So after the bombing in indonesia...

[cjames]

My wife and I basically have a trip planned out to Bali and Sulawesi next spring. Anybody hearing anything from a security perspective? Two of my clients have put Indonesia on the restricted travel list. I'm still thinking that its OK, but I don't want to have to be looking over my shoulder the whole time.

[thomssi]

I wouldn't go to Jakarta but Sulawesi (probably) and Bali would not be a problem. Bali is Hindu not Muslim although many Javanese are there - the Balinese will tell you it is they who cause any troubles in Bali. If you are worried at all just avoid central Kuta, it is a pain with timeshare morons following you around anyway. Can't see there being any problems on Lembongan, in Tulamben, Menjangen etc.

Sulawesi may be a bit less safe but still ok. Manado is predominantly Christian rather than Muslim. Most dive resorts are not in central town and would not make a particularly useful target.

I first went to Bali a month after the Kuta bomb, a number of people on our trip pulled out. The tourist industry had collapsed overnight but this made the Balinese even more welcoming than usual and very grateful some people were still willing to visit. Needless to say everything was fine (we stayed in Tulamben).

It is not risk free but most of the diving resorts are a long way from major built up tourist areas (possible exception of Candi Dasa which is still Tiny compared to Kuta), this would reduce any risk significantly.

This is a difficult decision but we were very glad we decided to go previously. Good luck with your decision making.

[Jonathan]

the terrorists win...

[underwater daphne]

you never know. it's not like ppl have deserted new york. if it happens it could be anywhere. just live. and avoiding muslim places won't solve any problems, not all moslems are terrorist and not all muslim places are dangerous.

[thomssi]

No not all Muslims are terrorists, that is not what I mean't to imply. However certain strongly Muslim areas are likely more dangerous at the moment (especially for US citzens) than non-Muslim areas. This isn't implying a majority of people are terrorists but you don't need a majority and you are more likely to run into one or two fanatics in say Jakarta when compared to Tulamben or other dive destinations in Bali. Yes problems can arise anywhere but are more likely in some places than others.

You may also have noted that I did go to Bali very shortly after the Kuta bomb. A number of people pulled out of that trip - everyone makes their own risk assessment and it is understandable why people pulled out. The fact that Bali is Hindu rather than Muslim and is generally viewed as largely distinct from other areas in Indonesia for very much that reason figured in both the decision making of people who made the trip and is definitely pushed by the Balinese themselves when trying to rebuild their tourist industry.

[cjames]

Thanks for the input all. Currently, unless something else happens, we're still planning to go. I really want to video critters off Lembeh. Alternatively, we're going to check into Australia / PNG.

[underwater daphne]

No not all Muslims are terrorists, that is not what I mean't to imply. However certain strongly Muslim areas are likely more dangerous at the moment (especially for US citzens) than non-Muslim areas. This isn't implying a majority of people are terrorists but you don't need a majority and you are more likely to run into one or two fanatics in say Jakarta when compared to Tulamben or other dive destinations in Bali. Yes problems can arise anywhere but are more likely in some places than others.

sorry, with all the hype going on you start worrying that ppl are going anti muslim. i realise you didn't mean it that way.

[orangeBloke]

I just came back from Bali yersterday and it couldn't have been nicer. The tourists seem to have returned and the Aussies, who lost many friends and relatives in the Bali bombing are also back in numbers.

Even the terrible news about the Australian embassy in Jakarta just seemed to make the locals more determined to protect their visitors and denounce what had happened.

Aslo as regards Muslim areas some of my the best people I know are Muslims and I'm proud to call them friends. It's only a group of nutters that are causing the problems, no sane person would cause this kind of mayhem. Where I come from in Ireland we have our own fanatics claiming to be fighting in the name of Christian religions. The vast majority of Irish people would tell you that they want nothing to do with them. They're just as crazy as the those currently grabbing the headlines. So don't feel frightened of the Muslim countries or their people, you've probably just as good, if not better, a chance of being attacked or mugged in any major city as you have in any of the Muslim states

[tinylia]

Hi!

I just came back from Bali. I dove in Nusa Penida, Sanur, and Tulamben. I was there July 19-24, 2004. Everything was perfectly fine. I am a female, and I traveled by myself. I arrived in Denpasar and rented a car and drove to Tulamben. Granted I am a native Indonesian, but I grew up here in the States. So, within minutes, the locals can tell that I am not really "a native" anymore, which could be worse than foreigners. Most of Indonesian really hate confrontantional. They really are very peaceful people. By the way, I am a Moslem too. Yes, the Balinese can tell immediately that I am a Moslem because of my Islamic name. So, hopefully this will help you make your decision. Please PM me for any further info, especially if you are thinking of going to Tulamben.

[Washy]

.. the Aussies...are also back in numbers.


And that's a good thing???? ;)

[moraygirl]

...........Aslo as regards Muslim areas some of my the best people I know are Muslims and I'm proud to call them friends. It's only a group of nutters that are causing the problems, no sane person would cause this kind of mayhem. Where I come from in Ireland we have our own fanatics claiming to be fighting in the name of Christian religions. The vast majority of Irish people would tell you that they want nothing to do with them. They're just as crazy as the those currently grabbing the headlines. So don't feel frightened of the Muslim countries or their people, you've probably just as good, if not better, a chance of being attacked or mugged in any major city as you have in any of the Muslim states

I agree. Ireland is a good comparison. Anywhere you go carries a risk of some sort, whether from local diseases, political issues or simply getting on the plane to get there. Or you could walk out of your front door tomorrow and get run over by a bus. If you choose to deny yourself the adventures your soul desires then "terror" wins. You have to live your life to the full and accept that there are certain risks in pretty much everything you do. Personally, I don't beleive Islamic countries are any more dangerous than anywhere else in the world. For years, London has lived under the threat of bomb attacks from the IRA due to the conflict in Ireland, it hasn't stopped tourists coming to visit London, and personally, I don't beleive the apparrent al quaida threat makes it any more dangerous than it was before. Tourist destinations are always a risk, wherever they are. It's important to keep it in perspective and still enjoy life. There have always been risks in travelling, the thing these days is that when stuff happens its much more widely publicised than before.
I would still go on your trip, keep your wits about you as you would anywhere - I am sure you'll have a fantastic time! Life is too short to miss out on these adventures!

[whitedragon13]

Here's the "official" word from the State Department:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/indonesia_warning.html

Most notably are upcoming elections with expected violence.

[meisburger]

Here is the unofficial word from an election expert in jakarta. Go. No problem in those places (I was at Bunaken a few weeks ago). No problem really in Jakarta either that you might not face anywhere else in the world (I took a boat to one of the islands offshore on Saturday and did three dives in six hours). Only a very tiny minority of the population is extremist, and contrary to the State Department, we do not expect violent elections.

Cheers, Tim

[The Hamburger]

Will be in Manado on Wednesday.

[tracker]

My wife and I basically have a trip planned out to Bali and Sulawesi next spring. Anybody hearing anything from a security perspective? Two of my clients have put Indonesia on the restricted travel list. I'm still thinking that its OK, but I don't want to have to be looking over my shoulder the whole time.

Just on opinion. I think that was..........wait, don't give them any fuel, just a start to a stupid thought..................go ahead and go...............ummmm............things have changed...........I think that was just a stupid human trick............Opinion question.............Damn, I wish I had the perfect answer. Think about it. Have ......faith?

[underwater daphne]

Just on opinion. I think that was..........wait, don't give them any fuel, just a start to a stupid thought..................go ahead and go...............ummmm............things have changed...........I think that was just a stupid human trick............Opinion question.............Damn, I wish I had the perfect answer. Think about it. Have ......faith?

lol, drugs or alcohol?

[AquaMarine Diving - Bali]

Not that you'd be diving there ... but ... Bali is a great deal safer in all respects (imho) than, say, London - which is where I'm from.

Suggest if you decide to do Sulawesi/Manado, that you contact Murex www.MurexDive.com who dive Bunaken Marine Park and also provide the diving for Lembeh Resort.

Have a great trip!

[davidlkh]

Indonesia diving is truely great. With the bombing prices get better as demand falls due to security reasons.

If look closely at where the dive sites are, it is extremely remote compared to say Kuta.

Lembongan needs a long long boat ride to get to.
Tulamben a 2 hour car ride.
Menjangan perhaps 3 to 4 hour car ride.

It is a bit like saying RIOTS in Los Angeles have caused security problems in San Francisco.

These remote sites do not provide the political statement for these terrorist. Not many people to begin with and most are locals helping service the divers and resorts.

[Universal Diver]

Hey all,

I have my airline tickets, my accomodations, I just have no idea about diving in Bali. I will be going with my wife, two small children and a few of my wife's friends. My wife has already told me to dive all I would like for the first week while her friends are with us. God bless her.

So, here is the situation, I will be a single diver and the first week I'll be staying at the Jimbaran Hills Resort (out in the middle of nowhere). I'm very flexible on where to dive, since I have no clue, although I've researched all the dive points.

I read that orangeBloke and tinylia have just returned so, does anyone have any advice? I've checked out a lot of dive operators on the net but I don't know anyone who has dived there yet.

If anyone has any information on dive operators, low prices and particular dive points, please feel free. PLEASE!

Chris

[frogfish]

Hey all,

I have my airline tickets, my accomodations, I just have no idea about diving in Bali. I will be going with my wife, two small children and a few of my wife's friends. My wife has already told me to dive all I would like for the first week while her friends are with us. God bless her.

So, here is the situation, I will be a single diver and the first week I'll be staying at the Jimbaran Hills Resort (out in the middle of nowhere). I'm very flexible on where to dive, since I have no clue, although I've researched all the dive points.

I read that orangeBloke and tinylia have just returned so, does anyone have any advice? I've checked out a lot of dive operators on the net but I don't know anyone who has dived there yet.

If anyone has any information on dive operators, low prices and particular dive points, please feel free. PLEASE!

Chris

The bad news is that in Jimbaran you are far from Bali's best sites (Penida, Padangbai & Candidasa, Tulamben...). The good news is that 1/ Diving is really really good in Bali and 2/ You still can get access to the best sites from Jimbaran if you are prepared to be gone for the whole day...

Would like to help but always base myself in East Bali.

Lucky you you will have a blast !

[orangeBloke]

You could try ENA dive as they seem to have some link with Jambaran Hills Resort http://www.jimbaran-hills.com/ena-dive.html. some of the shops in Nusa Dua might be willing to pick you up as you won't be too far away from them. Do a quick Google to find out what's there.

There's some very basic diving from Nusa Dua but Nusa Penida is only about 45-60mins away by speed boat and the diving there is great. Also a little further along there are more sites opposite Candidasa. If you want to spend a few hours each way in a van you can go up to Tulamben

[neve]

I can't comment about security coz I'm biased (I'm Indonesian), so I'll try to give pointers about the diving instead. Sulawesi is fabulous, try to make time for other sites besides Bunaken:
- Likupang
- Bangka
- Lembeh (a must!! it's simply fabulous!)
I'd highly recommend Eco Divers (http://www.eco-divers.com) operating out of Tasik Ria Resort - fab boat and guides, and great accommodation.

BALI
I go home to Bali to dive 3-4 times a year, and I'd strongly recommend that you go with a reputable dive operator. There are about 150 dive operators in Bali, and only a handful of good, responsible, safety-conscious ones. Don't be tempted by rock-bottom prices - this can only mean they cut corners and therefore put your safety at risk.

Most of the dive ops can pick you up from your hotel at no extra charge, and drive you back after the dives. They will even wash your gear for you :) Jimbaran is not "in the middle of nowhere", just a wee bit off the main road ;)

Here are some that I would recommend (I don't work for any of them, I'm just a very satisfied customer :))

- Bali Scuba (http://www.baliscuba.com)
- Waterworx (http://www.waterworxbali.com)

As for sites, depending on what you want to see, here are some recommendations:
- Nusa Penida: pelagics, walls, clear water, drift dives. (Top site)
- Tulamben: wreck, macro, lots of fish, wall. (Best, easiest wreck dive in Asia IMHO)
- Menjangan: Wall, pelagics, clear water (depending on season)
- Secret Bay: macro
- Seraya: macro
- Puri Jati: new site... I haven't been yet but I heard there's a resident colony of mimic octopus
- Padang Bai: reef, wobbegong sharks, macro.
- Gili Selang, Biaha, Tepekong: drift, sharks, lobsters.

If you want to find out more about Bali diving, from people who actually live there, check out this local diving club (http://www.kapalselam.org)'s website.

I hope this helps.

[travelem]

Some nice Bali photos:
http://hkdiver.com/viewtopic.php?t=12110

[tinylia]

Hey all,

I have my airline tickets, my accomodations, I just have no idea about diving in Bali. I will be going with my wife, two small children and a few of my wife's friends. My wife has already told me to dive all I would like for the first week while her friends are with us. God bless her.

So, here is the situation, I will be a single diver and the first week I'll be staying at the Jimbaran Hills Resort (out in the middle of nowhere). I'm very flexible on where to dive, since I have no clue, although I've researched all the dive points.

I read that orangeBloke and tinylia have just returned so, does anyone have any advice? I've checked out a lot of dive operators on the net but I don't know anyone who has dived there yet.

If anyone has any information on dive operators, low prices and particular dive points, please feel free. PLEASE!

Chris

Hi Chris,

I too, have used Bali Scuba, and they're great. However, if you want to do a really cheap dive, you can do it all by yourself.

I brought my own gears, so I just rent the tank. I'd hire a car with a driver, it usually costs $30/day. Then the driver can take you to the dive sites. Any dive site that requires a traditional boat, you can hire it for Rp40-Rp50K. Should you need a buddy, you may be able to just a guide for a lot less. Just remember, it is all negotiable.

I myself will be there in Nov. Have fun!!

[Universal Diver]

Thanks for all the information. I will do a little more research on it.

The Diving Club information (from neve) is interesting and I also feel stupid because I checked all over the Jimbaran Hills homepage and never saw the Ena Divers section (from orangeBloke).

Diving alone could be very interesting as well. I would love to dive the Liberty wreck in Tulumben and it isn't such a difficult dive. Thanks tinylia. BTW, when will you be there?

Chris

[meisburger]

Thanks for all the information. I will do a little more research on it.

The Diving Club information (from neve) is interesting and I also feel stupid because I checked all over the Jimbaran Hills homepage and never saw the Ena Divers section (from orangeBloke).

Diving alone could be very interesting as well. I would love to dive the Liberty wreck in Tulumben and it isn't such a difficult dive. Thanks tinylia. BTW, when will you be there?

Chris


Tulemben is a great place for self-managed diving, either solo or with a friend, and there is an active thread in the Asia section on Tulemben just now (I'll be there on the 18th).

Best, Tim

[The Hamburger]

Tulemben is a great place for self-managed diving, either solo or with a friend, and there is an active thread in the Asia section on Tulemben just now (I'll be there on the 18th).

Best, Tim

Sorry youisnotburger.

Just got back friom Lembeh.

It was very scary.

I wouldn't recomend it to anyone.

There were too many divers.

Cheers

[meisburger]

Thanks Hamburger! I've had that name for 46 years and never once read it as "me is burger". Great! But when I was a kid I was known as Cheeseburger, until they started calling me Psyco.

The Lembeh Straight is in North Sulawesi, far from Bali, but if you thought it was crowed there...

[JenM]

Thanks for all the information. I will do a little more research on it.

Diving alone could be very interesting as well. I would love to dive the Liberty wreck in Tulumben and it isn't such a difficult dive. Thanks tinylia. BTW, when will you be there?

Chris

We spent a few days in Tulamben last year and you can definitely dive solo there. I'm not usually comfortable doing that but the wreck is literally 50 ft. off shore in 25-60fsw with no currents so it is pretty hard to get into trouble. Plus there are usually a fair number of divers around so easy to hook up with someone to dive with if you'd prefer - it's not crowded but it's not deserted either. It is a really fun dive with tons of fish and lots of variety and you can night dive as well. You could do a twilight/night dive around 6-7Pm and still be back in Jimbaran by 11PM.

[Universal Diver]

Jen,

Good information. I'm not too worried about getting into too much trouble. I've done a few dives and feel comfortable diving alone. I often dive in Japan alone. I'm an OWSI and don't have many problems with diving solo here.

Are there any dive services near the wreck to get tanks?

Chris

[tinylia]

Thanks for all the information. I will do a little more research on it.

The Diving Club information (from neve) is interesting and I also feel stupid because I checked all over the Jimbaran Hills homepage and never saw the Ena Divers section (from orangeBloke).

Diving alone could be very interesting as well. I would love to dive the Liberty wreck in Tulumben and it isn't such a difficult dive. Thanks tinylia. BTW, when will you be there?

Chris

There is always people diving in Tulamben. So, even you're alone, you're not really alone. You can always hire a guide which is still cheaper than paying for a dive package (as long as you have all your gears). I'd recommend Wayan from Bali Corral.(note: there are gazillion Wayans in Bali, so make sure that he's the one who works at Bali Corral :-0) He's a native Tulamben, and he knows all of the dive sites in Tulamben & Amed well. Try to do night dive for the Liberty wreck if you can. Get to see interesting creatures. I will be there on the 21st of Nov.

[tinylia]

Jen,

Good information. I'm not too worried about getting into too much trouble. I've done a few dives and feel comfortable diving alone. I often dive in Japan alone. I'm an OWSI and don't have many problems with diving solo here.

Are there any dive services near the wreck to get tanks?

Chris

Chris,

There are dive shops just about in every resort there. Bali Corral, Paradise, Mimpi, etc. All those resorts are right by the entry point to the Liberty. You can negotiate the price for about Rp30-40K/tank. No more than Rp50K though.

[meisburger]

Chris,

There are dive shops just about in every resort there. Bali Corral, Paradise, Mimpi, etc. All those resorts are right by the entry point to the Liberty. You can negotiate the price for about Rp30-40K/tank. No more than Rp50K though.


One of my staff is there right now, staying at Mimpi, and he texted me that it is full of somewhat irritating German tourists (he is German), but has excellent German beer! He also said he did his first night dive yesterday, bumping into huge bumpheads (or were they humpheads?). I have been planning a trip there for a while, then he got certified, got excited by my discriptions, and took off before me! I ought to fire him for that, but what the heck, I'll be there myself next week...

[tinylia]

One of my staff is there right now, staying at Mimpi, and he texted me that it is full of somewhat irritating German tourists (he is German), but has excellent German beer! He also said he did his first night dive yesterday, bumping into huge bumpheads (or were they humpheads?). I have been planning a trip there for a while, then he got certified, got excited by my discriptions, and took off before me! I ought to fire him for that, but what the heck, I'll be there myself next week...


Dang, I missed out! I missed my Hefeweizen while I was there! :-(

[meisburger]

Dang, I missed out! I missed my Hefeweizen while I was there! :-(

Yes, you did. And as I pen these few lines, I am but an hour and a half from climbing in a taxi to go to the airport for a flight to Bali. Three hours later I will be in a taxi on the way to Tulemben, and by lunch I will be sitting under an umbrella munching shrimp and calamari, listening to the tiny waves gently lap the stony beach, and enjoying the salt sea air while sipping on a Hefeweizen.....

[tinylia]

Yes, you did. And as I pen these few lines, I am but an hour and a half from climbing in a taxi to go to the airport for a flight to Bali. Three hours later I will be in a taxi on the way to Tulemben, and by lunch I will be sitting under an umbrella munching shrimp and calamari, listening to the tiny waves gently lap the stony beach, and enjoying the salt sea air while sipping on a Hefeweizen.....

OK, that's cruel!!!! :p while I'm slaving myself in a small office facing winter approaching too soon for my taste :-(

Btw, what's the ticket price now from JKT-DPS? just wondering since I'll be there in Nov (not soon enough!!)

well, I will have a Hacker-Pschorr Weisse nonetheless while you're having a great time out there! :-)

[meisburger]

OK, that's cruel!!!! :p while I'm slaving myself in a small office facing winter approaching too soon for my taste :-(

Btw, what's the ticket price now from JKT-DPS? just wondering since I'll be there in Nov (not soon enough!!)

well, I will have a Hacker-Pschorr Weisse nonetheless while you're having a great time out there! :-)

Well, I never did have the german beer, but did a lot of diving, and it was better than ever. Lots of nice fish, including the biggest barracuda I ever saw. Big teeth.

The price is about one million.

Tim