Dewi Nusantara...Dewi Nusantara Premium dive liveaboard adventures in Indonesia : About Dewi...

Dewi NusantaraH A N D B O O K

Dewi NusantaraPremium dive liveaboard adventures in Indonesia : www.dewi-nusantara.com

Welcome Aboard: Diving & Cruising Indonesia with Dewi NusantaraThe Dewi Nusantara team has long been at the very forefront of the dive and cruise liveaboard industry in this fascinating area of Asia. After 20 years of continuous operations, our experience in the dazzling waters of the Indonesian archipelago is unparalleled.

Early DaysOur first cruising vessel, the gracious MY Ombak Putih, broke new ground when she was launched in 1996. The first all wooden purpose built “pinisi” styled boat to operate as a cultural cruiser, she is still out on the waves today. Our initial step into the world of scuba diving began in the first week of 2002 with another first, MY Ombak Biru. Once again styled on the famous Indonesian sailing vessels of old but, under the surface, designed and built bristling with all the facilities and dive systems needed to operate at the very top of an extremely competitive market.

Dewi NusantaraFive years later and not content with sitting on our laurels, we then pulled our master-stroke, with the launch of MY Dewi Nusantara - Goddess of the Archipelago. This jaw-dropping, three masted schooner immediately pushed the bar up and away from the competition. From the world’s largest and most opulent owners suite on a dive liveaboard, to the most comfortable and powerful tenders used by any boats in the region, the benchmarks of quality, service, safety, style, and experience that this extraordinary vessel set in 2008 still haven’t been equalled, though many have tried.

Since she was launched, Dewi Nusantara has been undergoing constant fine tuning, and because we believe we can always do better, we haven’t stopped there with our innovative approach. Our dive professionals and experienced crew, some of whom have been together from before the start of Dewi’s operations, have cut their own niche in the dive industry with their unrelenting appetite for discovery and incredible attention to detail.

This handbook will give you handy information about the inspiration, construction and specifications of this magnificent vessel as well as in depth chapters about the areas you are visiting and the kind of underwater and topside adventures you can expect to find at our incredible and diverse destinations. Also included are dive and photographic operations information, a run down on our safety systems and a trip planning guide.

We understand that when you want to experience the wonders of the underwater world you are looking for the purest habitats that can be found anywhere, far away from the hustle of the modern world. Once you find yourself cruising on the magnificent Dewi Nusantara, somewhere out in that vast marine seascape that is eastern Indonesia, you will know that you have been upgraded from being just a tourist, to the status of explorer, so sit back and relax and let us take you on the dive liveaboard trip of a lifetime.



Contents:Facts & Figures• Concept

• Inspiration

• Specifications

• Construction

• Facilities & Services

• Accommodation

• Communications

• The Dewi Nusantara Crew

Deck Plans• Accommodation Deck

• Main Deck

• The Master Suite

• Upper Deck

Destinations• Indonesia: The Ultimate Adventure Destination

• Raja Ampat: Exploring The Realm Of The Four Kings

• Cenderawasih Bay: Whalesharks, Wrecks & Unexplored Reefs

• Flores to Alor: Reefs, Critters and Fire Breathing Monsters

• Flores to Wakatobi: Dual Dream Dive Destinations

• Maluku: Travel Back In Time On A Spice Island Adventure

• Komodo: The Land That Time Forgot

• Adventure & Special Interest Cruises

Dive Operations• The Dewi Nusantara Dive Crew

• Dive Briefings

• Your Personal Scuba Equipment

• Scuba Cylinders

• Nitrox & Gas Analysis

• Our Rental Equipment

• Dive Safety Equipment

• Oxygen Units & First Aid

• Emergency Evacuation & Recompression Concerns

• Tenders

• Scuba Courses

• The Dewi Dive Commandments

Photo & Videography• A run-down of the camera and imaging facilities we have on board

General Vessel Safety & Emergency Procedures• Being safe on board and what to do in the event of an emergency

Planning Guide• Frequently Asked Questions

• Dewi Nusantara Travel Specialists

• Getting There: How To reach Our Destinations

• General Travel Information

• Dewi Nusantara - The On-board Experience

• Dive Operations In Brief

Dewi NusantaraF A C T S & F I G U R E S


About Dewi NusantaraConcept“With Dewi Nusantara our goal is to build the finest liveaboard vessel in the

region. When we are finished we will sail her in Indonesia’s premier diving

locations during the best diving season for that area.”

“With our extensive knowledge and experience of wooden vessel construction

and operation in the waters of the Indonesian archipelago starting in 1995

with our other successful motor yachts, we are perfectly placed to accomplish

this task with our new vessel.”

The Dewi Nusantara Managaement TeamJune 2006

InspirationDewi Nusantara is a three masted wooden schooner with a design that harks back to the classic days of sail, the latter part of the 1800’s. To set Dewi apart from all the other vessels operating in Indonesian waters and also for the

practicalities of our operation, we have drawn our design inspiration from the stylish European and American schooners and cutters of that elegant period.

These remarkable state of the art vessels would sail across the Atlantic trade routes

at record breaking speed for the time ferrying goods and passengers between Europe and the USA. Dewi Nusantara has been constructed as a faithful replica but with all the comforts of the 21st century.

Specifications• Built: Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia

• Type: Wooden hulled schooner

• Length over deck: 148 feet (47 metres)

• Length over all: 180 feet (57 metres)

• Beam: 37 feet (12 metres)

• Draft: 12 feet (3 metres)

• Total displacement: 800 tons

• Propulsion: 2 x 500 HP Nissan twin turbo diesel units

• Fuel capacity: 29,000 litres

• Desalinator production: 2 x 5,000 litres per day

• Cruising speed: 8 knots

• Navigational aids: VHF, SSB, Furuno radar, twin GPS systems

• Communications: Twin LW and single SW radios. She is also equipped with satellite telephones and a 3G internet system.


• Electricity: Twin generators - 220 volts

• Number of passengers: 18

• Accommodation: Eight double/twin staterooms

• Suites: One - The “Master Suite”

• Air conditioning: To all interior areas

• Number of crew: 18 sea crew and 4 dive staff

ConstructionBuilding a traditional wooden vessel the size of Dewi Nusantara is a complex enterprise that involves a lot of preparation, a lot of labour and a lot of time which nowadays it is only feasible in those rare places where both the wood and the ship’s carpenters are still available. Fortunately we found such a place in east Kalimantan.

Hand built as a one off project the initial stages of Dewi’s construction began on the muddy banks of the Karangan River in Sangkulirang Bay, east Kalimantan, better known as Borneo, Indonesia early in 2007. Our chosen site, although it was a five

hour drive from the nearest airport, was close to the water, close to the source of the raw materials needed and lastly had a plentiful and skilled workforce nearby to work with our master shipwrights and so we began.

Finding suitable timbers for and laying the ironwood keel is the first task and the site starts to grow up around this afterwards. Next is building up and covering the ribs then finally on top of this laying the various layers of decking and building the some of the superstructure.

After these tasks were completed nearly a year later in December she was ready to be launched and floated out into the river stream on a high tide before being towed nearly 500 nautical miles across the Bali Sea to Benoa harbour in Bali where, under the supervision of engineering and design experts, the huge task of finishing the woodwork and installing the engineering components began.

Now we had a race against time to have her ready for the up-coming 2008 dive season that we were going to begin in North Sulawesi. Finally after weeks of sanding and cabin construction the engines and generators were installed, the lounge and cabins were designed and decorated and the dive centre built and equipped, we were finally ready for the long haul to the Lembeh Strait to start her maiden cruise.

We are enormously proud of the final result, a beautiful vessel of immense strength equipped with state of the art machinery and electronics and we very much hope that you like her too.

Facilities & Services• International and local cuisine

• Fine wines

• On-board boatique

• TV and DVD player

• iPod docking station and sound system

• Two sun decks with loungers and hammocks


• After dive massage

• Full body massage

• Hot water deck showers

• Early morning wake up beverage service

• Reading and marine life ID libraries

• 3G Internet

• Backgammon gaming tables

• Sea Kayaks

AccommodationDewi Nusantara’s air conditioned staterooms are all individually designed, and are each adaptable for either twin or double use. These cabins are some of the

most spacious on any dive liveaboard with each one having its own elegant en-suite bathroom, reading lights, desk and chair, 220V power points and clothing storage.

The Master Suite has a double bed and sumptuous furnishings, its own jacuzzi bath,

and 180 degree views over the ocean from the rear of the vessel.

CommunicationsEven in the wilds of eastern Indonesia it is becoming possible to find cell phone coverage, sometimes in the most unexpected places. However we do have the following communications equipment on board:

• Satellite telephones

• Long and short wave radio systems

• 3G Internet

The Dewi Nusantara CrewThe friendly and experienced crew members of Dewi Nusantara originally come from all over the Indonesian archipelago, hailing from Java to West Papua, and Sulawesi to Sumbawa. Comprised of many religions, they all speak English to varying levels, although they love it and are very accommodating if you want to practice your Bahasa Indonesia (the local language) with them. They are always up for a laugh and a joke, and are happy to assist with your every need, whether it is a game of chess or backgammon, an ice cold drink on the sun-deck, or to help you into a tender for a dive.

Dewi NusantaraD E C K P L A N S


Accommodation Deck

A Floating Five Star HotelThe lower deck is Dewi Nusantara’s main cabin area with four wonderfully appointed staterooms on the port side, and four on starboard. These 20 square metre rooms are reached from the main stairway in the lounge/salon, via a long corridor running down the centre of the vessel. Each cabin can be configured for twin or double use.

At the bow the lower half of the dive centre is set up and includes the equipment workshop, compressors and nitrox systems, rental equipment storage area and two crew cabins.

Towards the stern is the engine room, crew dining room and more crew cabins and equipment storage areas. There is actually another deck beneath the staterooms where the vessel’s balanced holding tanks are arranged with a walkway extending from the engine room to the lower half of the dive centre.


Main Deck

Where It All HappensThe main deck is where most of the day to day action goes on and houses most of the vessels facilities. The superstructure at the bow houses the anchor winch room with the dive centre/camera room directly behind. Moving outside towards the stern is our huge dive deck and outdoor dining area. Continuing back the expansive lounge and indoor dining area is next and on both side of this are the covered twin stairways leading to the upper deck and inside the lounge the stairway leading down to the accommodation deck.

The ships galley, cold and freezer rooms as well as some crew cabins are behind the lounge on both port and starboard sides. Hot outdoor showers on the starboard side and toilet facilities on the port side can also be found on this deck.

Taking up the all of the back section of the vessel is the Master Suite details of which are covered on the next page.


The Master Suite

Sheer LuxuryThe Master Suite, occupying the full width of the aft section of the main deck, is the signature room of the ship and is a marvel of design and comfort. It has 180 degree views of the ocean behind the ship, and at 46 square meters it is the largest room on board and surely one the larger suites available on any live-aboard in the world.

Like all of the vessel’s interior areas and furnishings, The Master Suite was conceived and built by the Bali based designer Bruno Helgen. You can see that the suite’s design has a clear link with the other rooms on board, but this one is Bruno’s masterpiece! The layout of the suite, the light, the furniture and the view give you the immediate feeling that you never want to leave . . . you’re home.

This “one of a kind” suite features a king size bed with bedside tables and reading lights and the stunning en-suite bathroom has a shower as well as a jacuzzi bath with ocean views.

The suite has its own lounging area; a large corner sofa with huge table constructed entirely from one piece of natural shaped teak. In the other corner, for our more athletic guests, there is a giant beanbag, but be careful, once you get into it you may find it difficult to get out, it’s so comfortable.

There is ample storage in the wardrobes as well and extra draws and cupboards in the bathroom, plenty of room for all of your personal belongings.


Top Deck

Spectacular 360 degree views of Indonesia At the centre of the upper deck is Dewi Nusantara’s wheelhouse, this is the nerve centre where the boat is commanded from and features the navigation, radar, communications, depth sounder and global positioning systems. The captain’s and first mates cabins are also included in this block, directly behind the wheelhouse.

At the very rear of the top deck is the tender deck. Our twin seven metre fibreglass speedboats are stored during longer or overnight passages and are lifted up using our unique boom crane and winch system.

In front of the wheelhouse is the huge sun deck with comfortable lounging furniture, and looking forward over the main deck is the bow sun-deck featuring more sunbeds and two hammocks, the perfect place to take in the spectacular scenery of eastern Indonesia after a hard days diving.

Dewi NusantaraD E S T I N A T I O N S


Indonesia: The Ultimate Adventure DestinationWith a rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade, and a dramatic geological history of seismic natural disasters, Indonesia has been blessed with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions, languages and religions. These factors, combined with friendly people and a wonderful year round climate, make Indonesia the ultimate adventure vacation destination.

Stretching for more than 5,000 kilometres along the equator between the continents of Asia and Australia, the Democratic Republic of Indonesia, the name deriving from the Greek words, indos (indian) and nesos (islands), is one of the world’s largest and most populous nations. Referred to by the Indonesian people as “air tanah kita” which translates to “our land and sea,” the planet’s longest and most diverse archipelago is a terrestrial and marine

paradise. Consisting of over 17,000 mostly uninhabited islands, the oceans and seas that surround this waterborne nation are breathtaking, featuring every type of tropical seascape, from sleepy mangrove backwaters to crystal clear coral atolls, wave battered basalt cliffs and current surged rocky sea mounts, all of them teeming with life.

The flora and fauna that can be found in this country of unparalleled natural beauty is boundless. Indonesia boasts some of the world’s rarest plants, trees and animals as well as home to the most diverse collection of marine life found anywhere else on earth.

Welcome to Indonesia, “Air Tanah Kita”.


Diving The Coral TriangleAll of Indonesia’s premier dive locations are inside what is known internationally as “The Coral Triangle”, and our majestic three-mast liveaboard schooner, Dewi Nusantara, has the capacity and extensive experience needed to cruise, dive and explore the area in style.

The Coral Triangle is a geographical term referring to a roughly drawn triangular area of tropical oceans and seas that include the coastlines of west Malaysia in the west, the Philippines to the north to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in the east and down to East Timor (Timor-Leste). At the centre of this triangle we find the eastern half of Indonesia, putting this

part of the country in what marine scientists refer to as the global epicentre of marine biodiversity and a major centre for coral evolution, the “Amazon of the Seas”.

Extensive watery mangrove forests provide nurseries for a large variety of marine species that have

sustained the sea-faring island people of Indonesia for millennia. The sparkling coral reefs serve as breeding grounds for whales, dolphins and sea turtles and many fish, providing the seeding stock for the future of our planet’s coral reefs, over the years we have seen these reefs adapting and changing along with global trends.

It’s little wonder that Indonesia is at the top of every tropical scuba divers’ “to do” list and Dewi Nusantara’s dive cruises can take you to all of the archipelago’s world famous locations: Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Ambon, the Banda Sea, Wakatobi, Komodo, Flores, Alor, the Forgotten Islands of Tanimbar, Kei and Aru and Cenderawasih Bay, the latest global “must dive” hotspot.

A Landscape of Incredible DiversityTopside the huge landmasses and countless islands of Indonesia are as equally diverse as their marine counterparts. Volcanoes - 155 of them active - dominate the country and follow the archipelagos’ sweep eastward, forming the Indonesian “Ring of Fire”. The steaming jungles of Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo) give way to rice paddies and forests in Java. Savannah, grassy meadows and dusty hills feature across the central Nusa Tenggara region, which then gives way to West Papua’s mangrove-covered river deltas, high jungle and snow-capped mountain peaks in the east.

Cutting through the middle of the country is what is known as the “Wallace Line”. This invisible dividing line starts at the northern tip of Borneo running south along the island’s east coast, where it then crosses the Java/Bali Sea passing through the deep channel that separates Bali from Lombok. Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the British naturalist, this imaginary line bisects Indonesia, forming a bio-geographical transition zone between the markedly different flora and fauna of Asia in the west to that of the Australian continent in the east. Indonesia, spreading either side of the Wallace Line, has a greater diversity of animal species, both marine and terrestrial, than any other country on earth.

Culture, Colour and FascinationAs you would expect with such a vast country that stretches so far from west to east and across several time zones, there are massive cultural differences within Indonesia’s population of 200 million people. Anthropologically there are big differences between the Indo-Chinese people of Sumatra and Java to the more aboriginal Papuan tribes found on the eastern side of the country, and of course differences in their religions and customs too.


On Bali these rites are well known the world over but did you know that there are still parts of the island of Sumba where the people still construct monolithic houses and hold grand ceremonial horseback battles involving hundreds of spear wielding riders, commencing when the priests see a specific type of marine worm infest the local beaches and the moon is in the right position.

Central Sulawesi is home to the famous Toragans whose houses are built to resemble the spacecraft that brought their ancestors to earth and who believe they were born of the stars; while on the island of Alor, the people of Takpala village still conduct tribal ceremonies and dances with their mysterious centuries old bronze drums, the origins of which are unknown.

Further east still are the coastal and jungle dwellings of the Asmat tribe of south west Papua who still carry out deadly raiding excursions between their villages to settle local disputes. The whole country of Indonesia forms a huge melting pot of culture, colour, and sometimes deadly fascination.

Across the ArchipelagoLet’s start a journey across Indonesia’s vast chain of islands beginning at the northern tip of its most westerly island, Sumatra, six degrees above the equator, out in the Indian Ocean west of the Malay Peninsula. This huge island, 1,700 km from tip to tip, traces a long diagonal sweep to the south-east where it meets the island of Java at the Sunda Strait close to the nation’s capital, Jakarta. Java, the world’s most densely populated island, continues eastward, directly below the island of Borneo, the world’s fifth biggest, which includes the Indonesian section of Kalimantan, the largest, along with the Malaysian territories and the Sultanate of Brunei in the north of the island.

East of BaliBali is the next island in the line and this is where the coastal waters become much deeper and where the country becomes infinitely more interesting to scuba divers. Bali is the first link in a chain that stretches over 800 nautical miles to the east, lies 8 degrees below the equator and runs all the way to Wetar and East Timor in the Banda Sea. This region of Indonesia is called Nusa Tenggara and makes up our first major diving area and includes the famous Bali, Komodo and Alor destinations, and many more that are much less travelled.

SulawesiNorth of this long island system, 150 nautical miles across the Flores Sea is Sulawesi. This huge and strangely shaped island includes the Buton/Wakatobi/Tukang Besi sites in the south east and the critter haven of the Lembeh Strait and Bunaken National Park in the north, as well as many others in between. The two major cities on Sulawesi are Manado, the regional capital in the north and Makassar, Sulawesi’s actual capital and major domestic airway hub, on the south west of the island.

MalukuEast of Sulawesi is Halmahera and the northernmost part of the islands and seas that make up the Maluku region. Maluku ranges from north to south and includes Halmahera and her attendant islands while further south are the bigger islands of Obi, Buru, Seram and the Ambon group of Haruku, Saparua and Ambon itself. Even further south and way out in the deep blue Banda Sea is the Banda group - once the epicentre of world commerce when the spice trade was in full swing in the 1700’s. Also part of Maluku are the isolated and small atoll and island sites at Lucipara and Manuk; and the region finishes with


the relatively unexplored Babar Islands, close to the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara chain at Wetar.

The Forgotten IslandsWe continue our journey east and on to our next stop, the Tanimbar, Kei and Aru island groups. Technically a part of Maluku, these groups form the south eastern perimeter of the Banda Sea and are the mythical South Sea Islands made famous by the Blair brothers, Lawrence and Lorne, at the culmination of their filmed Indonesian epic, Ring of Fire. Due to their remote position, these groups are largely unexplored by either divers or cultural explorers.

West PapuaFinally and once again moving north, we come to our last major marine region, or rather regions: Triton Bay, Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay. Clustered on and around the now famous “Bird’s Head Peninsula” off the north

western section of the Indonesian half of the huge island of Papua, these three independently different areas is now under the world’s microscope as being among the last underwater frontiers. Triton Bay lies to the south west, Raja Ampat takes up a large portion of the north west and Cenderawasih completes the triangle in the north east.

Journeys EndWe are now at the end of our journey around the major diving regions of Indonesia and have ended up, after starting in the Indian Ocean on Sumatra,

west of mainland south-east Asia, very close to being in line with Eastern Australia. We have travelled close to 5,000 kilometres from west to east and hundreds more traversing from north to south. Now, if you will excuse the pun, let’s carry on with a more “in depth” look at the prime dive destinations that Dewi Nusantara’s visits.

Dewi NusantaraR A J A A M P A T


Raja Ampat: Exploring the Realm of the Four KingsLocated in the heart of the coral triangle offshore from the north western tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula on the vast island of Papua, lies the pristine Raja Ampat National Park. Quoted by many as being divings final frontier,

Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit: crusty sea salts, novice divers, photographers and scientists alike. The national park is huge covering over 50,000 sq km comprising of four main islands: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. Alongside the main islands, the park

also boasts literally hundreds of karst limestone islands and islets that pop up from the deep blue sea giving the impression that they have been carefully placed by a landscape designer.

Raja Ampat boasts an astounding variety of marine habitats, which translates to wildly different diving experiences, from pelagic drift dives to magical muck sites. There are some that are even unique to Raja Ampat, such as clear water mangrove forests with brilliant coral gardens growing right next to them. The area has hundreds of potential dive sites and exploration is still continuing. On every trip there are chances for new and amazing discoveries in one of the world’s last underwater Edens.

Exciting topside diversions are on offer too: thrilling speedboat rides around the enchanting lagoons, exploring cathedral-like caves, hunting for the elusive “Birds of Paradise” or the chance to visit the local aquaculture centres of working pearl farms.


The diversity of dive sites is remarkable; there are some areas where soft corals and sea fans dominate, spectacular hard coral seascapes, mangroves shallow reefs, drop-offs, caves, black sand, white sand and sea grass beds.

All of these environments combine to house a huge amount of marine life, in more shapes and sizes than anywhere else in the world. All levels of the food chain are well represented, from pygmy seahorses to top predators and everything in between. The reefs of Raja Ampat literally buzz with life. Beware! Sensory overload is a common problem here.

Breathtaking Topside SceneryRaja Ampat is world renowned for its spectacular above-water scenery and sparsely inhabited tropical islands. Pristine rain forests decorate the tops of the dramatic limestone cliffs and there are hundreds of deserted bays and glorious white sandy beaches as well as many other hidden treasures to dazzle the intrepid explorer. It’s a kayakers dream too, featuring intricate coastlines with caves, bays, gorges, hidden rivers - all of them teeming with exotic tropical wildlife, plants and flowers.

A bird watching hike on Gam or Weigeo Islands will take you through scenic forests, past fragile exotic orchids growing from cracks in the stone cliffs and finally to the unforgettable experience of witnessing the male Birds of Paradise performing their elaborate early morning courtship dances to attract a female mate.

Caving at Misool will bring you an exciting glimpse into a fascinating hidden subterranean world while it is still possible to search for historical artefacts and interesting remnants from World War II, such as crumbling forts, sunken planes and other hardware.

Raja Ampat - A brief historyPrior to the 16th century very little was known in the west about this region, although trade with the Maluku, Timor and perhaps Java, existed long before. After a few years of unsuccessful attempts to discover a fabled “island of gold”, the Spanish buccaneer Ynigo Ortiz de Retes finally landed here in 1545, naming the region New Guinea and claiming it for the King of Spain. Several

failed gold explorations followed, but it was only in 1714 that Spain was forced to relinquish control to Holland and Britain.

These two seafaring superpowers had long been interested in the region’s trading commodities of nutmeg, massio

bark, trepang (dried sea cucumbers), tortoise shells, pearls, birds of paradise feathers and slaves. The British finally proclaimed a protectorate in the east in 1884, the Dutch established two permanent posts in the west in 1899, and boundaries were settled in 1895 and 1910.

It was World War II, however, that finally put the vast island of New Guinea on the world map in western history, when it became a fierce battleground between the Japanese and Allied forces. With the end of World War II and the beginnings of independence the Dutch handed her territories over to what was to become the Republic of Indonesia.

Under the SurfaceRaja Ampat’s marine environments are out of this world, with something for everyone. The reefs are a riot of colour and variety and are home to some of the rarest marine life to be seen anywhere. Big animals are also on show with manta ray displays a common occurrence at a number of sites, while the huge pelagic concentrations around the sea mounts and islands are incredible.


Dewi Nusantara In-House Travel SpecialistsOur office in Bali has in-house travel specialists who will be happy to assist with flight and hotel arrangements. Be sure to contact us via email at [email protected] for the most competitive rates.

Since the majority of the Indonesian domestic air carriers do not participate in global ticket distribution, we provide a purchasing service for the domestic tickets on our guests’ behalf. In order to purchase tickets, guests will need to provide Dewi Nusantara with your name as it appears on your passport, nationality on passport, and the international flight details for your arrival and return home.

For details of how to get to and from Raja Ampat please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.

Please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] if you have any further questions.

Dewi Nusantara is one of a limited number of liveaboards that have been granted a licence to operate in the Raja Ampat National Park, the income from which, alongside park fees charged to all visitors, goes towards helping the local villagers in a variety of community projects. Village communities maintain their ancestral way of life and traditional values by participating in a wide variety of village celebrations which always include various types of music, singing, dance performances and other rustic fun that we often get the chance to enjoy on our trips.

Raja Ampat – ItinerariesRaja Ampat is Dewi Nusantara’s home for the majority of the operating year. Our luxurious motor sailer will be plying the waters of this stunning National Park to bring you the very best of this unique and truly beautiful paradise to make your dive vacation dreams come true. Starting and finishing in Sorong, our 11-night cruises offer nine and a half days of spectacular and varied diving with between two and four dives per day with many fascinating land excursions along the way.

Other destinations include: Komodo, Cenderawasi Bay, Halmahera, Banda, Alor and Wakatobi. Please see our schedules and itineraries pages or contact us for more details at [email protected].

Dewi NusantaraC E N D E R A W A S I H B A Y


Cenderawasih Bay: Whalesharks, Wrecks & Unexplored ReefsTaking up the most part of the north western section of Indonesian West Papua, Cenderawasih Bay, combined with Raja Ampat and Triton Bay make up what is known as The Bird’s Head Seascape. All three of these markedly differing regions are relatively new to the diving fraternity, with Cenderawasih Bay being the main contender for the diving world’s latest “must see” destination award.

The bay, marine park and outlying areas sit on the north east side of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and include the towns of Manokwari and Nabire, as well as the larger islands of Biak, Supiori, Numfor, Yapen and the mini archipelago of the Paraido island group.

Facing north out into the vast Pacific Ocean, Cenderawasih Bay has features that are rare, even when taking into consideration the incredible range and diversity of diving in other parts of Indonesia. Looking at the bay on a chart, it soon becomes evident it is somewhat confined and this has caused some unique marine conditions when compared to the fish-filled reefs of Raja Ampat, the soft coral gardens at Triton Bay or the current-washed channels of the Komodo and Alor straits - and this is the reason why Cenderawasih is so different.

In contrast to many of the other Indonesian dive centres of excellence, Cenderawasih is the only one not to be greatly affected by what is known as the “Indonesian Throughflow”. This oceanic phenomenon describes the complex movement of water through the Indonesian archipelago between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The planet’s biggest water flow or movement, this mostly north to south exchange of


Whalesharks – Suckers for a good timeAnybody who has ever encountered a whaleshark during a dive knows what an awe-inspiring and humbling experience it can be. Like the graceful manta ray, whalesharks are great favourites with divers and just seem to glide though the water, without a care in the world, feeding on microscopic plankton and other small organisms while all you have to do is keep up with them for a photo or video scene. Now we present a whaleshark encounter like no other, the

Cenderawasih Bay Big Boys.

In Indonesia it is common, from Bali all the way to West Papua, for fishermen to utilise floating bamboo rafts, anchored to the sea bed, to attract fish. Called FADs (fish aggregation devices) or, more traditionally in Indonesia, rompongs, they are employed in open water away from reefs to act like a floating weed bed habitat that will attract tiny fish and other marine life. Once a community has been established under the device it is not long before more and progressively larger fish are attracted to it and fishing can commence. Some of

these floating fishing stations can be a bit of a hazard to shipping as they are sometimes moored way out to sea (in fact in Bali they have become a menace), some even having some sparse living accommodation attached. Many times while on a trip we have encountered them and our guests are fascinated, sometimes even refusing to believe what their purpose is as they are so remote.

Now, a variation of the rompong called a “bagan” is used in Cenderawasih Bay by the fishermen, almost all of whom are from Sulawesi incidentally. What these guys do is catch tiny baitfish in nets and hang them in the water as bait for the larger pelagic animals, to speed up the natural progression of life under

nutrients and larvae is a major factor as to why Indonesia’s oceans and seas have such prolific marine life and exciting underwater conditions.

Cenderawasih Bay, on the other hand, is not really affected by these huge water movements and - until fairly recently, in geological time frames - the bay was even more cut off and this has caused the marine flora and fauna to differ from the Indonesian norm. This isolation now means that the bay plays host to a number of endemic marine species and perhaps even more interesting is the fact that many normally deeper dwelling animals can be found here in relatively shallow water, creating a topsy-turvey reefscape which gives us a chance to observe and photograph these otherwise unreachable creatures.

Diving CenderawasihThe Cenderawasih National Park - covering 14,000 square kilometres and Indonesia’s largest, is half as much again bigger than that of Raja Ampat and has some splendid diving, even without the Indonesian Throughflows’ natural currents and upwellings. The reefs of the outer islands and the Padaido archipelago complex offer sparkling colour, a riot of marine life, picture perfect sandy beaches and the chance to explore WWII wrecks and artefacts. The truly pristine island of Yapen in particular, is fast becoming popular with the world’s birdwatchers and has spectacular topside treks to find the elusive “Birds of Paradise.”On the north west edge of the bay, the shipwrecks of Manokwari - some explored, some not - add another dive dimension and could turn into a tech-divers paradise. The main attraction and the stars of the Cenderawasih bay show however, at least for now, are the up close and personal whaleshark experiences deep inside the bay at Kwatisore, so let’s start with the big boys.


tourists today across the south west Pacific region a fascinating insight into the struggles of that time.

The sunken wrecks of Chuuk (Truk), Palau and the Philippines are well known in the diving world. Indonesia, although not so famously, also bears some of the scars of war with scattered wrecks all over the archipelago. From the HMAS Perth and USS Houston battle cruises lying in the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java to the famous Liberty Wreck at Tulamben, Bali, there are wreck site all over the archipelago. It is the Birdshead Seascape however, that has the largest concentration of sunken wartime artefacts and Dore Bay and the town of Manokwari probably have the most.

Manokwari town runs along the beautiful shoreline of Dore Bay, a natural deep water harbour backed by the 3,000 metre high Arfak mountain range and lower lying impenetrable jungle, forming a nicely protected, and what the Japanese navy thought was a safe anchorage for their cargo and warships. The hills above the town bear the trademarks of Japanese occupation: they are riddled with tunnels used for storage, shelter and escape. General McArthur’s allied forces were based on the island of Biak 120 nautical miles away and were regularly attacking the Japanese at Manokwari with

their aircraft. Unfortunately for the allies the Japanese had cracked their radio codes so were ready when the planes attacked their shipping; this led to a lot of them being shot down to join the bombed and sunken Japanese vessels already on the sandy seabed.

Inside of Dore bay itself are two islands, Mansinam, the largest, and Raimuti or Lemon Island, much smaller and appropriately shaped like a lemon. Coral

the bagan. What happens here though is that they get a lot more than they bargain for. Whalesharks are not shy about adjusting their planktonic diet with something a little more substantial, baitfish for example, so these monsters started to gather under the bagans and suck at the nets for a free meal. Fortunately for us and more so for the whalesharks, the local fishermen took their presence as a good luck omen and in time struck up a relationship with them, to the point where they can now hand feed the sharks the same as you would a cow.

As an extension of the fishermen’s interaction with these animals, dive liveaboards are now visiting the bagans and the fishermen allow divers to get in the water with them to film, photograph and observe these majestic beasts at their leisure. As their free feed is static, the whalesharks tend to stick around for quite a time and, as well as swimming around the platforms, have adopted a “vertical in the water” feeding position unique to the area. A bonus to this whaleshark tea party is that it is also possible to catch a glimpse of some of the pelagics that the bagans are there to attract, with sightings of sailfish and marlin being recorded.

Manokwari ShipwrecksToward the end of the Second World War, the US Navy began a push north west from the Solomon Islands in the hopes of containing and defeating the Japanese invaders. Under the command of General MacArthur, this successful offensive routed the enemy and began a process that was eventually called island hopping. The Japanese were put on the back foot, but not without a fight, over Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, West Papua, Micronesia, Halmahera and up into the Philippines where they were finally defeated. The remains of these conflicts have given divers and


The Pillbox WreckThere is a large white cross on Mansinam Island commemorating the arrival of the aforementioned missionaries in the water close to this monument is where the Pillbox Wreck lies. Sitting in depths of between 9 and 16 metres, this Japanese commercial cargo vessel is around 60 metres long and was pressed into wartime use as an ammunition carrier, some of which is still evident on the wreck today.

The Mupi WreckNot as much is known about the Mupi Wreck. This vessel is 40 metres (130 ft) long and lies upright on the sandy bottom with her decking at a depth of 9 metres (30 ft). The superstructure is draped in red and white soft corals and a metal pot can still be seen in position on the oven as well as bottles and yet more ammunition.

The Shinwa MaruAt 120 metres long and lying at a maximum depth of 35 metres the Shinwa Maru is the Manokwari wreck that so far we know the most about and also one of the best to dive. Located south east of Mansinam island this large Japanese transport ship has five holds and lies on her port side with her superstructure still intact. Featuring an abundance of marine life the Shinwa Maru was bombed as big holes can be seen where big holes should not be and she is loaded with a wealth of artefacts to discover.

Australian Plane WreckAs with a lot of Pacific Ocean wreck sites, it is not only shipping that lies on the ocean floor, there are sometimes a lot of aircraft too and Manokwari is no exception. One plane wreck that has been found here is what is believed to be a P-40N Kitty Hawk fighter. Laying at a depth of 27 metres (90 ft) this plane was thought to be used in allied operations by the Royal Australian Air Force before its demise.

reefs surround most of both of them and Mansinam has the dubious distinction of being the first place in Papua where, in 1855, two Christian missionaries first set foot in the region. Their arrival heralded the spread, for better or worse, of Christianity and its superstitious customs amongst most of the indigenous people of the islands and mainland.

While over 20 wrecks have so far been discovered, only five are easily diveable at the present time for liveaboards or land-based operations. Others are either too deep to reach on conventional scuba, are hard to find or are so bent and destroyed they are hardly worth

diving. Luckily for us the five that are reachable are relatively unexplored, fairly pristine and rarely visited. Good hard and soft coral growth and abundant marine life is also an advantage, while many still contain interesting artefacts and - with the exception of the Shinwa Maru - have not yet been properly identified. Let’s have a look at them.

The Cross WreckA Japanese coastal patrol boat 40 metres in length and lying in 19 metres of water on a flat sandy bottom. Upright although listing to one side it is possible to view the engine room, galley and radio room.

The Pasir Putih WreckNamed for its closeness to the Pasir Putih beach this is another Japanese navy patrol boat. Around 30-35 metres (100-115 ft) long, sitting upright and between 13-22 metres (45-75 ft) deep on the reef slope. Depth charges can be observed on the stern and while others lie on the nearby slope.


Marine LifeWhen it comes to marine life and leaving the amazing whalesharks aside for a while, the bay also features a fine cross section of Indonesian marine animals with most of the usual suspects represented. With the addition of Wobbegong

sharks that are normally, but not exclusively, spotted at Raja Ampat and the rare leatherback turtle that is hard to find anywhere else in Indonesia, Cenderawasih’s animal list begins to look better and better. Marine mammals pop up too with schooling dolphins being a common topside site and, the sluggish but no less fascinating dugong can be seen grazing in the mangrove and sea grass areas.

As previously mentioned, due to its inverted architecture, the Cenderawasih reefscape is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to observe and photograph marine species that normally live in

far deeper water. This has opened up a whole new chapter for marine scientists who are now beginning to discover new species and variations in the bay to add to the already world beating numbers of Indonesian sea creatures.

Topside Nature ReservesCenderawasih Bay retains a natural beauty becoming of the south pacific and is a treasure trove for the nature lover, both marine and terrestrial. The bay and outer islands, as well as the 450 square kilometre Arfak Nature Reserve close to Manokwari, are home to a host of rare creatures normally only seen in books or TV documentaries. Living in the lowlands, gorges and hilly forests, these creatures are endemic to the area and include forest wallabies, tree kangaroos, possums, bandicoots and the sleepy and secretive cuscus - native to Papua and north Australia, this large marsupial is a member of the possum family.

Cenderawasih Reefs - True Exploration DivingGetting back to more conventional Indonesian diving, the wide variation of coral reefs and walls of the park and the outer islands make up the latest must see destination for virgin dive site discovery and exploration. Up until a couple of years ago liveaboards were rarely seen here, and as it covers such a vast area, the dive sites in Cenderawasih Bay still have to be properly logged, charted and described; the opportunities for new discoveries are almost endless. There are also the islands of Biak, Supiori, Numfor, Num and Yapen as well as islands and the coastline of the eastern side of the bay to take into consideration. Although they do have some known dive sites they also have many more reefs and even wrecks to be found.

The Padaido ArchipelagoOriginally called “Schoutenlands” after the famous Dutch seafarer William Schouten, who first explored the islands in the 1600’s, the Padaido archipelago is another fine example of an area that is vying for our exploratory attention. Padaido - meaning “place of indescribable beauty” and numbering some 30 islands - is a group of wonderland of classic white sand beaches and spectacular undersea gardens in crystal clear waters.

Sea mounts and Sunken ReefsDiving on reefs and mounts that are isolated out at sea is always an exciting experience and inside the huge bay at Cenderawasih there is a wealth of shallow reef systems and connected sea mounts, such as Tydeman Reef, that become exposed at low tide and these offer yet another facet to an already bewildering variety of dive exploration opportunities.


Dewi Nusantara Travel SpecialistsOur office in Bali has in-house travel specialists who will be happy to assist with flight and hotel arrangements. Be sure to contact us via email at [email protected] for the most competitive rates.


For details of how to get to and from Cenderawasih Bay please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.


Birders’ ParadiseThe whole continental-sized island of Papua has, along with the Amazon, the largest concentration of bird life on the planet with west Papua being the home of the elusive and rare Birds of Paradise. In the Arfak Reserve, it is reckoned that 320 bird species have been recorded, with around 50% of these endemic to the region. The huge frigate bird congregations out on the rocky islets in the bay and the ornithological delights on the mainland and larger islands make Cenderawasih Bay a birders’ paradise.

Dewi Nusantara in Cenderawasih BayOnce again, the diverse underwater and stunning topside worlds of Indonesia have combined to produce yet another wonderful destination, with something

very special for every adventurous diver and intrepid traveller the world over. Let Dewi Nusantara be your luxury home away from home in this beautifully unique part of the world.

Cenderawasih Bay - ItinerariesStarting and finishing at Manokwari, our 11-night Cenderawasih Bay cruises offer nine and a half days of spectacular and varied diving, with between two and four dives per day and many fascinating land excursions along the way. Please see our schedules and itineraries pages or contact us for more details at [email protected].

Dewi NusantaraF L O R E S T O A L O R


Flores to Alor: Reefs, Critters and Fire Breathing MonstersThe Flores-Adonara-Solar-Lembata-Pantar-Alor island chain in Indonesia lies toward the eastern end of the long Nusa Tenggara archipelago, 160 nautical miles directly south of the large island of Sulawesi and 500 nautical miles east of Bali. These scenic and highly volcanic islands lie eight degrees below the equator and enjoy calm blue seas and warm sunny weather throughout most of the year.

For selected cruises during our operational year, Dewi Nusantara will be setting out on dive adventure programmes east of Flores to this fascinating region. Rarely visited by other liveaboards the dive sites here feature crystal clear visibility, exciting drifts along sheer walls, dazzling coral gardens and some classic critter dives combining to give you one of the most prolific and diverse marine environments in Indonesia. Our dive crews were among some of the first to visit here, so here is the story of the development of a new destination for you and Dewi Nusantara.

Exploration in East Nusa TenggaraLife is full of surprises, particularly where scuba diving is concerned, and we had a really welcome surprise a few years ago when the Alor regency in eastern Indonesia opened its door to us.

Way back in December 2004, four years before Dewi Nusantara was even completed, our dive team had a break in their regular schedule and embarked on a custom cruise that took us along the chain of islands between Flores and Alor, deep into what is called East Nusa Tenggara. What we found astonished us; endless visibility over pristine reefs teeming with marine life, and fascinating critter dives loaded with many of the rare creatures that underwater image makers only dream about. Alongside our marine adventures there was breathtaking topside scenery everywhere featuring active volcanoes, breaching whales and playful dolphins, as well as the wonderfully friendly local people - and this was only on one trip!


Our dive team is constantly looking to find new dive destinations for Dewi Nusantara; and since our first visit, we had always wanted to find out more about East Nusa Tenggara while, at the same time the area was literally staring us in the face, asking to be explored. With this in mind, we decided to repeat our earlier exercise and, in 2010, took a fresh look at this new and relatively undiscovered region of the vast Indonesian archipelago. To help us, all we needed to do was look in our dive logs, and now we would like to share the secrets of these islands with you.

Sparkling Reef StructureThe different areas that Dewi Nusantara operates in around Indonesia each have a unique and distinctive feel to them, both underwater and on

the surface. The architecture, biology and geography of the reefs and the corals living on them appear to be very slightly different in each destination, marine life that is relatively common in one place is rarely seen in others, and our Flores to Alor route is

no exception. For example, the wobbegong shark that in found all over Raja Ampat is extremely rare in areas further west, while the sea apple (a rather flamboyant holothurian or sea cucumber) is only found in the cold waters of the southern sites of east Nusa Tenggara.

The marine environments along our route include sheer fan-covered walls, teeming sea mounts and ledges with spectacular visibility, sparkling coral slopes and some remarkable sandy critter dives. Some dives are totally unique, such as Clown Valley and Big Foot Bay on Pura Island in the Alor Strait, with carpets of anemones spreading as far as the eye can see for hundreds of metres.

It was therefore with some excitement that we started out on what was to become some fascinating new dive cruises that revisited the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago. Some of the areas and dive sites we already had knowledge of but we had our work cut out to find more - and what discoveries we made! It takes a little while to get really comfortable with a new operational area but extensive earlier experience in Komodo, Raja Ampat and North Sulawesi stood us in good stead. Right away, we started for find some sublime new dives to go along with those we already knew and our list of sites and the marine life found on them just keeps on getting longer - and more impressive.

Pelagics and CetaceansA few of the oceans larger creatures turn up in the Alor/Pantar/Lembata Straits that are rarely seen at other destinations too. Sightings of otherworldly mola mola as well as thresher and hammerhead sharks and absolutely huge dogtooth tuna are reported on a regular basis. On other dives along our northern and southern routes, we are often visited by massive Napoleon wrasse, plenty of white-tip, black-tip and grey reef sharks, colossal stingrays, as well as squadrons of eagle and mobular rays.

Huge schools of dolphin are a common sight on our travels as they race towards the boat to play in our bow wave. The current swept channels that separate the islands in the Alor/Pantar and Pantar/Lembata Straits serve as major thoroughfares for much larger cetaceans too and it is not unusual to see one or two huge whales surfacing to breathe, even the massive blue and fin varieties.


Classic CrittersMost avid critter hunters know of the Lembeh Strait in north Sulawesi but not many have heard of the Kalabahi Sound, Teluk Lebaleba, Teluk Waihinga or Beangabang Bay - all of which are on a par with their more famous neighbour in Sulawesi. These dive sites produce rare and cryptic creatures time and time again, without the crowds or overzealous divemasters, and we have only really scratched the surface; or the bottom if you want to be technically correct.

To produce a world class critter site, local conditions must be right: slightly sloping sandy gravel and silt is the preferred bottom composition, washed over daily by a gentle tidal current, preferably mixed with a fresh water source such as a stream or river. When these environments combine things start to get interesting, and there are plenty of opportunities to find them in the hundreds of bays and coves that are a feature of these islands.

TopsideAlong our route, there are some incredible topside sights too: white sandy beaches, sparkling blue seas, emerald green forests, scorched savannah and, more strikingly, many very active volcanoes. During our trips, we try to get up close and personal with one of these fire-breathing monsters, Komba, an island volcano that thrusts out of the Flores Sea 30 nautical miles north of Lembata Island. Creeping up on this smoke puffing beast just before dark, huge dust clouds can be seen blasting out at regular intervals from deep inside the island. When darkness falls, we are presented with the even more awesome sight of huge fire red rocks and ash bouncing and scattering down the mountain side before plunging with a loud hiss into the sea, punctuated from time to time with deafening volcanic explosions - a humbling but jaw dropping experience.

The Dewi Nusantara dive team, being the intrepid underwater explorers that we are, have dived on Komba’s surrounding reefs on many occasions and have found even more colourful and mysterious black sand and reef sites to add to our ever growing list.

The Local PeopleAlthough not densely populated, we often get to meet the people of this far-flung region, their smiling friendly faces making a welcome addition to any

trip. The ladies from the islands of the Alor/Pantar Strait specialise in weaving decorative Ikat fabrics and will brave the currents and row out in their delicate water craft out for us to sample and buy their colourful wares. If you like live entertainment there is plenty of that too, we often roll up to a dive site to be greeted by an entire school of children singing and shouting to us from the shore or while paddling their dugout canoes around the boat.

The quality of the coral reefs of the Alor region owes a lot to the local fishermen. Sustainable fishing practices using basket weave traps are in place and it is not unusual to

see a spear fisherman going about his aquatic business whilst completing a safety stop after a dive - have a camera ready though, they love to pose for underwater photographs too.

Dewi Nusantara and her experienced crew has now put East Flores and the Alor region firmly on the map of must-see places for divers wanting to experience something exciting, new and out of the ordinary. For volcanic thrills and pioneering diving off the beaten track, the underwater world of East Nusa Tenggara is hard to beat! Surprise yourself - we did!


Flores and Alor - ItinerariesDuring or operating year the magnificent Dewi Nusantara motor sailer visits the Flores and Alor region for selected cruises in this fascinating part of Indonesia to bring you the very best that this unusual and pristine region has to offer.

Our Flores and Alor cruises will start and finish in the harbour town of Maumere, north Flores, These 11-night cruises offer nine and a half days of spectacular and varied diving, with between two and four dives per day and many fascinating land excursions along the way.

Please see our schedules and itineraries pages or contact us for more details at [email protected].



For details of how to get to and from Maumere, our start and finish port in Flores for these cruises, please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.


Dewi NusantaraS O U T H E A S T S U L A W E S I & E A S T N U S A T E N G G A R A


SE Sulawesi & East Nusa Tenggara: Dual Dream Dive Destinations Dewi Nusantara heads out on some unique dive cruises that take in several of Indonesia’s most colourful, interesting and diverse dive destinations; Buton, Wakatobi, Alor, Lembata and East Flores. These trips are scheduled one way in two directions - starting and finishing in two different locations (Buton, South Sulawesi and Maumere in Flores) - offering a splendid cross-section of Indonesian scuba diving: dazzling coral reefs and walls in crystal clear water, as well as a many cryptic critter dives - some that only liveaboards like Dewi Nusantara can reach.

These “combination cruises” are split into two different sections: Buton/Wakatobi to the north and Alor/Flores, part of Nusa Tenggara in the south. On the surface, these combined destinations are very different, with the Alor-to-Flores section featuring towering volcanoes almost everywhere you look, while at Buton and Wakatobi, the change in scenery is dramatic and we are now faced with idyllic coral atolls and surface reefs rising up from the deep Banda Sea.

The mid-point is punctuated with a bang as we focus on a live volcano display: the permanently erupting sea borne monster of Komba 30 miles north of the

Lembata coast - a red hot experience both under and over the water.

Underwater, both areas offer supreme reef and wall diving. The walls of Alor, in particular, plunge down to the extreme depths from shallow calm coral gardens, while the Wakatobi region has been described by Jacques Cousteau and the crew of Calypso as being “one of the best reef systems we

have ever dived”. Divers and photographers who favour the “little things in life” have a lot to look forward to as well: there are several absolute world class and rarely dived critter sites at Buton, Alor and Lembata to keep even the most discerning macro snapper enthusiast happy. Now let’s take a virtual run-through of the major areas we will be visiting, running from north to south, Buton to Maumere:

ButonAfter landing at Baubau airport in south Sulawesi, it is just a short trip to Wajo Bay where Dewi Nusantara will be moored and ready to start your trip. Buton

Island and particularly Wajo Bay is becoming increasingly popular as a diving destination in its own right. Wajo Bay forms a natural harbour on the south side of Buton and is one of the latest in a long line of hotspots for critter diving fanatics. With a gently sloping sandy bottom and eight nautical miles across


at its mouth, this busy bay features several world class muck sites and has all the required components to become one of Indonesia’s major critter hunting havens with all of the major marine muck suspects present.

WakatobiThe Wakatobi island complex some 50 nautical miles south east of Buton is well known the world over as being one of Indonesia’s premier dive destinations. Turned into a part of the Tukang Besi National Marine Park many years ago with the efforts of the land-based Wakatobi Resort, this once very remote and difficult to reach location is probably what everybody’s idea of a south sea island paradise would look like. White sand-covered coral atolls

fringed with swaying palms standing atop clear blue coral reefs with plunging vertical walls are the order of the day here.

Rising from the north west perimeter of the Banda Sea, the Tukang Besi National Marine Park benefits from the upwellings of nutrients

from its depths, as well as the strong currents that surge and swirl around the islands. Its signature sea fan-covered walls, coral reefs and sea mounts are some of the most active in Indonesia. Diving at the well-known sites like the razor thin ridges of Blade or the spread out collection of undulating sea mounts at Roma and the barracuda-patrolled sites of north Hoga are first-rate marine experiences.

A firework display to rememberAfter our visits to Buton and Wakatobi, it’s time to make our move south across the Flores Sea to Alor and Flores and the islands in between - but first we need to make a stop at the fearsome volcano island of Komba that pushes angrily some 600 metres up and out of the Flores Sea some 30 nautical miles

out from the north Flores coastline. Creeping up on this smoke puffing beast just before dark huge dust and ash clouds can be seen blasting out into the sky from deep inside the island at regular intervals. When darkness falls, we are presented with the even more awesome sight of huge molten red rocks and ash bouncing and scattering down the rubble strewn mountain side before plunging with a loud hiss into the sea, underlined from time to time with deafening staccato explosions - an incredible experience. It’s now that you know you are well and truly in the “Ring of Fire”.

The Dewi Nusantara dive team, being the intrepid underwater explorers that we are, have dived Komba’s surrounding waters on many occasions in the past and discovered even more fascinating and mysterious vibrant reef and black sand sites to add to our already impressive and ever growing list.

Alor, Pantar, Lembata, Adonara & FloresWaking up the next morning, we are presented with even more volcanoes, running in a line along the East Nusa Tenggara islands east to west from Alor to Flores. Now we have some intriguing choices to make: we are on the north side of an island chain, we can explore the new critter sites in the Kalabahi Sound and the pristine walls and reefs of the Alor Strait, or navigate the super deep wall complex in Teluk Waihinga and later simply opt for the most prolific rhinopias dive we, or anybody else for that matter, has experienced, at Lembata island.

Motoring down the channels that separate this line of islands to the south side, we find ourselves in the Indian Ocean. Much like the more well-known channels of the Komodo National Park, these waterways form a boundary line between two markedly different marine environments. Colder deep water upwellings provide a smörgåsbord of nutrients and food for the animals of


these rarely visited sites. The premier critter haven of Beangabang Bay on Pantar continues to surprise us with its ever changing conditions and marine life while moving east we have the jaw-dropping architecture and colour of the wave-battered rocks

and reefs of the islets along the southern coastline of Lembata.

We finish our cruise at the quaint harbour town of Maumere in Flores. The largest town on the north Flores coast, Maumere’s busy harbour hides another treasure; the sand, silt and rocks that the docks pilings have been hammered

into provide a playground for the elusive mandarin fish, right underneath our boat. A little while ago, we spent four full days diving here between cruises and our explorations here and at the fish market dock ticked nearly all the “must see critter” boxes.

These sites - some known only to us - and more, with plenty of others to be discovered, are all part of a Dewi Nusantara Best of Indonesia “combination cruise” from Buton to Maumere.

Buton to Flores and Flores to Buton – ItinerariesTaking up part of our operational year, Dewi Nusantara will be cruising and exploring the seas between Buton, south east Sulawesi to Maumere, on the north coast of Flores. These trips are scheduled to run one way from two different directions. Firstly, north to south from Baubau on the island of Buton, then to the Wakatobi region before crossing the Flores sea to visit Alor, Pantar and Lembata and finishing at Maumere in Flores. The other option runs south to north and starts in Maumere, reversing the first route and finishing at Buton, flying home from Baubau.


Whichever direction you choose, these 11-night cruises offer nine and a half days of spectacular and varied diving, with between two and four dives per day and many fascinating land excursions along the way. Please see our schedules and itineraries pages or contact us for more details at [email protected].



For details of how to get to and from either Bau Bau or Maumere, our start and finish ports in Buton and Flores for these two-way cruises, please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.


Dewi NusantaraM A L U K U :

H A L M A H E R A , A M B O N , B A N D A

& T H E F O R G O T T E N I S L A N D S


Maluku: Travel Back In Time on a Spice Island Adventure The Moluccas, meaning in Arabic “Land of Many Kings”, or to give the region it’s modern name, Maluku, was the first part of the Indonesian archipelago to capture the imagination of European mariners and explorers. The natural beauty of Maluku is a picture perfect vision of a desert island paradise: powder white beaches, clear blue waters and gently swaying coconut palms. However, it was not for this that the explorers came; it was for a treasure that held the highest prices in the European markets at the time: rare spices.

In the 16th century, cloves, nutmeg and mace were the highest priced commodities a seafarer could lay his hands on. Of course where market prices are involved, conflict soon follows, and the Portuguese, British and more particularly, the Dutch, were very

ambitious in getting their share of the highly profitable spice trade. At that time nutmeg, and its derivative, mace, could only be found on the tiny Banda Islands, in the middle of the deep Banda Sea, and cloves only grew on the two volcano islands of Tidore and Ternate close to the west coast of Halmahera. The Maluku region still features many relics of the fortifications erected to protect the invaders’ interests, as well as other imports of western technology such as gas street lighting in Banda, leaving visitors with an absorbing insight into a long distant time.

Covering a huge area and including the Banda Sea, the three major areas of Maluku Utara (north), Maluki Tengah (central) and Maluku Tenggara (south east) run along a north-west to south-east diagonal line from Halmahera, across Ambon and the Banda Sea, down to the Tanimbar and the Aru islands that lie off the west coast of the island of Papua - a stretch of over a

thousand kilometres. Let’s take a more detailed look at these three different places:

HalmaheraLocated in the northern section of Maluku and wedged between north Sulawesi and Raja Ampat is the island of Halmahera. Shaped like a mini Sulawesi, Halmahera, along with it’s satellite islands and islets is now firmly on the scuba travellers’ radar, and, along with her sisters, the Bacan islands, boasts some fabulous reef and sea mount diving as well as featuring the unexplored WWII shipwreck graveyard in the north at Kao Bay and others close to the island of Morotai. There are plenty of critter hunting sites around the region too, particularly down the volcano island line of Ternate, Tidore, Raja, Moti and Makian.

The Patiente Strait that runs between Halmahera and Bacan has some fine hard coral gardens, as do the reef systems at the southern end of Pulau Mandioli, while way out south east in the Halmahera Sea is the isolated island of Pisang (banana), which serves as a great stepping stone to Raja Ampat.


Pisang boasts three rocky and current-washed sea mounts with fantastic pelagic action, as well as some nice reef diving combined with pretty tropical island scenery and plenty of bird-life.

AmbonCruising further south and nestled underneath the ominous presence of the massive island of Ceram, we come to Ambon. Ambon city itself is the central capital of the Maluku region, and the island, along with her neighbours, Haruku, Saparua and Nusa Laut, has for a long time been a firm favourite with adventurous divers the world over for its stunning outer reefs and abundant marine life. In recent years however, it has become a hotspot of a different kind. With the rise in popularity of “critter” or “muck” diving, combined with the increasing ranks

of new underwater photographers, the search is always on for the next - to quote the incomparable Ned De Loach - “honey hole”. In the harbour at Laha Ambon has one of the best, with several sites that are gaining favourable comparisons with

the famous Lembeh Strait and not-yet-so-famous critter sites of the Alor region. The Laha site recently gained the attention of the world’s critter

spotting aficionados with the discovery, by Maluku Divers staff, of a brand new frogfish, the psychedelic (histiophryne psychedelica). This little fellow is coloured either yellow-brown or peach on pink and white stripes and bounces around the gravelly sandy bottom of this area of the harbour.

Right next door in the harbour, technical diving is now being pioneered by Maluku Divers on the 137 metre long wreck of the Duke of Sparta, and research and exploration

continues for more shipwrecks in the area. The Ambon region of Maluku now has the magical scuba diving trinity of reef, wreck and critter all within easy reach on her doorstep.

The Banda SeaCruising south from Ambon, the Banda Sea features the isolated atolls of Lucipara and Penyu, which rise up and out of the five kilometre deep water to create amazingly isolated reef and wall diving. The volcano “island of snakes” at Manuk is another of Indonesia’s unique dives where, at times, literally thousands of banded sea kraits (snakes) swim, creating an awe inspiring (or terrifying depending on which side of the fence you sit concerning snakes) marine spectacle. On the eastern side of the Banda Sea, great diving can also be experienced on the reefs along the island chain that includes the Koon, Gorom and Watubela groups that extend to the south east from Ceram.


waters of the natural harbour and right in front of the wonderful original colonial Hotel Maulana lies another of Indonesia’s great critter sites. All of the usual and some unusual critters can be found on the sandy flats, while the usually elusive mandarin fish can be seen here in great numbers. They have grown quite big here and can be photographed and filmed relatively easily on the rocks close to the hotel garden. You can even stand up and out of the water during a dive for a cup of tea.

The Forgotten IslandsOur last call in Maluku, and located at the south eastern perimeter of the Banda Sea, are the Babar, Tanimbar, Kei and Aru islands, home of the legendary Birds of Paradise. These isolated groups, sometimes known as the “forgotten islands” and rarely visited or dived by any operations, have only the Arafura Sea to the south before landfall in Australia, while the island of Wetar and the world’s newest nation of East Timor (Timor Leste) link to our Alor routes in the west. Dewi Nusantara is planning some exceptional exploration trips to these distant jewels in the future to cruise and dive where no man has ventured before – we will keep you posted on our progress.

The major attraction in the Banda Sea, are of course, the Banda Islands. Visiting this small sleepy collection of laid back islands really is like going back in time. Once active with the bustling spice trade, Banda has retreated back into relative obscurity; but the group boasts a wealth of buildings and artefacts for travellers interested in history. The town of Bandaneira, dominated by the smouldering 600 metre volcano, Gunung Api (last eruption 1988), across the

harbour, still retains an old Eurostyle post office, colonial hotel and government buildings, busy market and museum, as well as the aforementioned street lighting and the imposing Fort Belgica, built by the Dutch. Nutmeg is still grown here and mace still produced in the town,

while a wander around the quiet groves of fruit-bearing trees on Lontar island is a magical experience.

The scuba diving at the Banda Islands is greatly enhanced by the fact that the island group is surrounded by very deep water. The close proximity of deep water and isolated islands always produces something special underwater due to the upwellings of nutrients, and Banda is no exception. Current-strewn rocky sea mounts, vertical walls and technicolour coral reefs are the order of the day here and so are some great big fish habitats. Inside the harbour and due to the relatively recent eruption of Gunung Api (this literally means “fire mountain” and is a generic term for any volcano in Bahasa Indonesian), divers can marvel at the fabulous new coral growth on the lava flow at the foot of its slopes. The shiny coal-black river running down from the mountain into the harbour - like many recent lava flows into the sea in Indonesia - is another testament to the way that nature takes a surprisingly rapid hold on a recently cooled and barren lava seascape.

Once again muck diving rears its ugly head(s) here in Banda too. In the calm


Both topside and underwater Maluku, along with its genuinely friendly locals, is an absolute joy to behold, a south sea island paradise. The region is famous for the centuries old statues comprising mainly warriors and fertility gods and replicas are still produced on Tanimbar. Be one of the lucky ones to join Dewi Nusantara on a trip that take in this amazing area.

Contact us at [email protected] for details.

Maluku – ItinerariesAlthough rare, Dewi Nusantara will be making some trips that will be taking in some of the different areas of the Maluku region. Please see our schedules and itineraries pages or contact us for more details at [email protected].

Should you have any interest in chartering our magnificent three mast schooner for a cruise in any of the parts of Maluku mentioned here to sample some of the world’s greatest diving, again, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].



For details of how to get to and from the ports where Dewi Nusantara will be starting and stopping these special cruises please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.


Dewi NusantaraT H E K O M O D O N A T I O N A L P A R K


Komodo: The Land That Time ForgotKomodo! Mention the word in company almost anywhere and you are likely to get the same reaction: hushed mutterings about a mythical, far away land dominated by barren sun scorched mountains and low-lying primordial forests set on islands surrounded by dazzling coral reefs. The conversation would then follow that these islands are protected by the fierce currents of a treacherous deep blue sea and ruled over by one of the most awe inspiring predators on the planet! And you know what? This description is about as close as it gets!

Welcome to Komodo, the “Land That Time Forgot”.

The Komodo National ParkEstablished in 1980 as a World Heritage Site, the Komodo National Park is located some 250 nautical miles east of the holiday island of Bali and sits eight degrees below the equator, deep in the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores.

Encompassing 1,817 square kilometres and comprising the three main islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as many other smaller islets and rocky sea mountains, the park is considered to be one of the most exciting natural world adventure destinations on the planet.

Intrepid divers and explorers can experience one of the most exciting and richest marine environments in the world; get up close and personal with the

ferocious Komodo Dragons and trek up and along the desolate jagged ridges to the peaks of the park’s, quite literally, breathtaking mountainous landscapes.

The Local PeopleThe majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Sape and Bima in Sumbawa and Manggarai, in eastern Flores, and some from south Sulawesi. Those from south Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau, originally nomadic people, moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods on the water. Descendants of the original people of

Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language are slowly being integrated with other recent migrants.

Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant that its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional

demands for tribute. There are also stories that Komodo island itself was used as a penal colony for criminals from Sumbawa. It’s all very well being banished to a remote island for a crime, but one that is stalked by three metre man eating lizards is surely cruel and unusual punishment.


Marine KomodoThe huge island nation of Indonesia is home to the world’s most prolific marine ecosystem and the Komodo National Park is at the epicentre of all this wild activity. Most world-class diving sites are usually formed by either unusual volcanic formations of undersea rock or extensive deposits of coral limestone, washed over by nutrient-rich marine currents. Fortunately during its evolution, the Komodo region of Indonesia has been blessed with all of this! This spectacular seascape is comprised mainly of volcanic sea mounts, pinnacles, walls and canyons, as well as fringing reefs, coral gardens, mangrove bays and

sandy slopes, creating an unmatched variety of very different and distinctive dive environments.

Between the sea mounts the vast coral reefs, often in shallow water, teem with unusual tropical reef animals. In fact, this area plays host to

more than 1,100 different species of fish. With a careful eye, even the most jaded observer can discover hundreds of new species of brilliantly coloured marine life, plus an astounding array of invertebrates, some of which have never been properly identified yet!

The list of critter species is huge, and new and unusual creatures are being discovered here all the time. For fans of bigger animals, the dive sites with stronger currents play host to majestic mantas, sharks and many other larger pelagic species. Whales, dolphins and turtles have made the park a playground and even the rare dugong or sea cow can sometimes be spotted in the various scattered mangrove areas.

North & SouthThe range of dive sites and conditions in Komodo are legendary, and the

northern and southern sides of the park offer two distinct underwater environments. The Flores Sea is to the north and the Indian Ocean lies to the south, and these two vast seas are connected by the Sape, Linta and Molo Straits. Between the months of March and November, the clear warm waters flowing from the Banda and Flores Seas wash over the pristine hard coral gardens and sea mounts in the north, while in the south, deep cold water currents from the Indian Ocean collide with the continental shelf, causing upwellings that produce a vast plankton banquet for the marine life here. Between the months of December and February, these water conditions are reversed, with warm blue water lighting up the south while colder, greener conditions are evident on the northern sites. During a single day of diving water temperatures can vary wildly between 30C (86F) to 18C (64F) degrees in just a short distance at some times of the year.

Fierce CurrentsKomodo is justly famous for its high-energy, adrenaline-pumping dives, and the gusting currents that surge and swirl through the deep channels around the sea mounts between Komodo, Padar and Rinca islands are the key to the park’s wonderful marine life. These immense water movements produce such a wild variety of conditions that there is something here for everybody. Great visibility, massive cliffs of black basalt, sheer walls and dazzling coral gardens all combine to house one of the most prolific and diverse undersea ecosystems on earth!

Topside KomodoTopside, the landscape is dotted with islands and islets of every description; their volcanic bases have been carved by aeons of ocean wear, but their


crowns are distinctive and unique. While most of Indonesia is green and tropically lush, the Komodo National Park is much dryer, featuring lofty rocky peaks, creature-filled green forests and grassy slopes and meadows that give a savannah type feel to the landscape - the a perfect habitat for its most famous resident, the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard on earth!

BeachesThe beaches of Komodo are a dream: sandy with a background of rocks and hills, and mostly deserted. Great for trekking and beachcombing but not a good place for sunbathing, however - you have to remember what else lives here. Looking at the sand on some of these beaches brings yet another surprise: it appears to be pink in colour, and it actually is! The vermilion-coloured organ pipe corals that thrive in Komodo do not lose their pigment when they die; they just wash up on these beaches and get crushed and ground up with the regular white sand to produce this remarkable pink candy floss colouration.

WildlifeWhile the giant man-eating monitor lizards living here are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the islands in the park also support an impressive array of native wildlife, both in the air and on the ground.

Effortlessly swirling high in the thermals close to shore, the breathtaking hunting displays by White Bellied Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites are a show not to be missed. In the wooded areas, the trees screech, chatter and hoot with Green Imperial Pigeons and Yellow Crested Cockatoos; and on the forest floor, the Megapode bird, a close relative of the domestic chicken, can be seen digging and building their earth mound nests - and these are just some of the

birds that make Komodo an ornithologists dream.

The two largest islands in the park, Komodo and Rinca, are home to many types of land-based fauna too. Snakes are common, especially during the wetter months, and it is not unusual to come across a cobra, python or green

tree viper during a cross-country trek. Wild pigs or boar can often be seen rummaging around in the undergrowth or wallowing in a cool mud pool. Deer are plentiful while herds of goats are resident on some of the smaller islands like Gili Lawah Laut. Rinca Island also supports some huge water buffalo that like to graze in the meadows and wallow in the mud pools; and many families of mischievous crab-eating macaques can be seen squabbling and scurrying close to the waters’ edge.

But whatever or wherever they are, they are all just dinner for the main event!

Enter the DragonImagine a 150kg, three-metre long, armour-clad monster with serrated ripping teeth set in immensely powerful jaws, and four sets of razor sharp claws on the feet of each stocky leg. Add to this a wickedly whipping tail capable of knocking a full grown man to the ground and the ability to inject toxic saliva into its victims with each bite. This all sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, your worst nightmare - or so you may think. Living on the islands of Komodo and Rinca, and nowhere else in the world, this mythical creature is no bad dream; this is the awesome Komodo Dragon!

Many times during our expeditions, we have had many hair-raising opportunities to get up close and personal with these animals while on treks


on the islands; make sure when you visit that you keep a close eye on the bushes, around the trees and even on the beach - this apex predator takes no prisoners.

Jurassic ParkSo fasten your weight belts and let’s begin our epic journey around one of the most diverse and unique areas of the natural world, to a land of dragons and dramatic landscapes, fierce currents and sparkling corals in seas teeming with more marine life than almost anywhere else on the planet, a real-life “Jurassic

Park” above and below the surface of the sea. Whether you are ripping along the top of a sea mount on an electrifying current dive, poking around in the shallows late in the day or visiting the islands on a topside adventure, Komodo is calling!

Komodo - ItinerariesDewi Nusantara will be visiting the fabled Komodo National Park and surrounding areas as part of our annual schedule. Please see the “Schedules” section of this presentation to find out when we are there and don’t miss the chance to experience some of the very best diving in Indonesia

in the comfort of Dewi Nusantara. If you would like any more information concerning our cruises in Komodo please feel free to contact us at [email protected].



For details of how to get to and from Komodo Airport in Labuhan Bajo, Flores, the port where Dewi Nusantara will be starting her Komodo National Park cruises please see the “Planning Guide” section of this presentation.


Dewi NusantaraS P E C I A L I N T E R E S T C R U I S E S


Adventure & Special Interest CruisesFor intrepid explorers looking for something special and far off the beaten track, adventurers wanting to come nose to nose with local tribal people and their ancient cultures, wildlife lovers wishing to walk in the footsteps of great scientists and biologists like Alfred Russell Wallace - you have come to the right place. Dewi Nusantara is reading and waiting to make your wildest dreams come true and be your luxury home from home in eastern Indonesia!

The team here on Dewi Nusantara has a longer history in cultural, adventure and dive cruises than just about any other operator in this land of a thousand wonders. Since the launch of our first vessel, the ground breaking 43 metre traditional

schooner Ombak Putih in 1997, then following this up in 2002 with the 38 metre Ombak Biru, we have finally arrived at the what is considered to be the jewel in the crown of the entire Indonesian adventure fleet, the fabulous MY Dewi Nusantara. Setting sail on her first voyage in May of 2008, Dewi has set the standard for the rest to follow, a magnificent 57 metre three mast wooden schooner, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering offering levels of luxury, comfort and elegance that are second to none in the region.

Our cruising experience throughout the eastern Indonesian archipelago is unsurpassed. Sailing from Bali to West Papua in the far-east there are countless islands, islets and bays to be explored and in 15 consecutive operational years our vessels have logged over 200,000 nautical miles throughout the region. Our crews and long-time cruise directors and expedition leaders know more about the incredibly diverse islands and seas of Indonesia than just about any other people alive, there are very few bays,

coves and inlets in this part of the world where our vessels have not yet anchored.

While our live-aboard diving cruises concentrate on the exploration of Indonesia’s underwater world, our adventure and leisure expeditions are geared more towards experiencing the diverse cultures and natural beauty of this incredible archipelago.

Wildlife & TrekkingWith an astounding array of wildlife, Indonesia is a magnet for animal enthusiasts the world over. Hiking over the sun scorched savannah and in the low lying forests of Komodo can bring you face to face with the indigenous man eating Komodo Dragon, jungle trekking in West Papua will let you witness the elaborate courtship dances of the birds of paradise. These are just two examples of our up close and personal adventures, unique experiences that cannot be had anywhere else in the world.

Some areas where these and many more of our excursions take place are so remote they can’t be reached any other way than by ship. There is no better way to discover and explore the pristine islands and incomparable nature and wildlife that Indonesia has to offer than on board Dewi Nusantara.

Culture & CreativityBesides Indonesia’s stunning natural beauty the people of this immense waterborne nation are also rightly famous for their diverse cultures and


boundless creativity. Wonderfully colourful hand woven fabrics called “ikats”, famous with collectors all over the world are still produced in eastern Nusa Tenggara. Dewi Nusantara can take you to the islands of Flores, Alor, Timor, Roti, Savu and Sumba so you can see first-

hand how the local people produce these intricate works of fine art on their antique wooden looms in exactly the same way their ancestors did.

Cultural ceremonies and celebrations are a part of everyday life all over the country. Colourful parades, fierce horseback battles and complex and mysterious birth, wedding and funeral rites and rituals, sometimes attended by thousands, are common all over the archipelago. Dewi Nusantara can even venture as far east as the mangrove covered coasts of West Papua to visit the Asmat tribe, whose customs and culture were, until a few decades ago, still unknown in the western world.

Luxury & ComfortIn between all of this excitement and exercise it is nice to know you have a floating five star residence waiting for you close by to rest, relax and dine on. Indeed, some of our guests prefer just to stay put on board our beautifully appointed yacht, sunbathing on one of the sun decks with a book and an ice cold drink while taking in the stunning landscapes and marine panoramas.

A lot of our destinations feature unique and exciting land excursion opportunities coupled with the unbeatable scuba diving found in many of Indonesia’s legendary hot spots. We have wide experience in combining the two and can design bespoke itineraries for special interest groups that cater to both divers and non-divers.

Although Dewi Nusantara follows a busy schedule of diving expeditions all over eastern Indonesia she is available for charter for private parties, special interest groups or movie productions if sufficient notice is given prior to departure. Please contact us for a detailed proposal and quotation at [email protected] with your requirements.

In short, there is no limit to what you can explore, discover and experience in wonderful Indonesia on board the majestic Dewi Nusantara! Please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] for more information.

Dewi NusantaraD I V E O P E R A T I O N S


Dive Operations - Lets Get Down!As you would expect of the premier liveaboard vessel in Indonesia, Dewi Nusantara is equipped with all of the amenities an adventurous visiting scuba diver could wish for, and more. Comprising a huge main dive deck and at the front an indoor dive centre/camera room with a large compressor room and technical area on the deck below, Dewi Nusantara has more than enough room to comfortably accommodate a full complement of guests along with all of their scuba and camera equipment, no matter how much you like to bring.

You will be using the “dive centre” area of the boat a great deal during your cruise, so what follows is an overview that gives you plenty of information about its features as well as details concerning our on board equipment such as rental gear, cylinders and nitrox systems. There is also a rundown of our dive procedures; how we run our dives, our dive tenders and the safety features that we build into our daily underwater and topside operations.

To start with, here is an introduction to our dive crew. These are the professionals who will be looking after you during your cruise and who hope to bring you the most exciting underwater as well as on board and topside experiences that Indonesia and Dewi Nusantara has to offer.

The Dewi Nusantara Dive CrewWendy BrownCruise Director: Sri Lanka & England PADI Instructor Wendy has been with Dewi Nusantara from the first cruise. She started scuba diving back in the dark ages in Fiji, 1979 actually, and became an instructor in Roatan. In Indonesia since 2004, she spent four years at the Wakatobi dive resort before joining us in 2008.

Simone TomazelaCruise Director: Sao Paulo, Brazil PADI Instructor Simone is the latest edition to the Dewi Nusantara Team. Following her passion for diving she ended up in Southeast Asia for a long holiday and got overwhelmed with the underwater world. Since then she has worked in Thailand, Malaysia, East Timor as well as Indonesia.

Yan AlfianAst. Cruise Director: Lombok, Indonesia PADI Divemaster Yan has been with us since the very first days of the Komodo Dancer in 2002. Since then he has become one of the most sought after and popular dive guides in the country. His super sharp eyes, all round knowledge of marine life and affable character are legendary in the dive industry.

AndriDive Operations: Sulawesi, Indonesia Divemaster Originally from Lembeh but now living in Sorong, Andri worked for 3 years at Papua Diving in Raja Ampat and now with Dewi Nusantara, has been all over eastern Indonesia. His huge smile, big laugh and consummate professionalism make him a very popular with guests.


RiskoDive Operations: Sulawesi, Indonesia PADI Divemaster Risko has been a popular dive guide for more than 15 years in Lembeh, Bunaken, Raja Ampat, Ambon, Komodo and Alor. With his eagle eyes Risko is able to find the most amazing and minute creatures underwater and is always ready for a laugh and a joke when you are on the boat.

EddieDive Operations: Sorong, West Papua Divemaster Eddies’ began his diving career in 1998 where he worked for the pearl farm in Aljui Bay before joining one of Raja Ampat’s founders, Max Amer at Papua Diving. His diving career has taken him all over Indonesia including Triton Bay, Alor, Komodo, Wakatobi, Forgotten Islands and Ambon.

StevenDivemaster Steven is from Bunaken. He started diving in 2005. Before joining Dewi Nusantara he worked at resorts in Bunaken and Lembeh. He loves Macro and with his incredible eyes he is a sharp spotter of cryptic critters!

Dive BriefingsOn every cruise we give an “in depth” dive operations briefing on the first day of your cruise, to give you a clear idea of our general dive procedures, safety issues and photographic concerns.

Directly preceding every dive a full dive briefing is given with information concerning dive type, suggested depths and marine life expectations along with lots more relevant information about the site about to be dived.

Dewi Nusantara is equipped with two large white briefing boards on the dive deck and these are used for the display of detailed site maps and other information so that you are totally equipped with the necessary knowledge to dive the site with a good idea of what to expect when you are down there.

Your Personal Scuba EquipmentOur crew will assign deck baskets to guests for stowage of their personal equipment (i.e. masks, lights, boots etc.), your scuba unit will either be stored on the main vessel or on our tenders. All dive bags and other excess baggage can be put away in storage on the vessel.

Whilst we are sure that our guest’s personal scuba equipment will be in good order, sometimes, particularly after annual service, equipment can malfunction. Don’t worry, this will not spoil your dive trip as our dive crew can handle most common problems. If we aren’t able to fix your gear, there is plenty of rental equipment on-board to keep you in the water and diving.

Scuba CylindersThe Dewi Nusantara uses 11.2 litre (80’s) aluminium cylinders. These are designated for use with either air or nitrox 32. Nitrox cylinders are tagged to differentiate them from our air cylinder with have no markings. In addition we have a limited supply of larger 15 litre (100’s) and smaller 10 litre (63’s) cylinders should you wish to use smaller or larger units. All of our cylinders are fitted with DIN adaptable valves and there is a charge for using the 15 litre tanks.

At the end of a dive your cylinder is either re-filled directly from our air/nitrox compressors or the cylinder is changed for a new full one. Please check before


starting your next dive that your BCD is correctly positioned and fastened, that your regulator is properly seated, and that your cylinder is full. Please note that there is a $200 charge for nitrox for on 11 day cruise.

Nitrox & Gas AnalysisThe dive crew and engineers on Dewi Nusantara use a Nitrox Technologies membrane system to produce our diving gases. This method is very safe and extremely accurate. We have several O2 analysers on board for guests to use, and it is mandatory that all divers analyse and log their mix with every new fill or cylinder change. If you are unclear or are having trouble using our analysers the dive crew are always on hand will be happy to show you how to analyse and log a mix accurately.

Our Rental EquipmentOur rental scuba equipment is manufactured by Aqualung. We have six full sets of scuba gear with BCD’s ranging from small to extra-large, masks, snorkels. Our custom made wetsuits are made from 5mm neoprene have long arms and legs. Fins are available free of charge and we also carry a supply of underwater lights.

Dive Safety EquipmentGuests are required to carry an SMB (surface marker buoy) and a Dive Alert or other audible signalling device on every dive. If you do not have your own (which we highly recommend) we have a limited supply of this equipment on board for you to use free of charge. Guests will be shown how to fit and use this equipment correctly during the dive procedures briefing at the beginning of your cruise.

Oxygen Units & First AidDewi Nusantara is equipped with an extensive first aid kit as well as a large emergency oxygen supply and delivery systems. If there are guests on board who have training in either First Aid and/or O2 administration they are

encouraged to discreetly make themselves known to the dive crew. Qualified guests will be shown the location of the Dewi Nusantara First Aid Kit and the emergency oxygen units.

Emergency Evacuation & Recompression ConcernsPlease be aware that the vast majority of our diving operations are carried out in very remote locations, and the nearest working recompression chambers to

Dewi Nusantara’s dive destinations areas are at the public hospitals in Bali and Manado. To reach them in the event of an underwater accident will require the use of emergency air evacuation, which is not always available. Please plan and execute your dives with this in mind.

Hanging in the dive centre there is a “Diving Emergency Plan”. Should a problem occur this document outlines the correct procedures and provides telephone numbers for help in dealing with an emergency.

Dive TendersAll of the dives from the Dewi Nusantara are carried out using our custom built tenders. Below is some information about them and some procedures we use to make your diving easier and more comfortable during your trip.

The BoatsOur twin tenders were made by Bali Fibreglass, close to our home port of Benoa, to our own design. They are seven metres (24ft) long and three metres (10ft) wide and each one is powered by a single 200hp Yamaha four stroke outboard engine. These engines are fast and reliable and have electric starters and trim, the boats have plenty of stowage space and are driven from the stern leaving most of the interior free for divers and their camera and scuba equipment. Each tender is equipped with its own VHF radio, shot line, stainless steel ladder and stern line and for every dive are crewed by a driver, an assistant and two dive guides.


Tender Boarding ProceduresOur guests sit facing inward with their personal scuba units secured in special slots in the seats. This enables us to re-fill your cylinders in position so there is no need to carry heavy equipment up and down the entry stairway.

The entry stairway extends from the starboard (right) side of the Dewi Nusantara down to the waterline. Cameras, fins, weight belts and other equipment are loaded during the site briefing, after the briefing guests are then asked to make their way to the boarding stairs where crew members will be on hand to assist you into the tenders. Once on board it is best to sit down and gear up straight away avoiding any unnecessary movement which could cause problems for other guests boarding.

Extra dive weights are stored on board both tenders should you experience any buoyancy problems.

Dive Entry ProceduresSome areas that we dive are well known for strong currents. Due to this factor, it is often necessary to get all divers from the tenders in the water quickly and to minimize the time at the surface. A back-roll entry is the preferred method. Please take your cues from our dive guides and staff and swim away from the tender after picking up any camera equipment.

SurfacingWhen surfacing from a dive it is very important not to break the surface too close to the tenders. Doing this makes it difficult to the crews to spot you, surface a few metres away and don’t under any circumstances try to come up directly underneath the boat - you can’t and you will bang your head!

Dive Exit ProceduresAfter signalling to the crew that you are OK, please wait to be picked up. When it is your turn to enter the tender please use the following boarding sequence:

1. Hand up your camera, video and any other loose equipment.

2. Take off and hand up your weight belt or weight pouches (if possible) to the crew.

3. Take off and hand up your scuba unit to the crew - make sure there is no dangling equipment.

4. Hold onto the boarding ladder while taking off your fins. Hand your fins up to the crew.

5. Carefully ascend the ladder into the boat. Please do not linger too close to the tender when another guest using the boarding ladder. Guests are also

asked not to climb into the tender with a scuba unit and weight belt in place - there are good reasons for this:

1. The extra weight puts unnecessary strain on the ladder and the boat hull.

2. The extra weight on one side can make the boat unstable.

3. A diver in full equipment could easily injure other guests already in the tender when moving around.

4. A diver in full equipment could easily become unbalanced once in the tender and injure themselves.

Tender Exit ProceduresNow comes the easy part. With all equipment stowed, when the tender comes alongside the main vessel, divers closest to the stairway should exit first onto the platform and then proceed up to the main dive and shower deck. Our crew members will be on hand to help and they will also handle all of your cameras and scuba equipment.

Scuba CoursesDewi Nusantara dive courses follow PADI teaching guidelines. Visiting diving instructors are permitted to give instruction on board Dewi Nusantara if they are currently in teaching status with their certifying agency and maintain


underwater liability insurance. They must obtain a list of additional insureds from the Dewi Nusantara office before the cruise and these must be listed on their Certificate of Insurance.

Enriched Air DiverThis is by far our most popular course and consists of complete academic

instruction about the principles of partial pressures within breathing gases and their effects on the body when diving, open book tests and an exam as well as a practical demonstration of gas analysis and our compressor/nitrox generation systems followed by two

completion dives on nitrox. If the newly certified nitrox diver wishes to dive with nitrox for the remainder of the cruise there is a $50 surcharge for gas.

The Dewi Dive CommandmentsAll divers must sign the “Release & Waiver” and the “Nitrox” forms (if applicable) as provided by Dewi Nusantara prior to participating in any diving or water sports related activity with no alteration being made.

All divers must provide proof of certification with a recognized agency, preferably backed up with a log book.

Maintain good mental and physical fitness for diving. Avoid being under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs while diving and understand the influence of such drugs as those frequently taken for sinus problems and sea sickness while diving. There is a “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink And Dive” policy on board. The consumption of alcohol is to be reserved for post diving activities. Drink or Dive - You Decide.

Keep well hydrated. The tropical environment combined with breathing dry

compressed gas tends to dehydrate the body faster than you would think. Make an effort to drink extra amounts of water during the day and both before and after diving. Water will be served on the dive deck before every dive, please take advantage of it.

Dive safely and conservatively. Remember that dive computers are not programmed to your specific physiology. Always give yourself a good safety margin and do NOT share a dive computer with your buddy!

As many dives as are safely possible will be offered on a daily basis. Typically - 1 or 2 morning dives, 1 afternoon dive and 1 dusk or night dive.

All diving is to be conducted within standard no decompression limits unless an internationally recognized technical diving course is being offered by an appropriately certified and insured instructor. Divers are advised that they are to dive within the safe diving limits set by their certifying agency.

Limit your depth to your own level of training, experience and fitness. Most agencies recommend a maximum depth of 30 metres (100ft) with an absolute maximum safe depth of 40 metres (130ft).

Plan all dives as no-decompression dives. Decompression stops are to be carried out only in an emergency situation. What you will be doing on your trip is recreational diving and not decompression diving.

We try to plan the deepest dive of the day as the first dive and make all following dives progressively shallower. Make the deepest portion of each dive at the beginning and work up shallower during the dive.

All diving activities will be supervised by a qualified individual whose internationally recognized level is Divemaster or higher.


All diving activities will be conducted within Dewi Nusantara’s safety standards and parameters.

On every dive at least one, and more often two, Divemasters will be in the water with up to nine divers to lend assistance (both emergency and

otherwise) as needed and/or requested.

Any instructional programmes that are offered aboard will only be conducted by an appropriately qualified, certified and insured Instructor.

All divers are required to carry an SMB (surface marker buoy) and a Dive Alert or other audible signalling/warning device on every dive. These items are provided for divers who do not have their own and are also available for purchase on board. It is highly recommended that you bring or purchase your own as our supplies may be limited.

Primary and backup light sources are to be carried by each diver on all night dives.

Guests are asked to remain clear of all mooring or buoy lines at all times unless carrying out a safety stop.

There will be no solo diving permitted from the vessel.

Adhere to the buddy system on every dive. Know your buddy’s equipment, check out where all their buckles and releases are to be found, enter the water together, and dive together.

If find yourself drifting in a strong current, and into the blue for more than one minute please ascend to the surface as safely as possible and signal to the tender crew.

Make all ascents slowly - the slower the better.

Make a minimum three minute safety stop at the end of every dive at a depth between of 7 and 5 metres (20 to 15 feet).

If you surface in shallow water please swim out into deeper water, doing this greatly helps our tender crews to pick you up safely and avoids any damage to the tender due to drifting into rocks or reef.

Please remember to surface with at least 30 bar (500 psi) in your cylinder. This is for your own safety and also protects the structural integrity of our dive cylinders.

If you surface away from the boat please inflate your BCD and use the proper hand signal to let us know that you are “OK”. Deploy your SMB (surface marker buoy) if necessary to gain attention. If we don’t see you shortly thereafter, please give a whistle from your audible signalling device. If it is dark please turn on your underwater lights or strobes.

The nitrox fills available on board Dewi Nusantara are produced using a membrane system and are set at 32% O2 (PO2 0.32). Please set your nitrox computers accordingly.

Lastly, please remember that you are diving on and in one of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. Please do not touch or harass anything. Practice good buoyancy control as well as good diving and photography skills.

We are only concerned for your well-being. Our safety record aboard the Dewi Nusantara is exceptional and we appreciate your co-operation in adhering to the safe diving standards set forth.

If you have any questions regarding our diving operations and equipment please contact us at [email protected]. Dive safe and have fun!

Dewi NusantaraP H O T O & V I D E O G R A P H Y


The Image Makers: Marine Photography & VideographyBefore we started the construction of our first purpose built dive liveaboard in Indonesia, the Ombak Biru in 2001, we realised, with the boom in digital camera sales and digital imaging in general, that there was a new dawn on the horizon for underwater photography. With this in mind we built into our plans facilities the make the underwater photographer’s life a little easier, namely a charging station, dedicated tools and camera workstations and storage areas, we even purchased an E6 processor. We were proved right with our plans and right with the satisfaction of our guests, including some of the world’s leading exponents of the art.

The Dewi Nusantara Camera RoomThe technological leaps and bounds made with digital still and video cameras in the six years between the launching of Ombak Biru and the construction of the ground breaking Dewi Nusantara were immense, it seemed to us that everyone diving on board with us had some form of camera and housing. Therefore, when it came to designing and building our latest vessel we knew that we had to take things further with regard to planning for the very best camera facilities around, and we did.

The two storey dive centre built into the bow of the ship features our

compressor systems and equipment storage area below deck while the majority of the upper portion features a purpose built camera room, the first to be featured on a dive liveaboard in Indonesia. Foam covered workstations with multiple electricity outlets and individual lights have been built on top of

open storage areas, making it easy to bring a camera out of the water and into the workshop in seconds for those “all important” tweaks and adjustments.

Topside Photo OpportunitiesAnother important consideration is the topside photographic opportunities that a Dewi Nusantara trip anywhere in Indonesia affords. You will be diving and cruising in and around some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world so a land camera is an essential accessory. Many of our guests bring two of more cameras with them. This is to avoid having to take their marine housings apart to photograph what at times can be a very special photo opportunity that only presents itself in a very small time frame, breaching whales and dolphins for example.

Camera Equipment Wash-downDewi Nusantara has large purpose built wash down tanks on the main dive deck for you to rinse or soak your equipment after a dive and the water is


changed daily or sooner. Dedicated camera towels are in plentiful supply on the dive deck and in the camera workshop for you to dry your gear and a blow gun is also hooked up.

Camera RentalFor guests wishing to try their hand at underwater photography we have Canon point and shoot S95 cameras with Ikelite housings available for rent on board, these cameras can shoot HD video. Please contact us for details.

Computer FacilitiesFor our diving photographer guests who do not want to travel with a laptop we have on board computer facilities for data transfer and CD/DVD backup, should your camera cards get too full. Dewi’s lounge is also equipped with a DVD player, large format flat screen TV for photo/video/iPad/Phone playback.

On Board ElectricityIf you are traveling from the USA or Japan or anywhere else that has a mains electricity supply of 110 volts it is important to know that the electricity supply on-board 220 volts. It is a good idea to check your charging systems, although rare these days, some chargers will only run on 110 volts and will be destroyed at higher voltages, don’t worry though, we have step down transformers on board to enable you to carry on as normal.

BatteriesOver the years we have noticed that many guests bring their own supply of batteries with them, sometimes quite a lot. With airline weight restrictions getting smaller and smaller all the time why not let our office know of any

battery requirements you have and we will be happy to purchase a personal supply for you here in Indonesia and save you a lot of time, bother, weight and money.

If you have any questions or queries about our camera facilities, camera rental, electricity supply, battery supplies, transformers or video production please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Dewi NusantaraS A F E T Y & E M E R G E N C Y P R O C E D U R E S


Safety & Emergency ProceduresThere will be a safety briefing combined with the main boat and dive operations briefings at the start of your cruise to familiarise you with our safety and emergency procedures and equipment.

Life Jackets: There are two life jackets in every cabin. Life jackets are slipped over the head and secured with the tapes around the waist and are equipped with a whistle. There will be a demonstration of the correct method of donning

your life-jacket during the safety briefing.

Emergency Alarm: This will be activated during the briefing, so that in the event of a serious problem you will be familiar with its sound.

Life Rafts: There are two life rafts on the

upper deck, one on the starboard side (right), and one of the port (left) side of the bridge (wheelhouse). These are encased in thermoplastic shells and will be launched by the crew in the event of an emergency. They are design to auto-inflate after hitting the water. These rafts can accommodate up to 25 people each and include survival packages containing food, drinks, flares, medications, torch and blankets.

Life Rings: These are situated on the main and upper decks, and secured to the outside walls on the left, right and front of the salon with two more on either side of the wheelhouse. If there is a man overboard emergency please take the initiative if you can and throw one to the person having the problem if a crew member is not immediately available. Please make sure the keep the person in the water in sight at all times, it is easy to lose sight of them in heavy chop or swell.

Fire Control:Fire extinguishers are located at:

1. The Tender Deck 5. Crew Mess2. Dive Centre 6. Engine Room3. Kitchen 7. Wheelhouse4. Rear port-side companionway 8. All Cabins

In case of fire please operate the fire extinguishers using your own initiative, if you can, whilst calling for help. As a general rule aim the extinguisher at the base of the flame. The correct operation of the fire extinguishers will be explained during the initial safety briefing.

Emergency ExitEmergency Exit from Cabin Deck: There is an emergency exit to enable an escape from the accommodation deck onto the main dive deck in the event of a problem that does not allow access to the lounge. At the bow end of the accommodation deck there is a red ladder on the starboard side that extends up through a hatchway onto the main dive deck. Please familiarise yourself with its location during the first day of your cruise.

Search Lights: Flashlights are provided in every cabin and you will be shown their location during your room orientation. We have additional larger searchlights in the wheelhouse and the camera room/dive centre.


Safety DrillAt some point during your cruise there may be a safety drill. When the alarm is sounded all guests on board must assemble on the main deck as quickly as possible. If you are in your cabin please make sure you get your life jacket, if not in your cabin please ask a crew member for assistance. Guests occupying the port (left) side cabins must proceed to the port side of the dive deck, guests in starboard (right) side cabins must proceed to the starboard side of the dive deck. Guests occupying the Master Suite are to proceed to the port (left) side of the dive deck. When assembled please put on your life jacket as shown during the safety briefing.

As this is a drill we will not actually launch the safety rafts but, in an emergency, guests should take instructions from the crew as to when and how to board the safety rafts. Please do not go back into your cabin once you are on the main deck. STAY CALM AND DON’T PANIC.

It is important that these procedures are followed as there are also crew members on board and they will be split between the safety rafts.

General SafetyPlease remember that walking around on board a seagoing vessel is not like walking around on shore. Sometimes we may encounter wet weather and

rough seas, sometimes the decks will be slippery with water and hazardous with the movement of the boat. Please remember to be careful while moving around the boat and walk in a slow and careful manner.

Staircases are a particular point of caution, treat them as if they were ladders and always maintain three points contact while going up or down.

First AidDewi Nusantara is equipped with an extensive first aid kit and the dive crew have first aid training. If you have a problem on board that requires some assistance or medication please ask the cruise director for help. There is a full

listing of the contents of the kit on board, and we carry everything from an aspirin to an epipen. Please remember that in the tropics small scratches can quickly become infected, particularly form corals. Please treat these kinds of wounds appropriately as soon as they occur.

Dewi NusantaraP L A N N I N G G U I D E


The Dewi Nusantara Planning GuideFrequently Asked QuestionsIn what time zone is Indonesia located?The capital Jakarta is 7 hours ahead of GMT

The Komodo, Flores, Alor and Wakatobi areas are in the Central Time Zone and are 8 hours ahead of GMT

Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Ambon and Banda are in the Eastern Indonesia Time Zone and are 9 hours ahead of GMT.

What languages are spoken on board? There are about 583 languages and dialects spoken in the archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language. All of the dive staff can speak English as well as some members of the crew.

What weather conditions can be expected?Raja Ampat is a year round diving destination and there is no real rainy season like that found in other areas of Indonesia. A light wetsuit is necessary, though some people choose more thermal protection (a 3mm suit) to ensure continued core warmth throughout their visit.

The Komodo National Park is a destination that offers great diving year round. The area is much drier than Bali and lies within one of the driest regions of Indonesia. Having said this,

Komodo often has two distinctly different water temperatures in the north and south areas of the park, cold and warm. A wetsuit is necessary, though some people choose more thermal protection (a 5mm suit) to ensure continued core temperature warmth throughout their visit.

What currency is used?Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. It is advisable to exchange currency at banks which have the most favourable exchange rates and most are open Monday to Friday. It is recommended that you exchange enough currency for general tips, airport taxes and small pocket change. Major credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, and shops.

What does the Dewi Nusantara package include?All state rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with private toilets, showers and sinks. There is a “grazing” breakfast available from 6 am before the first dive. Breakfast is cooked to order and is served after the first morning dive. There is a buffet lunch and an elegant meal at dinner with waiter service. Additionally, fresh mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are served. Beverages (non-alcoholic and local beer) are complimentary while on-board. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in your stateroom. These have been hand blended and custom made for us in Bali. There are hair dryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week and fresh towels are changed as needed. Filled tanks, weights and weight belts are included. Ground transfers between airport and the vessel at the destination are included.

Are there any air transport charges?No air transportation (domestic or international) is included in the cruise package. As of 9 February 2015, all airlines departing from Indonesia are required to include the airport departure tax in the price of the ticket. This new regulation is valid for both domestic flights as well as international flights departing from Indonesia. Departure Tax is also called Passenger Service Charge (PSC)


If you have purchased a ticket before 9 February 2015, when the tax wasn’t included in the ticket price yet; then you will still need to pay the airport tax. You will be asked to pay this at the airline counter upon check-in for your departure flight. After you paid, the airline staff will put a stamp on your boarding pass that shows you have paid.

If you have purchased a ticket after 9 February 2015; then the Bali airport tax will already be included in your ticket.

What are expected additional expenses?Dive instruction, dive and photo equipment rentals and “boatique” purchases must be settled on-board prior to departure. Acceptable methods of payment include: US Dollars, local currency, traveller’s checks, or credit cards (Visa or Master Card). There is a credit card charge of 3%. Personal cheques are not accepted. Crew gratuities (as a usual guideline, guests normally pay 10% of the cruise fare) are also additional expenses.

Dewi Nusantara Travel SpecialistsOur office in Bali has in-house travel specialists who will be happy to assist with flight and hotel arrangements. Please contact us via email at [email protected] for the most competitive rates.

Since the majority of the Indonesian domestic air carriers do not participate in global ticket distribution, we provide a purchasing service for the domestic tickets on our guests’ behalf. In order to purchase tickets, guests will need to provide Dewi Nusantara with your name and nationality as they appear on

your passport. We will also require international flight details for your arrival and return home.

Your domestic airline tickets will sent to you electronically and you can simply print out your e-tickets.

When planning any trip in Indonesia on Dewi Nusantara, we recommend at least two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international and domestic legs of your trip, and one on your journey home between your domestic and international flights.

Please note that Dewi Nusantara is only acting as an agent for the airlines and is not responsible for, and can accept no responsibility for, cancellations, delays or problems caused by the air carrier. Domestic air rates are subject to change until the time the airline ticket is purchased.


Raja Ampat - Getting ThereGetting to Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia is a two-step process.

Step 1:Arrange your international air transportation to one of three Indonesian Gateway cities: Bali, Manado, or Jakarta. Each Gateway City has advantages and disadvantages and these are explained below:

Bali Gateway: This routing is ideal for guests who want to experience the magical hospitality of Bali before embarking to the remote area of Raja Ampat.


Using this routing, guests would fly to Denpasar Airport in Bali (DPS) using their favourite international carrier. The onward journey to Raja Ampat from Bali requires two legs. First is a 75-minute flight to Ujung Pandang (UPG), a major domestic hub on the island of Sulawesi. An overnight hotel stay is required in Ujung Pandang. The following day, the two hour and ten minute flight to Sorong (SOQ) operates daily with early morning departures. On the return, guests can route through either Ujung Pandang or Ambon (AMQ) to return to Bali. The return to Bali can be accomplished in a single day. This routing offers the most reliable flight schedule available to Sorong.

Manado Gateway: Using this routing, guests would fly into Singapore (SIN) (typically on Singapore Airlines), then connect with Singapore Airlines’ regional partner, Silk Air, for a flight into Manado (MDC) on North Sulawesi in Indonesia. An overnight stay may then be required in Manado at this point, depending on flight schedules. From there, connections can be made using Garuda or Lion Air for the flight into Sorong (SOQ). Flight times range from one hour fifteen minutes to two hours ten minutes, depending on the carrier. Between the two carriers, there are flights every day, except Sunday. The return flights work the other way around. Again, an overnight stay may be required in either Manado or Singapore to synchronise with your international flights.

Jakarta Gateway: A third alternative for guests is to use Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta (JKT), Indonesia, as a gateway. The journey to Sorong (SOQ) can then be completed on a fight with Garuda (usually leaving in the very early hours of the morning) that connect in Ujung Pandang (UPG) on Sulawesi Island. The return trip from Sorong to Jakarta can also be completed in a single day.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic air ticket from your Indonesian Gateway city to Jefman Airport in Sorong (city code SOQ) on the Indonesian part of the vast island of

Papua. This is the starting point for your Dewi Nusantara Raja Ampat voyage.

No matter which gateway city guests choose to utilize, we recommend at least two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international and domestic legs of your trip, and one on your journey home between your domestic and international flights.

Cenderawasih Bay - Getting ThereGetting to Cenderawasih Bay in eastern Indonesia is a two-step process very similar to getting to Raja Ampat.

Step 1:Arrange your international air transportation to one of three Indonesian Gateway cities: Bali, Manado, or Jakarta.

Each Gateway City has advantages and disadvantages and these are explained below:

Bali Gateway: This routing is ideal for guests who want to

experience the magical hospitality of Bali before embarking to the remote area of Cenderawasih Bay. Using this routing, guests would fly to Denpasar Airport in Bali (DPS) using their favourite international carrier. The onward journey to Raja Ampat requires two legs. First is a 75-minute flight from Bali (DPS) to Ujung Pandang (UPG), a major domestic hub on the south east side of the island of Sulawesi. An overnight hotel stay is required in Ujung Pandang. The following day, the two hour and ten minute flight to Manokwari (MKW) operates daily with early morning departures. On the return, guests can route through either Ujung Pandang or Ambon (AMQ) to return to Bali. The return to Bali can be accomplished in a single day. This routing offers the most reliable flight schedule available to Sorong.

Manado Gateway: Using this routing, guests would fly into Singapore (SIN) (typically on Singapore Airlines), and connect with Singapore Airlines’


regional partner, Silk Air, for a flight into Manado (MDC) on North Sulawesi in Indonesia. An overnight stay may then be required in Manado at this point, depending on flight schedules. From there, connections can be made

using Lion Air for the flight into Manokwari (MKW). Flight times range from one hour fifteen minutes to two hours ten minutes depending on the carrier. Between the two carriers, there are flights every day, except Sunday. The return flights work the other way around. Again, an overnight stay may be required in either Manado or Singapore to synchronise with your international flights.

Jakarta Gateway: A third alternative for guests is to use Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta (JKT), Indonesia, as a gateway. The journey to Manokwari (MKW) can then be completed in a single day with flights with Garuda Air that connect in Ujung Pandang (UPG) on Sulawesi Island.

The return trip from Sorong to Jakarta can also be completed in a single day.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic air ticket from your Indonesian Gateway city to Rendani Airport in Manokwari (city code: MKW) on the Indonesian part of the vast island of Papua. This is the starting point for your Dewi Nusantara Raja Ampat voyage.

No matter which gateway city guests choose to utilise, we recommend at least two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international

and domestic legs of your trip, and one on your journey home between your domestic and international flights.

Flores and Alor – Getting ThereGetting to the embarkation point for Dewi Nusantara’s Flores and Alor cruises is again a two-step process.

Step 1:Arrange your international air transportation to the Indonesian island of Bali.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic air ticket from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Wai Oti Airport in Maumere (city code MOF) on the island of Flores - this is both the starting and finishing point for your Dewi Nusantara Flores to Alor voyage.

Buton and Flores – Getting ThereGetting to the two different embarkation and disembarkation points for Dewi Nusantara’s Buton/Flores or Flores/Buton combination cruises is one of two three-step processes.

Buton to Maumere CruisesStep 1:Arrange your international air transportation to Ngurah Rai International Airport (city code DPS) on the Indonesian island of Bali.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic one-way air ticket from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (city code DPS) to Baubau Airport (city code BUW) on the island of Buton, south Sulawesi. This is the starting point for your Dewi Nusantara Buton-to-Maumere voyage. This flight stops at Makassar/Ujung Pandang airport and can be completed in a single day.

Step 3:Purchase a domestic one-way ticket from Wai Oti Airport in Maumere (city code MOF) on the island of Flores back to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (city code DPS) to connect with your return international flight. This flight sometimes has stops at Kupang on West Timor or Tambulaka on Sumba and can be completed in a single flight.


Maumere to Buton CruisesStep 1:Arrange your international air transportation to Ngurah Rai International Airport (city code DPS) on the Indonesian island of Bali.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic one-way air ticket from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (city code DPS) to Wai Oti Airport in Maumere (city code MOF) on

the island of Flores. This is the starting point for your Dewi Nusantara Maumere-to-Buton voyage. This flight sometimes has stops at Kupang on West Timor or Tambulaka on Sumba and can be completed in a single flight.

Step 3:Purchase a domestic one-way ticket from Baubau Airport (city code BUW) on the island of Buton, south Sulawesi back to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (city code DPS) to connect with your return international flight. This flight stops at Makassar/Ujung Pandang airport and can be completed in a single day.

Maluku - Getting ThereThe two major airports for the Maluku region are Pattimura (city code AMQ) on Ambon Island and Babulla (city code TTE) on Ternate Island. Depending on which trip you would like to make, it would be necessary to buy a one-way ticket either to or from one of these, as well as tickets to or from Jeffman airport (city code SOQ) in

Sorong or Wai Oti airport (city code MOF) in Maumere. Information about both of these airports as well as international flight arrivals and departures can be found in the relative area sections of this brochure.

Komodo - Getting ThereGetting to the embarkation point for any Dewi Nusantara Komodo cruises is again a two-step process.

Step 1:Arrange your international air transportation to the Ngurah Rai International Airport (city code DPS) on the Indonesian island of Bali.

Step 2:Purchase a domestic air ticket from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Komodo airport in Labuhan Bajo (city code LBJ) on the island of Flores, or Bima (city code BMU) on the island of Sumbawa. Please check your embarkation/disembarkation ports on your cruise invoice for correct information. Some cruises leave from Benoa Harbour in Bali so you will only require a one way flight.

Travel TipsWhat luggage restrictions do I need to be concerned about?Guests are encouraged to pack carefully and as lightly as possible. For international flights, please check with your carrier about weight restrictions and any other restrictions on the content of your luggage. No matter which gateway you are using, you will also be flying on a domestic Indonesian air carrier to reach Sorong. Domestic airlines have different baggage weight restrictions than international carriers. A rule of thumb is that passengers are allowed 44lbs (20kg) usually only 22lbs (10kg) from Manado. Above that—expect excess baggage charges. These can vary from US$2.00 to US$5.00 per kilo, per segment, and depends on the airline and the destination. A connecting flight would have two segments. However, please be advised there is no guarantee that any excess luggage (especially that above 45kg) will actually travel on the same flight as the guest. This in turn could result in luggage not making it to the guest in time for the charters departure or an international flight home if that would be on the same day.

In case luggage arrives one day late in at Sorong Airport or in Komodo we can arrange to get it to the vessel on day two of the trip. This involves some extra costs. However we can’t guarantee that this will always work.


What travel documents will I need?You are required to possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of return or onward ticketing. Your passport should have at least two blank pages in it in order to pass through immigration.

You will also require a Visa. You may qualify for a Visa on arrival depending on your citizenship. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination or review the requirements on one of the many travel visa information websites or contact our office in Bali.

What should I know about customs and immigration?At the airport, customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, wearing apparel, toiletries and any portable articles which someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

Please note that it is strictly forbidden to any illegal drugs into the country. The death penalty applies to drug smugglers in Indonesia.

What are the embarkation and disembarkation times?Official embarkation time is 4pm. If you are arrive on an early flight you will be met at the airport and taken to a hotel for breakfast and coffee. We normally try to start boarding from 12 noon. Once all guests are on-board, the Dewi Nusantara will depart. On the day of disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport between 6:00 am and 10am. If your flight is later than this you will be taken to a hotel where you can purchase a drink and use the wi-fi and then 1.5 hours before your flight is due we will transfer you to the airport and assist you with check in.

How do I get from the airport to Dewi Nusantara?The Dewi Nusantara package includes a transfer from the embarkation airport to the port where the yacht will be waiting for you. Crew will greet you inside the arrival hall and help you claim your luggage. Please look for crew or

agent from our transfer company holding a Dewi Nusantara sign or a sign with your name on it. It is approximately a 20 minute drive from the airport to the harbour where the yacht is.

How do I get from the hotel to Dewi Nusantara if I arrive early? The boat will call the hotel on embarkation day and advise boarding time. Once Dewi is ready for boarding we will transfer you from the hotel to the boat.

What do we do on the day we disembark?

The Dewi Nusantara returns to port on the morning that you disembark the yacht. Final disembarkation will occur between 6:00 am and 10am at the end of the charter. Transfers are provided to the airport for guests departing this day. If your flight is not until later in the afternoon we will take you to a local hotel for day use and transfer you to the airport in time for your flight.

How do I arrange for pre and post charter hotels and transfers?In addition to being able to book your domestic airline tickets Dewi Nusantara’s travel specialist has created several extension packages based around different experiences in the area. Alternatively, they would be happy to design something specifically with your interests in mind.

Do I need trip insurance?We strongly recommend that every guest purchases comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance when space


is reserved. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of Dewi Nusantara, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance and Dewi Nusantara work in connection with Dive Assure who provide tailor made insurance specific for scuba diving holidays. www.diveassure.com

Dewi Nusantara - The On-board Experience If I am travelling as a single will I have a roommate?All rates are quoted on a share basis; therefore, unless you require a guaranteed single room and pay an additional supplement (65%), you will very likely be sharing your stateroom with one other guest of the same gender.

What type of cuisine is prepared?Meals prepared by our on-board chef consist of an international mix with a local flair. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our Bali office as soon as possible so we can adequately prepare to meet your needs. Certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis due to the remote nature of this location.

What kinds of beverage are available on board?The Dewi Nusantara’s selection of beverages includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced water, tea and speciality coffee and a limited selection of local beer. One glass of wine is served with dinner. Fresh milk may not be available, although

UHT long life milk is provided on-board. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverages that you may want to consume on-board at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume lots of non-alcoholic liquids during the week to avoid dehydration. Remember: Alcohol and diving do not mix. Once you consume alcohol, you become a snorkeller until the next day.

A word about alcoholThe importation of alcoholic beverages in Indonesia is strictly controlled by the government through quota restrictions. Locally produced beer has no restrictions. In accordance with local cultural customs and regulations only local beer is provided and one glass of wine is served with dinner as part of your Dewi Nusantara package. At all other times, additional alcoholic

beverages (based on availability) including bottles of imported wines and drinks containing spirits may be purchased through the ship’s bar.

There are no corkage or bottle charges imposed for guests who choose to bring their own alcohol on board for personal consumption. Customs regulations allow foreign tourists arriving into Indonesia to bring with them 1 litre of alcohol per adult. If you have a favourite wine or spirit you would like to consume on your upcoming cruise, we encourage you to bring it with you.

While customs in Indonesia are laid back and friendly to tourists, the importation limits are enforced. All checked and carry-on bags are x-rayed when clearing customs, so bottles and containers are easily identified by Customs officers. Any tourist who attempts to circumvent the import limits opens themselves up to a very inconvenient situation with government officials.


What electrical current is available on board?The electrical current on Dewi Nusantara is 220 volts. Guests may wish to bring a converter for the use of small appliances in their stateroom. There is a charging station in the camera room which offers access to both 110V and 220V power. The standard current in all of Indonesia is 220 volts.

How much shall I pack?Please plan to travel light. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as a duffel bag for easy stowage and to add to your comfort in your cabin, leave those large, rigid suitcases at home. Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear and swim suits are a must. A light sweater or jacket is ideal for the evenings. Dress aboard is always casual. Light clothing that reflects the sun is best and a hat is a recommended. Evening dress is informal. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen, sunglasses, walking shoes and a hat or visor for your time on shore. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. We recommend you pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, swim suit, change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make it easier in the event your luggage is delayed. Please check with your airline as to what weight restrictions will apply to your carry-on and checked luggage.

Will there be any opportunities to go ashore during the cruise?In Raja Ampat we always visit a pearl farm or take a speedboat ride through the karst limestone islands. Komodo is famous for its ‘dragon’. Varanus komodoensis is a lizard locally called ‘ora’, the largest monitor lizard in the world. You have the opportunity to go ashore for a 2-hour walk on Komodo. Experienced park rangers will show the natural habitat of this fascinating predator. The trek usually starts around 7:30 am, the best time to find the dragon. But when and if we go ashore always depends on the weather.

Although most of our treks on most of our cruises can be completed in sandals a pair of running shoes or even walking boots is a far better and more comfortable option.

What if I am prone to seasickness?Currents and winds may cause moderate movement of the yacht at times. If you have a tendency toward seasickness we strongly urge you to bring some over-the-counter motion sickness medication or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the trans-dermal patch or Scopace tablets. Chewable ginger tablets or capsules of powdered ginger have also proved to be effective.

What if there is an emergency on board?Our dive crews are trained in first aid

and diving accident management. Dewi Nusantara is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. The vessel also has direct contact with the closest hyperbaric chamber. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each guest, we strongly recommend that you dive conservatively and obtain special insurance for divers from Divers Alert Network, Dive Assure or similarly ranked company. Be warned that the standard of the hospitals in Sorong and Labuan Bajo are not good! It could take up to 3 days before you get to a hyperbaric chamber. Your diving must be planned within the limits and standards of your certification organization.

How can my family contact me in the event of an emergency at home?In case of emergency your family may contact you by calling our Bali office at + 62 361 766269 during business hours (10 am – 6 pm local Bali time which is 8 hours ahead of GMT). If outside of our operating hours, call our emergency


cell phone number, +62 811399213. Please reserve calling this number for emergencies only.

Communications: Cell Phones, Satellite Phones and E-Mail?Check with your local cell phone provider for service while visiting Indonesia. The Dewi Nusantara is equipped with satellite based phone for emergency communications. E-mail access is available free of charge when we have a 3G signal but it is very slow. It is suitable only for sending a “What’s App” but not for uploading photos to Facebook.

Is smoking permitted?A designated area on sun-deck of the outdoor lido deck is available for smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any other area for any reason.

Is there entertainment on board?The Dewi Nusantara has a multi-system TV unit for digital video camera playback, a compact disc player, a DVD player and iPod docking player in the main salon. If you have a favourite movie, slide show or a video to share, we encourage you to bring it along! You may also bring your own favourite music CD’s or DVD’s. A small library of “books for exchange” is maintained on-board, as well as marine life identification books for reference.

How can I celebrate a special occasion? Our crew is delighted to help you celebrate any special occasion on-board including birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or weddings. Kindly advise

our Bali office at least 30 days prior to departure so that we can adequately prepare.

Is it customary to offer a gratuity to the crew?Gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on performance. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10% of the published package price be considered normal. Payment of gratuities is entirely at the discretion of the guest. Payment of gratuities can be by cash or credit card (Visa or Master-Card cards are accepted but warrant a higher service charge).

How can I pay for my expenses and purchases on board?Dewi Nusantara has a small, on-board “Boatique” which sells a selection of logo clothing, custom jewellery, sundries, diving accessories, batteries, logbooks, etc. A crew member will gladly assist you with your purchases at any time during the week. US Dollars, Euros, Indonesian Rupiah

or VISA and Master Card credit cards are all accepted for bill payment. Unfortunately American Express cards or personal and travellers cheques are not accepted.

Diving operations in brief How many dives will be done each day?We will offer up to four dives per day, including a night dive. On the last dive


day there will be two dives (weather and sea conditions permitting).

What paperwork will I need for diving?Remember to bring your c-card or proof of certification. The dive master requires proof of certification before the first dive. You will be required to complete our Cruise Application and Waiver agreement prior to departure for Indonesia.

How will we dive from the Dewi Nusantara?Tender diving is the rule. All dives will be made from two dive tenders. Guests board the tender and then don their gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will be happy to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to enter the water. Our crew will hand down cameras and other equipment. To re-board the tenders, guests may remove their gear in the water and hand it up to our staff and simply climb aboard by way of a ladder secured to the gunwale of the tender.

Do I need to bring any safety equipment?For your safety, it is recommended that each diver carry an emergency SMB (safety sausage), Dive Alert or other suitable audible surface signalling device and mini-strobe light on all dives. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they are available for rent on board, however, quantities may be limited.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on the diving?All diving on board the Dewi Nusantara should be planned no-decompression dives and conducted within the limits and standards of your certification agency.

Are nitrox fills available?Dewi Nusantara is equipped with Nitrox facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are

normally available to all certified Nitrox divers for an additional charge. Nitrox dive profiles must be planned and executed with a Nitrox compatible computer. It is recommended that the planned PO2 level be set within the limits of your

certifying agency. All Nitrox fills must be analysed by the divers using the mix and logged prior to each and every dive. Nitrox certifications are usually available on-board to all certified open water divers for an additional charge

What diving equipment will I need to bring?Equipment provided aboard the Dewi Nusantara includes cylinders (11.2 litre/80 cu. ft. aluminium with DIN/Yolk convertible “K” valves), weights and weight belts. Divers will also need the following equipment:

• Regulator with alternate air source

• Depth and pressure gauge

• Dive computer

• Buoyancy Compensation Device (BCD)

• Mask/fins/snorkel

• Night Dives: we require at least two light sources on a night dive

• Recommended (Additional) Dive Equipment

• Battery operated glowing tank marker light

• Dive light with extra batteries or a charging source

What safety equipment do I need to have?We suggest that you bring your own to ensure compatibility with your personal equipment. The Dewi Nusantara has a limited supply available for rental by our guests.


Recommended Surface Safety Equipment For Each Diver • An audible surface signalling device such as a Dive Alert (air horn) or an emergency whistle of superior quality.

• A visual surface signalling device (Daytime) such as an inflatable safety sausage (SMB) or similar device.

• A visual surface device (Night or Dusk) such as a personal mini-strobe or similar device.

Additional Recommended Surface Safety Equipment• Signalling mirror

• Whistle

Is dive gear and photo/video gear available for rent?Dewi Nusantara has a limited amount of diving equipment available for rent, so it is critical that you advise our Bali office staff, in advance, if you decide you want to rent gear. We offer BCD’s and regulators. Two Canon S95 point and shoot cameras with Ikelite housings are available for rental. These cameras can shoot HD video.

I am a photographer, what can I expect?Photo opportunities are abundant no matter what system you have. Guests may use the TV in the salon to view their images. The vessel is equipped with a variety of input cables.

Camera Tables: Dewi Nusantara has a large indoor camera work bench (8 meters long) with individual power outlets and spotlights under the castle deck.

Charging Stations: There are several charging stations with 110V and 220V power available for your use.

Rinse Tanks: There is a huge “cameras only” rinse tank for the exclusive use of photographers on-board.

Dive Buddies: All divers are required to have a buddy with them at all times. When on a drift dive, photographers are expected to stay with the main body

of the group on their tender. You may move away from the group within reason – providing that the divemaster leading the dive is kept in sight at all times. You will not be permitted to separate from the group or carry your own drift line.

Can I fish or spearfish?Fishing gear is available. Fishing is only allowed in certain areas at the Cruise Directors discretion and at extra costs of US$50 per hour. Spear fishing equipment is prohibited on-board.

Dewi NusantaraH A N D B O O K

Dewi NusantaraPremium dive liveaboard adventures in Indonesia

E-mail: [email protected]

V2018.01 - April 2018

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