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 There was no
time to waste once we arrived and Bjorn, the Eco Divers
manager, and Danny the Tasik Ria manager, introduced us to
what the resort had to offer. Ordinarily this type of meeting
would be poorly attended, but “wow” not this time. The jetty
bar was the perfect vantage point, to watch the awesome
tropical sunset, as the sun dropped slowly into the sea,
between the islands. Of course the two for one San Miguel
deal, also meant we all stayed way beyond the end of the
sunset.
Our base for the trip was superbly situated near to the
numerous reefs of Bunaken National Park, where volcanic
landscapes and lush rainforests create a unique backdrop to
one of the world's best, yet least known dive destinations.
The waters here were home to many unusual species, for example
the prehistoric fish "Coelacanth", and Pygmy Sea Horses, as
well as some more well known household names: White Tip
Reef-Shark; Turtles, Eagle Rays, Napoleon Wrasse to mention
but a few. The best bit, even far beyond the spectacular fish
life, and coral, was the plain fact that the sea was
absolutely “flat”, literally just like a mirror (sheer bliss
!), oh and a very very very warm 28+ degrees.
 The
whole diving experience was simply superb, with not a single
bum dive, or disappointing trip. We would rise with the sun,
and head off for our open air breakfast in the restaurant,
then walk down to the jetty and board our boat. With the area
being a very well kept secret, we were never rushed or
crowded, and all the dive sites were literally mind-blowing,
with more marine life than you could comprehend. The newest of
these life forms being our dive guides, who quite literally
never actually needed to breathe, even whilst traversing the
strongest of currents. 
I had only completed my Open Water programme, with our Scuba +
Outdoor group leader and Instructor Mark, on day one, I wasn’t
able to jump in on all the dives, especially the really,
really fast drifts. The remainder of the group however did,
and judging by the slightly shocked; slightly grinning and
defiantly amazed looks on their faces, those dives were
something special. The prospect of heading through
up-currents; down currents and round whirlpools still doesn’t
appeal to me, but the others certainly seemed to rave over
them, and hell if you want to see the “really big stuff” (with
big teeth) that’s were they were.
My own
favourites however were the little guys and the well hidden
guys, the Leaf Fish; Pygmy Seahorses (and wow they really are
small); Ghost Pipe Fish, Hairy Frog Fish and Cuttle fish. They
were all around on the main reefs and walls, but by far my
best day, was the one spent out in the Lembeh Straits, muck
diving. Here the photo opportunities of rainbow coloured fish,
set against a matt dark background was far beyond anything I
had could have ever expected.
The superb diving was of course backed up by superb evenings
of laughing, daftness and fun. Our regular routine saw us
while away the afternoon, into the early evening, whiling away
the time at the pool bar. Like a scene from “Only Fools and
Horses”, there were all manner of frothy cocktails; umbrellas
and straws, scattered around. It was however a very unique
sight to see our barman climbing the adjacent Coconut trees
for a receptacle for our next
 frothy
mixture (sorry Danny).
As the newbies we were introduced to the tradition of “The
House Party”, apparently a resident fixture of all Scuba +
Outdoor holidays. After rounding up our “House Warming Gift”
(generally borrowed from the hotel complex – he he he) we headed over to our hosts room, for a polite drink and high
brow conversation (yea right !!).
To set the scene for those
of you who still haven’t been lucky enough to attend one,
imagine this Mark in Maya’s Bikini; Steve in his Bed Sheet and
a selection of gifts ranging from a Ceramic Frog; Statue from
Reception; Assorted Potted Plants; and a Barman to a real life
Indonesian Frog, all squashed into someone's room. Ok, got the
picture, well now imagine the conversations, especially when
Elaine and I got started (no Pedram its NOT an Elephant !),
simply superb.
 Whilst we continued diving, on the final few days, the rest of
the group headed inland to the Coconut Groves, and Highland
Towns. Our diving was of course great, but by all accounts
their adventures were also something to see. I know I stopped
eating when they described the local market, with its Dog
(well one and a half actually); Rat and Bat section. I was
however keen on the rainforest waterfall swim, although
apparently Stevie H did have to drag Elaine away from the edge
a few times, and Nicks camera dunking episode in the mountain
stream didn’t appeal either.
All too soon, the eight days passed by and it was with sadness
that we checked out of Tasik Ria Hotel, and waved goodbye to
the Spa (Mmmmmmmm, now that was a really good way to end a
days diving, bring on the Massage !). We really had enjoyed
eight wonderful days there, and the company was totally
superb, however there was still more fun to be had as we had
our 2 nights (and more importantly two shopping days) in
Singapore to enjoy.
I won’t bore you even more, but suffice to say the credit
cards got max'ed out; the camera shops were happy; the
Singapore Slings were lovely, and the Night Safari was simply
amazing. So in a nutshell, if you plan on visiting Singapore,
you defiantly need more than just two days there.
 So
that’s it, we’ve completed our first Scuba + Outdoor Pursuits
Warm Water Rush scuba diving holiday. So what's the verdict:
ABSOLUTELY
SUPERB
–
and we’ve
already booked again for some more fun, next year !
Click here
to view the photo album from this scuba diving to Manado,
Indonesia. |
