World of Diving & Adventure Vacations - Scuba Diving, Island Vacations, Diving Packages, Live-Aboards, Adventure Travel

Where is Indonesia?
It is located in the Southeast Asia archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. To its north lie the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand. To its east is Papua New Guinea. To its southeast is Australia.

How long are the flights?
The flight from Los Angeles to Denpasar (Bali) is approximately 22 hours. From New York, it is approximately 27 hours. Total flight time depends upon your final destination in Indonesia.

What currency do they use?
They use the rupiah which comes in denominations of Rp 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Rp1000, 500, 100, 50 and 25. As of April 2009, the exchange rate is US $1.00 = Rp 10,775.00

What language do they speak?
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. They also have over 580 dialects. English and Dutch are the second major languages spoken.

Do I need a passport?
Yes a passport is needed and should be valid for at least 6 months. U.S. citizens are eligible for a Visa-On-Arrival (VOA). The cost of a 30-day tourist visa is US $25.00, and a 3 day visa is US $10.00. This fee should be paid in cash upon arrival at the airport. If you want to extend your stay in Indonesia for reasons other than natural disasters, accident, or illness, you will have to exit and re-enter the country on a new tourist visa. Upon arrival you will proceed to a special counter to have your passport stamped with the VOA visa before going to the immigration clearance desk. The VOA facility is available in the following international airports: Pekanbaru, Padang, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Manado, Halim Perdana Kusama in Jakarta, Adisucipto in Yogyakarta, Adisumarmo in Solo, Selaparang in Mataram, Lombok, Sepinggan in Balikpapan, Kalimantan, Hasanuddin in Makasar, Sulawesi, and Eltari in Kupang, Timor.

Do I need shots/immunizations?
For legal reasons, we cannot make official recommendations regarding shots or immunizations. Please consult with your physician or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

What’s the electricity?
220V/50 Hz (Shuko Euro Plug)

What are the luggage restrictions?
Please check with the airline company that you are flying with for luggage requirements and restrictions.

Will someone pick us up at the airport?
Yes. Unless otherwise specified, we will arrange all transfers to and from the airport.

What’s the diving like?
Bunaken National Marine Park- Marine reserve known for beautiful coral gardens, huge walls with soft and hard corals, and large fish like Napoleon wrasse, dogtooth tuna, and barracuda.
Lembeh Strait – Great muck and critter diving. Pygmy seahorses, mimic octopus, ornate ghost pipefish, hairy frogfish, Ambon scorpionfish and stargazers. Inimicus devilfish, dwarf lionfish, pufferfish, pegasus sea moths. Soft corals and a few wrecks.
Bangka Island – Soft coral walls, sandy channels, unusual sea critters, and various shark species.
Raja Ampat – pygmy seahorses, manta rays, wreck diving.

What thickness wetsuit do you recommend?
Diving in North Sulawesi is all year round. The sunniest season is between April and October, with a few warm rain showers. We recommend a 3mm-5mm wetsuit with full arms and legs to protect you from stinging hydroids. Water temperature is usually 80-85 degrees. Lembeh Strait is a little cooler, so a 5mm wetsuit is recommended.

How long are the boat rides?
Thalassa Dive Center – 5-20 minutes to sites in Bunaken, an hour to Bangka Island, and over an hour to Lembeh Strait.
Kasawari Lembeh Resort – The furthest site is 20 minutes away.
Kungkungan Bay Resort – Most sites are within 15 minutes of the resort.
Papua Diving – 5-30 minutes to get to the dive sites.

What's a typical dive day like?
Kasawari Lembeh Resort – First dive begins at 7:30am, followed by a second dive before noon time. Third dive begins at 3:30pm. Night dives are also scheduled.
Papua Diving – 3 dives during the day, 1 night dive.

What’s not included?
Entrance fees to Bunaken National Park, International and domestic departure fees, dive equipment rental, meals unless otherwise specified

When will I receive my documents?
E-tickets and vouchers are sent approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.