Indonesia is a dive hot spot that unfortunately provides few choices.... While Bali's culture is fantastic (especially if you get away from the coast), the diving's not as spectacular as in other parts of Indonesia.... On Bali's east coast the Libertywreck at Tulamben is a favorite among fish specialists, who claim to find a new species on every visit. On the north end there's a good chance of diving with mola molas.... While they're certainly harder to get to than Bali, I think the Banda Islands have some of the best coral and fish life in the world.... Although it offers few big fish, Wakatobi, a operation in remote southern Sulawesi, offers fantastic color, amazing biodiversity, and one of the best beach dives in the world.... If bizarre and rare creatures are a lure, Ambon has a dive that surpasses even PNG's famous muck dives, as does Kungkungan Bay in northern Sulawesi.... If you're into big turtles (and lots of them), Borneo Diver's operation on Sangalaki, which once got excellent reviews, finally reopened last year, and nearby Derawan Resort dives these waters as well ....The island of Flores had great diving until it was hit by a typhoon and tidal wave that destroyed its reefs.... Although it's seldom been reached by live-aboards, the diving around Komodo, the home of the dragons, is excellent. Sea Contactsstarted trips there this year.... Choices for live-aboards in Indonesia have been slim; the Pinditocovers a lot of the same territory as the Cehilidid, but it's mainly booked by Europeans and offers only two dives a day.... Northern Sulawesi has few choices for land-based resorts, and the live-aboard Serenadeleaves from the Murex Resort near Manado.... Look for more new live-aboards and new resorts to pop up in virgin territory if the country's political situation doesn't get further out of hand.... While domestic flights have suffered cutbacks, there are some real bargains on international fares....Although the volatile political scene has put a cloud over diving Indonesia, so far it's had little effect on Bali, Manado, Wakatobi, and Sangalaki. Check with the State Department before travel, and inquire about specific destinations rather than asking about the country as a whole. Before you leave, get a copy of Kal Muller's Underwater Indonesia....

For full reviews of the following Indonesian destinations and live-aboards, see:

Sea Contacts I- Komodo and Rinca Islands, Indonesia, Undercurrent - September 1999

Wakatobi Sulawesi, Undercurrent - October 1997

Pindito,In Depth - May 1997

Gilis Islands Lombok, In Depth - March 1997

Kungkungan Bay Sulawesi, In Depth - June 1996

Derawan Resort, In Depth - June 1996

Serenade,In Depth - April 1995

Baruna Adventurer, July 1998, Matt and Ellen Tate, Kokomo, IN. Old, slow boat, but extremely comfortable, cabins quite large. Set-up for 20 guests and 16 divers, but the dive deck is very small. We had 6 and I would not have wanted to be there with 10 or more, especially picture takers. Divemaster safety conscious. Good briefs, good directions always observant. Coral outstanding. Critters great. Vis: 45-80 ft. Water: 80 degrees. No dive restrictions. Absolutely not for beginners because of current. Got caught in down currents twice, exciting. (Ph: 011-62-361-753820, Fax: 011-62-361-753809, e-mail: baruna@denpasar.wasantara.net.id)