www.grandkomodo.com [email protected] Live

www.grandkomodo.com
[email protected]
Live - aboard Cruises
Indonesia
(c) Ernest Mak
GRAND KOMODO TOURS
HOW WE GOT STARTED
Grand Komodo began in 1987 as an adventure – tour operator who organize tours off the beaten track
throughout Indonesia but especially to the islands east of Bali and other major islands. In 1990 we carried out
our first dive explorations, teaming up with naturalists and photographers such as Dr. Kal Müller, Burt Jones,
Maurine Shimlock, Gerry Allen, Roger Steene, Wally Siagian, Mike Severns and David Pickel. Teamed with
them we discovered some of Komodo’s most exciting dive sites.
THE BOATS
All the boats used are sturdy Bugis-style wooden boats optimized for Indonesia’s waters. On the boats the
accommodations aren’t fancy but they are clean and cozy, safe and comfortable with air conditioned cabins
and ensuite bathroom, a dive platform, gear up stations, a dedicated camera table and rinse tank, and battery
charging stations (both 110V and 220V). Once each diver’s outfit is rigged, the tank stays in place throughout
the trip, being refilled in place.
The boats’ home port locations mainly support Komodo or Raja Ampat trips.
Our itineraries take adventurous divers to locales such as Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay,
Cendrawasih Bay, Halmahera, Ambon, Lembeh, Alor and Bali. Many potentially exciting dive sites in Indonesia
remain undiscovered, and we are steadily exploring and opening up new areas.
WHY DIVE WITH GRAND KOMODO
Our pioneering efforts pay off for divers today. Our divemasters all grew up here, and nobody knows the sites,
the conditions, and the critters better than they do. We always have a Plan B if a given site isn’t good that day.
Likewise our captains, chase boat drivers, compressor operators, engineers, cooks and cabin attendants are
all local people experienced in our locales, operations and customer service. Plus, we have a “home court
advantage” in dealing with local authorities and airlines. Our agents greet you and handle local arrangements
for you every step of the way.
But when you travel halfway around the world to go diving you want more than competent service—you want
excellence where it counts most: underwater. And even though our cruises consistently cost less than those
of competitors, we never stint on the quality of the diving. Overall the individualized service of the competent
and friendly local divemasters and staff ensures customized, personal diving experiences not soon to be
forgotten.
We run scheduled departures throughout the year, and the diverse fleet makes it easy to arrange a charter to fit
your specific needs. We can also provide you with an itinerary combining several consecutive trips—including
landbase diving in Raja Ampat using the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, an intimate dive resort strategically located
in Mansuar Island, surrounded by many great dive sites.
Komodo National Park
For further information and reservations please contact:
GRAND KOMODO TOURS
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai no. 147 x, Sanur – Bali – Indonesia
Tel (+62)(361) 808 5858, 271 538 / Fax (+62)(361) 271 539
Website: www.grandkomodo.com | www.komodoalordive.com
E-mail: [email protected] | [email protected]
Alternate e-mail : [email protected]
Team work is our Strength, Quality our Tradition …..
INDONESIA …… Unity in Diversity ……
MV RAJA AMPAT EXPLORER
LOA 33.52 M | Beam 7.50 M | Draft: 2.10 M
MV TEMUKIRA
LOA 33.51 M | Beam 7.09 M | Draft: 2.64 M
Facts • Services • Facilities
Facts • Services • Facilities
• 7 Air-Conditioned cabins for 14 persons with ensuite bathroom,
hot shower, wash basin and toilet
• Air-conditioned lounge with dining seating for fourteen
• TV, CD / DVD Player
• 14 gear up stations, 20 scuba tank
• Electricity 220 V
• 6 Air-Conditioned cabins for 12 persons with ensuite bathroom,
shower, wash basin and toilet
• Air-conditioned lounge with dining seating for Twelve
• TV, CD / DVD Player
• 12 gear up stations, 20 scuba tank
• Electricity 220 V
MV PUTRI PAPUA
LOA 26.16 M | Beam 5.48 M | Draft: 2.52 M
MV TARATA
LOA 25.50 M | Beam 5.50 M | Draft: 2.00 M
Facts • Services • Facilities
Facts • Services • Facilities
• 5 Air-Conditioned cabins for 10 persons with ensuite bathroom,
shower, wash basin and toilet
• Fan cooled lounge with dining seating for ten
• TV, CD / DVD Player
• 10 gear up stations, 20 scuba tank
• Electricity 220 V
• 6 Air-Conditioned cabins for 12 persons with ensuite bathroom,
shower, wash basin and toilet
• Fan cooled lounge with dining seating for ten
• TV, CD / DVD Player
• 12 gear up stations, 20 scuba tank
• Electricity 220 V
MV NUSA TARA (KOMODO PLUS)
LOA 20.40 M | Beam 4.60 M | Draft: 1.90 M
MV KETI
LOA 15.45 M | Beam 3.65 M | Draft: 1.00 M
Facts • Services • Facilities
• MV Keti, our “Honeymoon Boat”
• 1 AC cabin, ensuite bathroom, shower, wash basin and toilet.
• Electricity 220 V
Facts • Services • Facilities
• 3 Air-Conditioned cabins for 6 persons with ensuite bathroom,
shower, wash basin and toilet
• Fan cooled lounge with dining seating for Six
• TV, CD / DVD Player
• 6 gear up stations, 10 scuba tank
• Electricity 220 V
Raja Ampat Diving Information
Heart of the Coral Triangle
The final frontier, the far eastern edge of Indonesia, it’s not just only brilliant diving in Raja Ampat but also probably the best
topside scenery of any dive destination in the world. At times you will be diving at the edge of tropical rainforest and cruising amongst
masses of small mushroom shaped islands. This is where Dr. Gerald Allen found the highest fish count of 273 different species on one
single dive. Probably, it’s the only place in Indonesia where you can regularly see the strange looking, Woebeegong (carpet) shark.
The Essence Of Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is not only about rare critters or seeing sharks, there are generally not as many of what one would call - classic critters
or big marine life. What is so special about this area is the scenery and in places the abundance of fish life. Masses of fish swarming
over vast expanses of living coral. Dives where you are inundated with vast schools of fish, on the best of dives fish seem to block out
the sun there are so many. Mellow drift dives across the most beautiful coral slopes and channels, unique dives with heavily undercut
mushroom shaped islands with gorgeous coral growth virtually to the surface. Some of the best coral gardens we have seen are in this
area. Taking a live-aboard will allow you to see not just these great fish dives but also the topside highlights of this area too. The real
“essence of RajaAmpat” is the incredible mix of wonderful topside scenery with great reefs to dive on. Tender boat rides through the
most outstanding island scenery of any dive destination is another highlight of this area.
Mansuar Area
This is the place where Dr. Gerald Allen found those 273 different species, see how many you can count! A great range of dive sites
here makes this area stand out as being probably the best dive areas in the whole of Indonesia for fish life. Not just for the species
diversity, as the schooling fish life is also incredible. Most reefs here are vibrant with vast amounts of soft corals covering huge coral
outcrops that in turn are surrounded by thousands of small sweepers. There are critters but not as many as other areas, though for sure
there are some great areas with rare and unusual marine life. An intimate dive resort, the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge is here in Mansuar
Island. Fronted by a white sand beach and backed by the ever-verdant Papuan rainforest, the dive lodge is surrounded by natural
beauty.
Birds of Paradise
A short trek through a village and small plantation takes us under the canopy of prime forest where we can see these rare and
mythical birds dancing on their special tree near Sawingrai or Yenwapnor villages.
Waigeo (Aljui Bay)
A great area to anchor amongst the many small islands that make this area like a huge maze. There is also a very interesting pearl
farm here. The welcoming staff can show divers some of the processes that go into farming high-end pearls. Dive sites vary with
brilliantly colorful invertebrate covered walls that are dotted with caverns. These all seem to just fall from the rock faces that rise up
above the water, being topped off with incredible tropical scenery. There are dive sites here that are great critter dives with many great
nudibranches and crustaceans to keep the macro lovers content. This area probably has the best macro site in the northern RajaAmpat
we have came across up to now!
Kawe Area
More small islands here that are home to some incredible dive sites. Amongst these we encounter groups of small islands. Here
pelagic fish and many different schooling fish can be seen. Right on the edge of equator there are more impressive islands, some looking
like Bonsai trees sitting on a rock base. One very small island has what can only be described as being one the best topographical
sites in the area. Walls surround most of the island that can easily be circumnavigated on one dive. But there is much more, a coral
covered sea mount with hundreds of schooling fish swimming around it, there are small plateaus, a small cavern, giant sea fans and
many black coral bushes surrounding a tall pinnacle. Some sites here are very open to the seas and often strong currents, often swells
make safety stops near the reef a little awkward.
Wayag Area
This has to be as good as it gets for topside scenery, with lagoons and small mushroom shaped islands, a short trek for those with
enough energy will reveal this island in all its glory. We are now surrounded by that same scenery, lagoons and islands where we dive
are home to great marine life, beautiful reef scenery, some schooling pelagic fish and wicked topographical dive sites. Also this is home
to a hidden blue lagoon with the only way in being from the ocean, it is only us divers that will ever see this sight.
Wai Island Area
Surrounded by white sand beaches and reefs that are home now to plane wrecks as well as great marine life. One plane lays on
a reef slope covered in an array of beautiful soft corals with the slope itself sometimes being a good place to find interesting critters.
Reefs here have been impacted in the past though in places the reef crest is an area where you will want that over-under lens. With
a tropical island backdrop what more could you ask. At times it is possible to see large groups of manta rays cruising by on this island
too.
One of Truly Outstanding Diving in Indonesia!
AYU
Raja Ampat
Archipelago
SAYANG
HALMAHERA SEA
WAYAG
KAWE
GEBE
WAIGEO
WAIGEO
WAISAI
GAM
GAG
MANSUAR
KRI
SORONG
BATANTA
SALAWATI
KOFIAU
PAPUA
The Mother Lode of
Marine Tourism:
Eastern Indonesia
MISOOL
SERAM SEA
WEST PAPUA (IRIAN JAYA) Region
Bird’s Head Seascape :
Raja Ampat * Triton Bay * Cendrawasih Bay
RAJA AMPAT
This is the final frontier, the Planet’s heart of marine Biodiversity with the most stunning topside scenery at the eastern
end of Indonesia. This archipelago contains over 540 species
of hard coral and 1320 reef fish species, far surpassing any
other tropical reef system. Raja Ampat offers dazzling sites due
to unparalleled array of marine habitats, from current-swept reef
points to sheltered black sand bays to blue water mangroves.
Raja Ampat is where Dr. Gerald Allen counted 273 fish species
on a single dive. If you’re looking for amazing diving in this
region, then a Grand Komodo liveaboard cruise here is for you.
Water temperature: 24 – 29 C. Visibility: 10 – 30 M (seasonal).
Year-round diving.
TRITON BAY
Triton Bay is still pretty much in the middle of nowhere, far
away from the crowd. There are innumerable small islands in
the bay. Spectacular scenery over the mainland features rock
art cliffs. This area enjoys an unexcelled fish Biomass. Soft
coral gardens cover the ridges. Hard coral growth also shows
excellent health. This area has both pelagics and critters, with
the diving ranging from very good to outstanding.
CENDRAWASIH BAY Marine National Park
One of the highest concentrations of unique and endemic
fishes in the Pacific Ocean is HERE. World-renowned
ichthyologist Dr. Gerald Allen has described Cendrawasih Bay
as an “evolutionary cauldron”. The bay’s turbulent geologic
history has meant long periods isolated from the rest of the
Coral Triangle, allowing a plethora of new species and unique
color variants to evolve. From endemic walking shark to flasher
wrasses, and their resident whale sharks. Visitors are asked to
carefully follow the code of conduct for interacting with these
awe-inspiring creatures and never touch or harass them. Our
trip starts from Manokwari for amazing WW II wreck diving,
including P-40 (a Curtiss Tomahawk fighter), Cross Wreck, and
the Japanese freighter Shinwa Maru, including healthy and
profuse hard and soft corals. Dive profiles extend down to the
30 meter range.
MISOOL
Untouched environments, completely in their natural states.
Fish populations and coral are healthy, with an enormous
variety of species. Many rare and exotic critters.
LESSER SUNDAS (Nusa Tenggara) Region
KOMODO
the World Heritage Site - the realm of the dragon
Komodo is one of Indonesia’s driest regions. Be sure to include
a land visit to see the huge Komodo dragons when you go
there. Underwater, Komodo offers just about every type of
diving; from current-swept seamounts patrolled by sharks, tuna
and other pelagics to calm reefs with teeming schools of fish.
Diving is good year-round. Because of strong currents and
upwelling the water can be cold. We suggest a 5mm suit and
hood. Diving in the NORTH: Best period is during the southeast
monsoon, from late March to early May and late September
to early November. Currents are often encountered during this
time. Water temperature: 24 – 29 C. Visibility: 20 – 25 m. Diving
in the SOUTH: Best period is during the northwest monsoon,
mid November to early March. Water temperature: 21 – 27 C.
Visibility: 10 – 15 m.
RA
T
UR
BA
TI
RA
RA
GA
GA
NG
TE
TE
SA
SA
Loh Weci PHPA post
LABUHAN BAJO
DO
T S
AP
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NU
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ta
ban
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gili
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HALMAHERA in North Maluku
These were the original Spice Islands. Until the Dutch planted
cloves on Ambon Island, every clove in the world came from
the Halmahera islands Ternate and Tidore. This region features
unique reef formations, with visibility 20 – 30 m, and water
temperature of 27 – 28 C. Plenty of macro and micro subjects
for UW photographers.
SULAWESI Region
LEMBEH STRAIT in North Sulawesi
Critter heaven! Bring your macro lens and shoot flamboyant
cuttlefish, harlequin shrimp, skeleton shrimps, innumerable
nudibranchs, and amazing fish such as stargazers, snake
eels, stonefish, sea robins, devilfish, weedy scorpion fish,
pygmy seahorses, Pegasus sea robins, cardinal fish, ghost
pipe fish, and the queen of small tropicals, the kaleidoscopic
mandarin fish. Moreover, while much of Indonesian diving
requires dealing with currents, Lembeh features easy diving
in calm lake-like water. This place has earned its reputation as
the muck diving capital of the world. And it makes for part of a
great combination trip with Togian National Park (see the next
listing).
WaKaToBi
(also called the Tukang Besi Islands) in Southeast Sulawesi.
This archipelago is named after its four main islands:
Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea, and Binongko. Here
you’ll experience great wall diving, unparalleled diversity of
marine life and the healthiest reefs in the Sulawesi region.
On any given day look for mimic octopus, devil scorpion
fish, stonefish, ribbon eels, “disco clams”, and many other
fascinating critters. Night dives are breathtaking. Entire
walls burst into vivid colors as nocturnal tubastrea and soft
corals “bloom.” And the diversity of invertebrates such as
crustaceans, nudibranchs and mollusks is bewildering.
Caribbean divers will sit staring at their logbooks after each
dive, not knowing where to begin.
A
Loh Buaya
R
OR
A
FL
NC
RI
Teluk
Langkoi
Tala
KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
MALUKU Region
BANDA in the Banda sea
Knowledgeable divers seek out this remote location due to
a confluence of currents and nutrients there, producing an
unusually diverse and brilliant growth of marine life. Fishes
large and small can be found on any of the dive sites. The
diving ranges from the shallow lagoon between Banda Neira
and Gunung Api to the vertical walls of Hatta Island.
D
ES
AH
NT
Logo
Langkoi
PA
LA
T
Teluk
Logo
SE
ALOR
Alor’s friendly inhabitants are the original source
of those beautiful Ikat fabrics sold in Bali. Remote
and pristine, Alor’s waters offer masses of swirling,
schooling fish and a comparable diversity of rare
and weird critters on the reefs. Alor is a macro
photographer’s dream.
LI
Toro Letuhoh
KOMOO
KO
LA
Laju Pemali
SE
SANGEANG
Sangeang is an active volcano whose steep,
conical slopes extend up to a nearly 2,000m peak.
Lava flows are occasionally visible on its flanks.
This island lies between Komodo and Sumbawa
island. Sangeang’s black volcanic sands offer
underwater photographers a wonderfully contrasting
background for fish and other critters, with streams
of bubbles rising from the sands here and there due
to the volcanic activity. A wealth of sea life can be
found in the coral reefs around Sangeang, including
nudibranchs and flatworms.
DIVE PROGRAM
DESTINATIONS DURATION Embark/Disembark
KOMODO
8 Day - 7 Night
Labuan Bajo / Labuan Bajo
RAJA AMPAT
11 Day - 10 Night
Sorong / Sorong
TRITON BAY
11 Day - 10 Night
Sorong / Kaimana
CENDRAWASIH BAY
8 Day - 7 Night
Manokwari / Manokwari
AMBON
8 Day - 7 Night
Ambon / Ambon
ALOR
8 Day - 7 Night
Maumere / Maumere
HALMAHERA
8 Day - 7 Night
Ternate / Ternate
LEMBEH
8 Day - 7 Night
Bitung / Bitung
KOMODO - SANGEANG
10 Day - 9 Night
Labuan Bajo / Sape
KOMODO - ALOR
15 Day - 14 Night
Sape / Maumere
MISOOL - RAJA AMPAT
11 Day - 10 Night
Sorong / Sorong
MISOOL - HALMAHERA
15 Day - 14 Night
Sorong / Ternate
MISOOL - BANDA - ALOR 16 Day - 15 Night
Sorong / Maumere
HALMAHERA - TOGIAN
- LEMBEH
15 Day - 14 Night
Ternate / Bitung
HALMAHERA - AMBON
15 Day - 14 Night
Ternate / Ambon
LEMBEH - HALMAHERA
- MISOOL
15 Day - 14 Night
Bitung / Sorong
LEMBEH - TOGIAN
13 Day - 12 Night
Bitung / Gorontalo
Text edited by Lee Thé
Explore the Magnificent
Marine Life of Raja Ampat
The Heart of the Coral Triangle
Liveaboard & Landbase Diving
Snorkeling & Bird Watching
Seaing is Believing
SALES & RESERVATIONS CENTRE:
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai no 147 X, Sanur – Bali – Indonesia
Tel (+62) (361) 808 5858, 271 538 / Fax (+62) (361) 271 539
Website: www.rajaampat-divelodge.com
Email: [email protected]
Alternate e-mail : [email protected]