NotYetBent
Registered
Hi all,
First time lurker, longtime poster here. I've been using this board to gather information for several years without actually posting anything. Thanks to all who have unknowingly provided me with lots of good information about Indonesia. It has been invaluable. I'd like to post my dilemma and trip ideas and see what you all think.
Background: Have dove Puerta Galera, Sipadan / Mabul, Bali, Bunaken, Lembeh and Raja Ampat out of Sorido Bay.
I'm going to be in Indonesia during the majority of the month of July (9th-ish to early August) and am having a tough time deciding on where to go. This will be a dive trip, first and foremost, and will be using Singapore as a port of entry and exit into and out of Asia. I went to Raja Ampat last summer (as well as Lembeh and Bunaken beforehand) and can attest to it's awe-inspiring and almost emotionally-driven diving. I would like to switch it up but am having trouble considering anything but Raja Ampat as the crown jewel of the trip. The dilemma is that I have been offered a great rate on a fantastic boat for either Alor or Komodo. Because Sorido Bay and this boat (even with rate) are very expensive (roughly the same price) one area will be dove this time, the other the next Indonesia trip. That is the meat of my dilemma. Would Alor or Komodo be a significant drop off from Raja Ampat? Would they be better? I read that Alor isn't required to do by LOB but Komodo is. If I dive Raja Ampat, I know as soon as I get into the water, I will have no regrets about the decision. I'm just wondering if I'd feel the same way at Alor or Komodo - or if I'd be regretting not going back to Raja Ampat.
To fill in the rest of the month with phenomenal diving (if doing Raja Ampat) - it's Indonesia, is there anything remotely close to lackluster diving? - I'm considering starting in Bali up North for roughly a week, then heading up to Lembeh to get some time with the bizarre, then on to the Putiraja LOB in Raja Ampat for about 4-5 days and finally finishing up with a week at Sorido Bay. Are Molas Molas possible to see around Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan this time of year? Does anyone have experience with the Putiraja?
My other option is to do Bali and then spend the rest of the time in Alor and / or Komodo. Unfortunately this probably means no muck diving (something I like adding on a dive trip). It does, however, mean I'll get to explore a new part of Indonesia that really intrigues me. Does Komodo or Alor have the same allure (or greater) as Raja Ampat to anyone? Everything I read about both is fantastic, of course.
Ugh, the pros and cons. Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy email. This is a tough decision! Happy diving. -J
First time lurker, longtime poster here. I've been using this board to gather information for several years without actually posting anything. Thanks to all who have unknowingly provided me with lots of good information about Indonesia. It has been invaluable. I'd like to post my dilemma and trip ideas and see what you all think.
Background: Have dove Puerta Galera, Sipadan / Mabul, Bali, Bunaken, Lembeh and Raja Ampat out of Sorido Bay.
I'm going to be in Indonesia during the majority of the month of July (9th-ish to early August) and am having a tough time deciding on where to go. This will be a dive trip, first and foremost, and will be using Singapore as a port of entry and exit into and out of Asia. I went to Raja Ampat last summer (as well as Lembeh and Bunaken beforehand) and can attest to it's awe-inspiring and almost emotionally-driven diving. I would like to switch it up but am having trouble considering anything but Raja Ampat as the crown jewel of the trip. The dilemma is that I have been offered a great rate on a fantastic boat for either Alor or Komodo. Because Sorido Bay and this boat (even with rate) are very expensive (roughly the same price) one area will be dove this time, the other the next Indonesia trip. That is the meat of my dilemma. Would Alor or Komodo be a significant drop off from Raja Ampat? Would they be better? I read that Alor isn't required to do by LOB but Komodo is. If I dive Raja Ampat, I know as soon as I get into the water, I will have no regrets about the decision. I'm just wondering if I'd feel the same way at Alor or Komodo - or if I'd be regretting not going back to Raja Ampat.
To fill in the rest of the month with phenomenal diving (if doing Raja Ampat) - it's Indonesia, is there anything remotely close to lackluster diving? - I'm considering starting in Bali up North for roughly a week, then heading up to Lembeh to get some time with the bizarre, then on to the Putiraja LOB in Raja Ampat for about 4-5 days and finally finishing up with a week at Sorido Bay. Are Molas Molas possible to see around Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan this time of year? Does anyone have experience with the Putiraja?
My other option is to do Bali and then spend the rest of the time in Alor and / or Komodo. Unfortunately this probably means no muck diving (something I like adding on a dive trip). It does, however, mean I'll get to explore a new part of Indonesia that really intrigues me. Does Komodo or Alor have the same allure (or greater) as Raja Ampat to anyone? Everything I read about both is fantastic, of course.
Ugh, the pros and cons. Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy email. This is a tough decision! Happy diving. -J