Bunaken report/photos

[hallboy]

I dove bunaken and Palau.

you just cannot compare.

there is more fish in palau; more than sipadan for exemple . You can see 50 ou 70 sharks passig by at peleliu corner, but it's a terrible dive if your not experienced with really big currents.

if you are more into smallthings and coral life, go to bunaken. If your are more into big stuff but not affaraid by a possible washing machine go to Palau. Sipadan is some mix othose two.

If you want my advice go to those 3. Siapdan and bunaken are at their best from may to october. Palau from november to april ( + in jan/feb you have the mantas )

 

[Travelnsj]

Travelnsj,

I have been to Palau but not to Raja Ampat/Papua. When we went to Palau we stayed on shore and dove with NECO Marine on day boats. We plan on going back next year and use a LOB - the only way to go IMO but I didn't know any better the first time we went.

Without a doubt, I'd have to say the diving was better in Palau than Bunaken. I've never seen so many sharks, tuna, jacks, etc in one place. For overall experience - people, food, other site seeing options I'd have to give the nod to Manado/Bunaken/Lembeh area.

Thanks for the comparsome...I have been to Palau 8 times and love it...in the last couple of years spending more time in Indonesia...Bali, East Timor, Wakatobi, Lembeh and Papua...I'm always looking for a new spot....If you think Palau is great....Do Raja/Papua...will not see as many sharks....but very large schools of fish, corals and lots of small stuff.

 

[Rickg]

Thanks for the comparsome...Do Raja/Papua...will not see as many sharks....but very large schools of fish, corals and lots of small stuff.

Travelnsj,

That sounds like our MUREX Serenade LOB trip along the Sangihe Islands. I see you are planning a trip to Layang2. Look forward to hearing about your trip. It looks like we might be doing a Maldives LOB trip from 25 MAY to 3 JUN.

 

[Travelnsj]

Travelnsj,

That sounds like our MUREX Serenade LOB trip along the Sangihe Islands. I see you are planning a trip to Layang2. Look forward to hearing about your trip. It looks like we might be doing a Maldives LOB trip from 25 MAY to 3 JUN.

Make sure you do not do the Baani....there is a thread about that boat on SB....I will be interested in your report as I have heard the only way to see the Maldives is a LOB.

 

[Rickg]

Make sure you do not do the Baani....there is a thread about that boat on SB....I will be interested in your report as I have heard the only way to see the Maldives is a LOB.

The LOB is the MV Eagle Ray.

Welcome to Maldives Boat Club - Diving Liveaboard Specialist

Save Money Diving -:- Scuba Dive the Maldives for less with Save Money Diving

There is a group from Singapore that has a charter for the week and they needed 2 more pax to fill out the 14 pax charter for a great price. And I was able to use my United miles to fly R/T from LAX to Male for the 80K per person "Saver Seat" rate. It was just too good to pass up.

We've never been to the Maldives before and are looking forward to it. I'll definitely post a trip report when I get back.

 

[Travelnsj]

Rickg...looks like a nice boat...glad to here you got a good deal....everything I have heard from people who have been to Palau and the Maldives is Palau wins but they say there is some great diving and a it is a beautiful place.

 

[hallboy]

Maldive must be seen on a boat. ; and i ve benn more impressed by Palau.

 

[hallboy]

Maldive must be seen on a boat. ; and i ve benn more impressed by Palau.

but 45 minutes with mantas.... and just 2 with a whale shark sorry for the quality of the pics.

Picasa Web Albums - philippe - maldives

 

[Travelnsj]

Maldive must be seen on a boat. ; and i ve benn more impressed by Palau.

but 45 minutes with mantas.... and just 2 with a whale shark sorry for the quality of the pics.

Picasa Web Albums - philippe - maldives

hallboy.....some great pics...were those from Palau?

 

[hallboy]

Most of them are from Maldives.

that, is Palau:

Picasa Albums Web - philippe - partir plonge...