I recently returned from a couple week dive trip to the magical region of Raja Ampat Indonesia. Raja Ampat is referred to as the seat of the coral triangle. The sights, smells and sounds of the region completely engaged every sense. The warm hospitality and caring of the Indonesian people are genuine and are missed in many locales on the globe today.
Our temporary home for this experience was the Misool Resort on the island of Batbitim. Only fourteen years ago, Batbitim island was the sight of a recently abandoned shark finning camp (note 100 million sharks continue to be killed annually for their fins). Two avid divers along with investors negotiated a lease for Batbitim island with the local governing Indonesian people. The divers educated the locals that prosperity could be improved by protecting the resources above and below the sea. A marine reserve was established that has grown to 1200 sq km. According to studies (and my eyes ),
“the protections have led to a greater diversity of fish, coral, and mollusks on these reefs, than anywhere on earth”. The local Indonesian residents staff the resort and make up the Ranger Patrol that protect the marine reserve.
Our dive experiences at Misool showed that study to be spot on! I saw more variety and numbers of fish, soft and hard coral species and colors than I have ever experienced. I had my first experiences with pygmy seahorses, wobbegong sharks, bump head parrot fish, napoleon wrasse, mandarin fish, leopard sharks and oceanic manta rays to name a few. The majesty of diving with the oceanic mantas kicked my endorphins into over drive!
The resort itself was constructed from previously fallen local hardwoods from Batbitim and surrounding islands. No trees were harvested to create the resort. Our villa was beautifully staged on the beach. It had three sets of double glass doors which we left open to enjoy the ocean breezes and gentle sound of the waves for sleeping. Much of the food is locally sourced and prepared fresh daily. We were fed five times a day.
Misool is staffed and managed by an outstanding group of people! The hospitality and dining staff ensured that every need was timely responded to. The dive center is very well managed and organized. Dive day plans and briefings are strongly communicated. Our dive guide for our stay was Antoe Woong. Antoe has an eagle eye for spotting creatures small and large. His attention to his diver’s individual needs was outstanding! The dive boats are laid out and equipped well and are very efficient for the type of diving done.
I greatly admire the efforts of the folks guiding and operating Misool Resort and the Misool Marine Reserve! The Misool Marine Reserve is a great blueprint for halting and reversing the damage that continues to occur in our oceans.
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