dates

    Stylish and individually designed room featuring a satellite TV, mini bar and a 24-hour room service menu.

    Bed size:King size

  • Indoor standard cabin

    Indoor standard cabin

    Half board

    + more info
    Max:

    Cabin facilities:Air Condition, In room: Free toiletries, In room: Hairdryer, In room: Minibar, In room: Safety Deposit Box, In room: TV

    Boat & Cabins Descripions

    State Room (king size bed), 1 Single and 4 Deluxe Cabins (double or twin beds) and 2 Budget Cabins (double/twin beds) below deck. The master, single and deluxe cabins have ensuite bathrooms, refrigerator and panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabins are below decks with ensuite bathroom and refrigerator.

    Each cabin features all the comforts of home:

    • – Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning
    • – Flat screen TV and DVD
    • – Refrigerator
    • – Private Bathroom and Toilet with Hot / Cold Water
    • – Hand Basin and Bathroom Counter Space
    • – Toiletries
    • – Bathrobes
    • – Bath and beach towels
    • – Hair dryer
    • – Bed Linens
    • – Mood lighting
    • – Wardrobe and Shelves
    • – Vanity Mirror
    • – Multiple 2 pin 220V electricity (bring an international adaptor)
    • – Luggage Space

    Bed size:King size

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo, and the smaller island of Kofiau. Raja Ampat archipelago is the part of Coral Triangle which contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth.

Raja Ampat Regency is a new regency which separated from Sorong Regency in 2004. It encompasses more than 40,000 km² of land and sea, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. It is a part of the newly named West Papua province of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya. Some of the islands are the most northern pieces of land in the Australian continent.

 

Geography

The oceanic natural resources around Raja Ampat give it significant potential as a tourist area. Many sources place Raja Ampat as one of their top ten most popular places for diving whilst it retains the number one ranking in terms of underwater biodiversity.

According to Conservation International, marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the highest recorded on Earth. Diversity is considerably greater than any other area sampled in the Coral Triangle composed of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and East Timor. The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, making Raja Ampat quite possibly the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world.

The area’s massive coral colonies along with relatively high sea surface temperatures, also suggest that its reefs may be relatively resistant to threats like coral bleaching and coral disease, which now jeopardize the survival of other coral ecosystems around the world. The Raja Ampat islands are remote and relatively undisturbed by humans.

 

History

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who finds seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch and become kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a woman, and a stone.
History shows that Raja Ampat was once a part of Sultanate of Tidore, an influential kingdom from Maluku. Yet, after the Dutch invaded Maluku, it was shortly claimed by the Netherlands.
The first recorded sighting and landing by Europeans of the Ampat Islands was in the person of the Portuguese navigator Jorge de Menezes and his crew in 1526, on route from Biak, the Bird’s Head Peninsula, and Waigeo, to Halmahera (Ternate).
The English explorer William Dampier gave his name to Dampier Strait, which separates Batanta island from Waigeo island. To the east, there is a strait that separates Batanta from Salawati. In 1759 Captain William Wilson sailing in the East Indiaman Pitt navigated these waters and named one strait Pitt strait, after his vessel; this was probably the channel between Batanta and Salawati.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKQ9gAB8Fiw

 

 

 

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Bali

Bali

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, the famed “Island of the Gods”, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world’s most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the super-rich.

Travel & Leisure Magazine has awarded Bali the World’s Best Island in 2009, while the Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel 2010 ranked Bali second place among the world’s Top Regions.

The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the of globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

The tourism industry is primarily focused in the south, while significant in the other parts of the island as well. The main tourist locations are the town of Kuta (with its beach), and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak (which were once independent townships), the east coast town of Sanur (once the only tourist hub), in the center of the island Ubud, to the south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jimbaran, and the newer development of Nusa Dua and Pecatu.

Bali Geography

The island of Bali lies 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. Bali and Java are separated by the Bali Strait. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (69 mi) north to south; administratively it covers 5,780 km2, or 5,577 km2 without Nusa Penida District,[24] its population density is roughly 750 people/km2.
Bali’s central mountains include several peaks over 3,000 metres in elevation. The highest is Mount Agung (3,031 m), known as the “mother mountain” which is an active volcano. Mountains range from centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Bali’s volcanic nature has contributed to its exceptional fertility and its tall mountain ranges provide the high rainfall that supports the highly productive agriculture sector. South of the mountains is a broad, steadily descending area where most of Bali’s large rice crop is grown. The northern side of the mountains slopes more steeply to the sea and is the main coffee producing area of the island, along with rice, vegetables and cattle. The longest river, Ayung River, flows approximately 75 km.

Bali-Map

Bali Climate

Being just 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali has a fairly even climate year round.  With sunshine shining throughout the year, Bali has a tropical monsoon climate, with pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy season starts from October to March, when the West monsoon brings heavy showers and high humidity. June to September is considered the driest season, with low humidity and it can be fairly cold in the evenings, the best time for any outdoor activities.

 

Religion

Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 83.5% of Bali’s population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (13.3%), Christianity (1.7%), and Buddhism (0.5%). These figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.
Balinese Hinduism is an amalgam in which gods and demigods are worshipped together with Buddhist heroes, the spirits of ancestors, indigenous agricultural deities and sacred places. Religion as it is practised in Bali is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic. It pervades nearly every aspect of traditional life. Caste is observed, though less strictly than in India. With an estimated 20,000 puras (temples) and shrines, Bali is known as the “Island of a Thousand Puras”, or “Island of the Gods”. This is refer to Mahabarata story that behind Bali became island of god or “pulau dewata” in Indonesian language.

 

Bali Culture

Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns to the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese cuisine is also distinctive. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.
The Hindu New Year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. On this day everyone stays at home and tourists are encouraged to remain in their hotels. On the day before New Year, large and colourful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to drive away evil spirits. Other festivals throughout the year are specified by the Balinese pawukon calendrical system.

 

Temples

Bali is known as an island of thousands temples. In every village in Bali, there are several temples and at least one small temple in each home of Balinese which reach to a total of 10.000.
Balinese word for temple is ‘pura’ which means ‘space surrounded by a wall‘. Although many temples are quiet and uninhabited, they are transformed into colorful, active and decorated places of worship when there is a festival. While offerings are made, performances of traditional dances and gamelan, cockfighting and gambling enliven the atmosphere.
All temples derive their direction from the mountains and the sea. The direction toward the mountains, Kaja, is the most significant direction. The direction toward the sea is Kelod. The direction toward the sunrise, Kangin, is found in most secondary shrines.

 

Bali History

The first Hindus arrived in Bali as early as 100 BC, but the unique culture which is so apparent to any current day visitor to Bali hails largely from neighbouring Java, with some influence from Bali’s distant animist past. The Javanese Majapahit Empire’s rule over Bali became complete in the 14th century when Gajah Mada, Prime Minister of the Javanese king, defeated the Balinese king at Bedulu.
The rule of the Majapahit Empire resulted in the initial influx of Javanese culture, most of all in architecture, dance, painting, sculpture and the wayang puppet theatre. All of this is still very apparent today. The very few Balinese who did not adopt this Javanese Hindu culture are known today as the Bali Aga (“original Balinese”) and still live in the isolated villages of Tenganan near Candidasa and Trunyan on the remote eastern shore of Lake Batur at Kintamani.
With the rise of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago, the Majapahit Empire in Java fell and Bali became independent near the turn of the 16th century. The Javanese aristocracy found refuge in Bali, bringing an even stronger influx of Hindu arts, literature and religion.
Divided among a number of ruling rajas, occasionally battling off invaders from now Islamic Java to the west and making forays to conquer Lombok to the east, the north of the island was finally captured by the Dutch colonialists in a series of brutal wars from 1846 to 1849. Southern Bali was not conquered until 1906, and eastern Bali did not surrender until 1908. In both 1906 and 1908, many Balinese chose death over disgrace and fought en-masse until the bitter end, often walking straight into Dutch cannons and gunfire. This manner of suicidal fighting to the death is known as puputan. Victory was bittersweet, as the images of the puputan highly tarnished the Dutch in the international community. Perhaps to make up for this, the Dutch did not make the Balinese enter into a forced cultivation system, as had happened in Java, and instead tried to promote Balinese culture through their policy of Baliseering or the “Balinisation of Bali”.
Bali became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1945. In 1965, after the failed coup d’etat which was allegedly backed by the Communist Party (PKI), state-instigated, anti-communist violence spread across Indonesia. In Bali, it has been said that the rivers ran red with the reprisal killings of suspected communists—most estimates of the death toll say 80,000, or about five percent of the population of Bali at the time.
The current chapter in Bali’s history began in the seventies when intrepid hippies and surfers discovered Bali’s beaches and waves, and tourism soon became the biggest income earner. Despite the shocks of the terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005, the magical island continues to draw crowds, and Bali’s culture remains as spectacular as ever.

 

Bali Travel Facts:

Please see our Bali Infos here

 

Accommodations:

Please find our Bali Hotel List here.

Why not stay in a private luxury Bali Villa ?
Find here our Bali Villa List

 

Tours and Sightseeing in Bali:

Find here our private Tours for Bali

 

 

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Indonesia

Indonesia

Indonesia straddles the Equator between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. While it has land borders with Malaysia to the north as well as East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the east, it also neighbors Australia to the south, and Palau, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand to the north, India to the northwest.

With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. About 240 million people live in this fourth most populous country in the world — after China, India and the USA — and by far the largest country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia also has the largest Muslim population in the world. Indonesia’s population is on course to overtake the US and become the third largest before 2044. In the decade that ended in 2010, population growth remained high at 1.49% each year but there is substantial Muslim opposition to boosting family planning.
Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world is home to more than 195 million people. Mainly Muslims — with substantial Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities. Indigenous tribes still exist in Borneo to Irian Jaya in Eastern Indonesia. The presence of their pagan ancestry can still be seen, heard and felt by those who dare to breach the tourist frontiers.
The largest Indonesian islands are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), Sulawesi, and the Indonesian part of New Guinea (known as Papua or Irian Jaya).

Indonesia markets itself as Wonderful Indonesia, and the slogan is quite true, although not necessarily always in good ways. Indonesia’s tropical forests are the second-largest in the world after Brazil, and are being logged and cut down at the same alarming speed. While the rich shop and party in Jakarta and Bali. After decades of economic mismanagement 50.6% of the population still earns less than USD2/day according to figures compiled by the World bank in 2009. This had come down by 6% in the 2 years between 2007 and 2009.

Infrastructure in much of the country remains rudimentary, and travellers off the beaten track will need some patience and flexibility.

According to the “Energy Access” Working Group Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development, in 2001, 53.4% of the Indonesian population had access to electricity and they consumed 345kWh for each person in a year. In the same year the residents of nearby Singapore had 100% access and they consumed 6,641 kWh. A very large percentage of the Indonesian population remain reliant upon wood for a cooking fuel. The central government has in recent years instituted a program of LPG gas access to use as a replacement for the burning of bio-mass sources for cooking.

A wonderfully fullfilling destination, Indonesia is a land of contrasts, a land where the spiritual manifests itself through magnificent temples and artwork. Mother Nature is not to be outdone with dramatic landscapes, active volcanoes and picture-perfect postcards. Indonesia’s fauna is exotic to say the very least, with huge lizards, orangutans and various tropical fish.

 

Nature:
Both below and above water, Indonesia’s biodiversity is unrivalled. Tigers, elephants, rhinos, orangutans, cloud leopards, tapirs and a multitude of rare, threatened and amazing wildlife are found in the nation’s forests and swamps. New species are constantly being discovered.
On the eastern part of the archipelago, separate from the Asian landmass, the islands of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku have seen the evolution of species that are markedly different from western Indonesia.
Further to the east, Papua (originally part of the Australian landmass) exhibits a range of unique habitats, including more than 700 bird species (including migrants).
Indonesia’s warm seas are home to marine turtles, whales, dugongs and the world’s largest diversity of tropical marine species.

 

Culture:
Indonesia has about 300 ethnic groups, each with cultural identities developed over centuries, and influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European sources. Traditional Javanese and Balinese dances, for example, contain aspects of Hindu culture and mythology, as do wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances. Textiles such as batik, ikat, ulos and songket are created across Indonesia in styles that vary by region. The Indonesian film industry’s popularity peaked in the 1980s and dominated cinemas in Indonesia, although it declined significantly in the early 1990s. Between 2000 and 2005, the number of Indonesian films released each year has steadily increased.

History:
Indonesia has a rich and fascinating history. The majority of Indonesia’s modern population is made up of Austronesian people, who originally migrated to South East Asia from Taiwan. They arrived in Indonesia around 2,000 BC and quickly spread throughout the archipelago, pushing the indigenous Melanesian people to the far eastern regions.
Trade contracts eventually brought outside cultural and religious influences to Indonesia from India, China, and mainland Southeast Asia. Starting from the 7th century, the powerful Srivijaya kingdom flourished as a result of the Hindu and Buddhist influences that were imported into Indonesia along with traded goods. Srivijaya was one of the first Indian-ized empires and grew up around the coast of Sumatra, serving as the hub of a trading network that reached to many parts of the archipelago.

Indonesia Travel Facts:

Visas
Two months’ entry visa free for tourists from major markets. All visitors must have passports valid for at least six months and proof of onward passage.

Airport Taxes
Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel is Rp.21,000. for travel within Indonesia regional variations occur. Expect to pay an average of about Rp.8,000.

Health
International health certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required, except from travelers arriving from infected areas. Bottled water is provided everywhere, even in the smallest villages. It is never advisable to drink tap water anywhere in Indonesia. Be sure to travel with Immodium AD since it is not easy to find there and you don’t want to discover that when its too late.

Customs
Indonesian customs allows on entry a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cars, photographic equipment, typewriters and tape recorders must be declared to Customs upon entry and must be re-exported. Prohibited from entry are TV sets, radios, narcotics, arms and ammunition, printed matter in Chinese characters and Chinese medicines. Advance approval has to be acquired for carrying transceivers and all movie films and video cassettes must be censored by the Film Censor Board. Fresh fruit, plants and animals must have quarantine permits. There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies. However, the export or import of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp.50,000 is prohibited.

Currency & Money Exchange
The Rupiah is the currency used in Indonesia in notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000. The most commonly used note is 50,000 Rupiah (about $5 US). There are many places available to exchange your dollars. You’ll get a better exchange rate for crisp, clean US $100 bills. Old or dirty bills may not be accepted. As with any foreign country, it is advisable to understand the exchange rate before you go to exchange your money so you should have a good idea of how many Rupiah to expect for your US dollars.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar travelers’ checks.

Banking
Normal banking hours are from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Some bank branches in hotels, however, keep longer hours. Jakarta has several international banks but money can also be changed at hotel cashiers, and authorized money changers. Daily exchange rates are published in newspapers. The US dollar is the most readily accepted currency. Most major tourist destination areas have foreign exchange facilities, but for travel to remote areas it is advisable to change money and travelers cheques in advance.

Tipping
Major hotels usually add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if the service is satisfactory. Airport porters expect Rp.2,000 for a small bag and Rp.3,000 for bags weighing more than 20 kg. Tipping taxi and hire-car drivers is not mandatory, but if service has been satisfactory a basic Rp.1,000 tip is sufficient for a taxi driver, Hire-car drivers would normally expect a larger tip.

Security
Keep your valuables in the hotel safe deposit box or a similar safe place and your passport close to your body.

Language:
The official language of Indonesia is ‘Bahasa Indonesia.’ There are also several hundred local languages, such as Javanese or Papuan languages. Most Indonesians speak their ethnic language as their mother tongue as well as the official language of Bahasa Indonesia.

Etiquette
Being aware of local customs and taboos is very important when traveling in any foreign land. In Indonesia you will always be ensured of having a pleasant time if you act with decorum and dress appropriately. On greeting someone it is customary for both men and women to shake hands. This should only be done with the right hand because to shake hands, give or receive, or eat with the left hand is considered impolite. Pointing or summoning someone with your index finger is considered impolite and care should be taken not to climb over places of worship or local monuments.

Clothing
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you’ll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Indonesia’s often humid conditions. Indonesians are very clothes conscious and it’s particularly important to be properly dressed when visiting government offices such as the immigration offices. Indifference to local customs, scanty clothing is not advisable in public places, shorts are not permitted in mosques and women should have their head and arms covered. In Bali, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Electricity
Power supply is 220 volts/250 cycles in large cities, but 110 volts is still used in some areas. Normal outlets are plugs with two rounded pins (see photo). It is advisable to check electricity supplies before using any appliances.

Telephone Internet Services
You’ll find internet cafes in most the major cities. On Bali they are everywhere and you can comfortably get online for anywhere from less than 10,000 Rp to 30,000 Rp ($1-3 US). The connections can be slow so don’t expect to do too much web surfing in that hour, but its great for anyone who wants to keep up on email and/or stay in touch with friends and family back home.

 

 

 

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Facilities

  • Air Condition
  • Bar
  • In room: Free toiletries
  • In room: Minibar
  • In room: Safety Deposit Box
  • In room: TV
  • Lounge
  • Room service
  • Seating area

Boat Facilities

On Board:
Our huge purpose built dive deck and wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers are a diver’s dream. 6 camera rinse tanks means your valuable equipment is well looked after. Delicious Thai, Indonesian and western meals are served in our “Sawasdee Restaurant” with large windows to enjoy the views or how about trying our delicious BBQs ! On the cruise you have 3 delicious meals daily. After meals relax in our saloon with our TV/DVD and music center, or select from our extensive library and full range of marine life books. There are two outside decks, one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade plus cushioned sun beds – a great place to relax. There are many staff on board, from captain to boat men, all of them are experienced and do their best to make your dives and stay on board very pleasant. NITROX is available on every cruise.

Cabin Facilities

Each cabin features all the comforts of home: Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning Flat screen TV and DVD Refrigerator Private Bathroom and Toilet with Hot / Cold Water Hand Basin and Bathroom Counter Space Toiletries Bathrobes Bath and beach towels Hair dryer Bed Linens Mood lighting Wardrobe and Shelves Vanity Mirror Multiple 2 pin 220V electricity (bring an international adaptor) Luggage Space

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Most our tours are a private tours, so you can join any day.
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