First Timer Liveaboard in Raja Ampat - Help Needed

[scuba_kate]

hi friends, I have a few more questions if someone can help, please:

* Any recommendations on what to bring to the crew for presents? I was reading that one can either bring cash that gets split with everyone or do presents to specific people. Any insights on the customs?

* Has anyone traveled with a dive knife through Japan? We have a layover in Japan and the laws are merky. We have Tusa X-Pert II Knife.

* Is it worth getting the e-visa in advance online or better to just get the visa on arrival at the airport?

* Is it safe to walk around Sorong?

* Any recommendations for what to do in Bali during a layover (we have 7 hours on the way there and 14 hours on the way back)?

Our trip is approaching and I am getting more and more nervous that I am forgetting something.

 

[Dan]

Any recommendations on what to bring to the crew for presents? I was reading that one can either bring cash that gets split with everyone or do presents to specific people. Any insights on the customs?

Cash is the easiest & most effective.

 

[Dan]

* Has anyone traveled with a dive knife through Japan? We have a layover in Japan and the laws are merky. We have Tusa X-Pert II Knife.

Dive knife should be in check-in baggage.

 

[Dan]

* Is it worth getting the e-visa in advance online or better to just get the visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes

 

[Dan]

Any recommendations for what to do in Bali during a layover (we have 7 hours on the way there and 14 hours on the way back)?

It depends on what time of the day is the layover. If it’s during daylight time, I would store my luggage in airport storage, go to Novotel Airport hotel concierge, get walking map to Kuta beach. There are lots of things to see, eat, shop, get massage, etc.

 

[Dan]

Is it safe to walk around Sorong?

Yes

 

[Darnold9999]

hi friends, I have a few more questions if someone can help, please:

* Any recommendations on what to bring to the crew for presents? I was reading that one can either bring cash that gets split with everyone or do presents to specific people. Any insights on the customs?

* Has anyone traveled with a dive knife through Japan? We have a layover in Japan and the laws are merky. We have Tusa X-Pert II Knife.

* Is it worth getting the e-visa in advance online or better to just get the visa on arrival at the airport?

* Is it safe to walk around Sorong?

* Any recommendations for what to do in Bali during a layover (we have 7 hours on the way there and 14 hours on the way back)?

Our trip is approaching and I am getting more and more nervous that I am forgetting something.

What Dan said.

Cash, keep the knife in checked bags, definitely do the evisa airport arrival will be much easier and faster - don't forget the MPox health form, Sorong is not a great place to walk around, but my experience says it is safe, Kuta beach is about all you will have time for in Bali. You might try for Uluwatu in the 14 hour layover, Tanah Lot would also be possible but slightly riskier with the drive through Denpasar to get there and back. All possible in 14 hours though - depends on time of day.

 

[scuba_kate]

Yes

Thank you, in that case what’s the correct way to put address in the form since it’s a liveaboard and form asks for zip code?

 

[Cali_diver]

Thank you, in that case what’s the correct way to put address in the form since it’s a liveaboard and form asks for zip code?

I just use the liveaboard's local office address which you can usually find on the website

 

[davinajmyers]

Definitely! There are lots of stinging hydroids on the coral outcrops. Since NO gloves are allowed while diving in RA, the stick is long enough to keep your hand from accidentally brushing onto that itchy coral, while anchoring yourself on the bottom or wall.

This is my pointer (bought it from Amazon.com)

https://a.co/d/gB1EHee

View attachment 871614

Thanks, this is helpful. Raja Ampat was the first place I've seen so many divers with pointer sticks. Now I understand the reasoning! We used reef hooks provided by the dive operator twice without incident and generally were able to grab coral-free rocks if needed but I can see how this is another device to add to my setup.