Raja Ampat Dive Resort, nay information

[paolotokyo]

Hi everyone,
I'm Paolo from Tokyo (live here, I'm Italian....) and I've been passively following this forum for a long time; I thank you all for the massive informations I could find on the forum.

I'm planning to visit and dive RA next autumn, and I'm looking for a not too expensive, eco friendly resort.
SO far the chioce is down to The RA dive resort and the Kiri Eco resort, that seem to be similar in prices.

I'm a little bit concerned about the diving locations, since there are no information on the RA Dive Resort web page and I sense that
generally there is a lot of attention to the fuel consumption; so I worry that the diving range could be limited. Kiri Eco diving pakage includes the manta place and "the passage", and I'm wandering if the RA dive resort does the same. I could find a lot od excellent review on tripadvison, but I would like to have some more "professional" opinion.

Moreover, I'm considering to take Malarone for Malaria prevention; I would like to know if people who visited RA recomend this.
Any additional advice is warmly welcome

Thanks
Paolo

 

[jake11]

I know someone who stayed at Kri Eco Resort and LOVED it!!! They liked everything about it and will go back.
We have been to RA 3x and I have taken malarone one of those times. We were on a LOB so I would probably take it if I were staying on land. I do not know anyone who contracted malaria while diving in Indonesia, but I did have a friend who got malaria while living for about a year in PNG. ???? You will love RA! Have fun!!!

 

[bibina]

Ciao Paolo, I have been to Kri four years ago and I totally loved it!!! I still hink is one of the best places on earth: accommodation is basic but perfect, food excellent, guides. Great and diving ... Out of this world!!! So much so that I will go again at the end of August. Dive sites are all rather close by, with Passage (unmissable) and Manta Sandy about one hour away
Maddalena

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

There are a couple of great resorts that may be out of your budget range. Raja4divers and Misool Eco are amazing spots. Kri is also nice.

As for the malaria meds, there are some clearly NOT recommended while diving. I'd suggest looking at DAN.org for some info. The recommended med can be geographic location specific.

From DAN:
"Discuss your travel plans with your physician well before departure. Many anti-malarial drugs require that you begin taking them days, sometimes weeks, before departure. The drug options will vary according to the strain of malaria found in your destination. All the drugs used for malaria prophylaxis are considered safe and are generally well tolerated, but side effects and toxic reactions can occur — some of them serious. Nonetheless, the risk of malaria may warrant tolerating temporary side effects. If a diver is unable to take a preventive medication because of side effects, the trip should be canceled or the medication changed to ensure coverage; the risk of contracting malaria is simply too great."

"There have been no studies conducted on malaria medication use while diving. In the absence of scientific data, we recommend caution and stability on the drug before attempting any dive. Divers should also note that the potential side effects of the anti-malarial drug mefloquine (sometimes sold under the brand name Lariam) may mimic symptoms of decompression illness."

 

[Wingy]

Ive never heard of anyone contracting Malaria in Indonesia - id be more alert for Dengue - as a prophylactic for anti malarials if you really feel you want to take them many travellers take Doxycycline.

 

[charlier]

Wingy makes a good point. As a frequent traveler to Indonesia, dengue is more of a concern. For malaria and dengue prevention, I suuget using an effective mosquito repellent, in particular at dawn and dusk.

 

[Wisnu]

we stayed at Kri eco end of 2012, very basic resort, we liked it. here is the report
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/indonesia/446166-nusa-lembongan-raja-ampat-lembeh-trips.html