Raja Ampat and Nov 2014?

[diverken374]

I am close to booking my trip to Raja Ampat November 18-30th, 2014 on the SMY Ondina. I would like to add a week possibly two of diving in that region after my trip. Ambon with Malaku divers has been suggested and looks good and I have not done any "muck diving". Any others done this trip at this time of year and have other possible side trips?
Any input would be appreciated as I am working on my "bucket list" and not sure I will be back to this area in the future.
Too many dive sites so little time!
Ken

 

[MA]

Hi, What a great trip! I've stayed at Maluku, they have a great setup! However a few days there would probably suffice.

If you have 2 weeks - Komodo!!! If you're not coming back to Indonesia I'd highly recommend it, but november may be a little late.

Otherwise Lembeh and Bangka (not being to bangka but i'm going on what others on SB say). Lembeh has your muck diving, and in a beautiful setting. All the resorts seem to get great reviews. I've stayed at NAD and KBR and both come with my highest recommendations. They are different, depends on what you're after and your budget.

Lembeh and Bangka will be a nice easy tack on to Raja Ampat. Actually thats what i did!

Have fun! Diving in Indonesia is just superb.

 

[Mike Veitch]

Actually Nov is the best time to go to Komodo, the south is warm and blue and most of the boats have gone to Raja so the dive sites are empty! My fave time to be there

 

[diverken374]

Hi, What a great trip! I've stayed at Maluku, they have a great setup! However a few days there would probably suffice.

If you have 2 weeks - Komodo!!! If you're not coming back to Indonesia I'd highly recommend it, but november may be a little late.

Otherwise Lembeh and Bangka (not being to bangka but i'm going on what others on SB say). Lembeh has your muck diving, and in a beautiful setting. All the resorts seem to get great reviews. I've stayed at NAD and KBR and both come with my highest recommendations. They are different, depends on what you're after and your budget.

Lembeh and Bangka will be a nice easy tack on to Raja Ampat. Actually thats what i did!

Have fun! Diving in Indonesia is just superb.

I was thinking about Lambeh but thought it might be too busy. I agree I was wondering if a week in Ambon may be a bit much. I do not know anything about Bangka and will look at it.
Thanks for your input!

 

[jamesdiving]

Just got back from a couple of days in Lembeh - as a previous muck diving sceptic I'm now fully converted. Already planning a return next year (I live in Singapore which helps) - that stuff is like crack.

In terms of it being too busy, it seems all the operators work together to minimise crowding - max of 15 divers on a site at any one time and most of the resorts seem to have max 4 divers per guide.

With direct flights from Singapore to Manado and direct flights Manado to Sorong it makes a lot of sense logistically to do Lembeh as an add on to Raja Ampat.

 

[diverken374]

Just got back from a couple of days in Lembeh - as a previous muck diving sceptic I'm now fully converted. Already planning a return next year (I live in Singapore which helps) - that stuff is like crack.

In terms of it being too busy, it seems all the operators work together to minimise crowding - max of 15 divers on a site at any one time and most of the resorts seem to have max 4 divers per guide.

With direct flights from Singapore to Manado and direct flights Manado to Sorong it makes a lot of sense logistically to do Lembeh as an add on to Raja Ampat.

I know that I will get some muck diving in at Raj Ampat and if I really like it then in Ambon I will surely get my fix. I also have wanted to go to Komodo and perhaps may take my chances with the weather there as Mike has suggested. No matter what I will still be diving and avoiding the weather here in Canada. It's all good! Perhaps I will extend the trip even more. I appreciate all the input and any further suggestions or comments would be great. Ken
Ken

 

[jamesdiving]

Ah Komodo. I haven't yet done RA but was in Komodo in June. The best diving I've ever done, bar none. (For reference I'm comparing to the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Egypt, Sudan, Ningaloo, GBR, Bora Bora, Moorea, Bali, Bunaken, Lembeh, Similans, Malapascua, and the Maldives)

Komodo - Ambon - RA - Lembeh would be quite the trip!

 

[diverken374]

Actually Nov is the best time to go to Komodo, the south is warm and blue and most of the boats have gone to Raja so the dive sites are empty! My fave time to be there

What would you recommend as a place to stay and dive?
Ken

---------- Post added October 18th, 2013 at 02:09 PM ----------

Ah Komodo. I haven't yet done RA but was in Komodo in June. The best diving I've ever done, bar none. (For reference I'm comparing to the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Egypt, Sudan, Ningaloo, GBR, Bora Bora, Moorea, Bali, Bunaken, Lembeh, Similans, Malapascua, and the Maldives)

Komodo - Ambon - RA - Lembeh would be quite the trip!

Well then it looks like I will need to go there!!

 

[Hintermann]

I have a booking on board the MSV Seahorse between 5th & 16th November 2014. Looking forward to it.