That was an amazing dive....cant wait to get back out there!Here is manta point last month...
You will love your trip.
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That was an amazing dive....cant wait to get back out there!Here is manta point last month...
You will love your trip.
Thanks for all of the thoughts. My only concern is that I've read that the Gilli Air diving and snorkeling is rather poor compared to tulamben/amed/bunaken/komodo. I hate to go all that way (traveling from East Coast US) and spend my last 4-5 days doing mediocre diving. Thoughts?I would agree with the advice of not going to Bunaken on this occasion. It is a three hour flight to Manado from Denpasar. We are also huge fans of Gili Air, with its beautiful beaches and great diving and snorkelling.
Thanks for the info. We are all good with vax/boost. We've actually done quite a bit of traveling (costa rica, grand cayman) since getting vaxxed, and have navigated the rules without a problem.All vaccinated? New regulation. Started 05 July. PPLN means coming or coming from or to foreign country. PPLN foreigners who have not received the vaccine will be vaccinated at the entry point for overseas travel after a PCR examination on arrival with a negative result or at a quarantine place after a second PCR examination with a negative result, provided that they are 6-17 years old, have a diplomatic residence permit and official residence permit , and/or have a limited stay permit card (KITAS) and a permanent residence permit card (KITAP).
The 4 destination you listed are not playing in the same category.I've read that the Gilli Air diving and snorkeling is rather poor compared to tulamben/amed/bunaken/komodo.
Thanks. We are definitely staying in amed for the first week (I'm surprised that you seem to indicate that the diving in Amed isn't very good), and do plan to do a day trip to Nusa Penida for Manta Point. The question that I'm struggling with is Bunaken/Siladen or Komodo or Gili Air for the second week. If Gili Air isn't a lesser experience from a diving perspective, that may work best -- I just don't want to completely sacrifice diving because of the flight time to Bunaken.The 4 destination you listed are not playing in the same category.
Komodo is simply outstanding, no comparison with the followings. You mentioned though you were worrying about the currents, there are some spots in Komodo where you won't find or very little current (sheltered side of Batu Bolong, Pengah, Mawan, etc..).
Bunaken is not worth going all the way if you ask me, better then stay in Bangka nearby (you won't do daytrips to Bangka from Bunaken).
Tulamben and Amed are good for snorkeling but not in the same league as Komodo, would be better if you can add some Nusa Penida sites on top (but alike Komodo it can be challengy on currents, FYI it will take you altogether for a day trip about 3hrs driving and 1,5hrs boat ride).
I would say Gili Air might provide a comparable underwater experience as Amed without Nusa Penida.
I would say for new divers and especially teenagers Gili Air will blow Amed away: blue warm water, TONS of big turtles, sharks, and tons of fish. For those of us who LOVE macro/photography, Amed blows away Gili Air.I would say Gili Air might provide a comparable underwater experience as Amed without Nusa Penida.