40 Years. 5,000+ Dives. One Definitive Resource.

A Staff Instructor’s Retreat: My Top 5 Dive Resorts in Indonesia.

With over 40 years of diving and 5,000 logged dives, I’ve learned that a truly fantastic trip isn’t just about the reef—it’s about the resort, the food, and the service. I’ve explored the length of the Indonesian archipelago, but only a select few operators earn my repeat business. From Alor to Raja Ampat, here are the five dive resorts that deliver the perfect package of underwater magic and topside comfort.

A Professional’s Guide to the Best Diving and Resorts Across the Archipelago

Underwater Unrest: Charting the Cartographic Confusion of Bunaken’s Eastern Wall

Forget GPS and municipal borders; on the deep vertical precipices of Bunaken Marine Park, a dive site’s name depends less on where the physical geography lies and more on where your dive boat captain historical loyalty lies. It’s a fascinating, and often humorous, case study in ‘agreeing to disagree.’

Navigating the Map: The Beautiful Confusion of Bunaken’s Eastern Wall

Amed Unfiltered: The Veteran’s Guide to Bali’s East Coast

Everyone flocks to the Liberty, but the real magic is just 20 minutes down the road. After 40 years of diving, I’ve found that Amed’s black sand and “jukung” boat entries hold secrets that most tourists drift right past.

The Amed Diving Guide: A Review of My Top 3 Sites

Giants vs. Guardians: Is Manta Point or Turtle Heaven the King of Indonesia?

It’s the ultimate Indonesian underwater showdown. On one side, the majestic, sweeping wings of Nusa Penida’s Manta Rays; on the other, the ancient, unbothered grace of the Gilis’ sea turtles. If you only have one week to dive, where should you drop anchor?

Beneath the Surface of Paradise: Why Bali and Lombok’s Iconic Dives Should Be Your Next Adventure

Gili Biaha vs. Shark Point: Which Island Actually Wins the Shark Showdown?

It’s the ultimate regional rivalry. Bali offers the rugged, dramatic overhangs of Padang Bai’s offshore islands, while Lombok counters with the legendary Shark Point. We’re breaking down the currents, the depth, and the “guarantee” factor to see which site reigns supreme for reef shark encounters.

Bunaken’s Best Wall Dives?

Everyone raves about Raja Ampat, but are we ignoring the vertical perfection right under our noses? It’s time to settle the debate that divides the diving community: Does Bunaken have the best walls to dive in Indonesia? We’re drifting the legendary Lekuan Wall—spanning Lekuan I, II, and III—to see if this endless mile of coral and turtles is truly the undisputed king of Indonesian drop-offs. The verdict might just change your next dive trip.

Raja Ampat vs. Bunaken: Is the “King of Wall Diving” Hiding in Plain Sight?

Where the “Coral Triangle” Actually Lives Up to the Hype.

Imagine dropping into water so clear it feels like flying, where the only traffic you face is a school of barracuda or a grumpy Green Turtle. From the vertigo-inducing walls of Bunaken to the weird and wonderful “muck” of Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi is the diver’s final frontier. We’ve mapped out the 5 legendary sites that turn a standard dive trip into a National Geographic expedition. Leave the real world at the surface; the show is about to start.

North Sulawesi Diving: The 5 “Must-Dive” Sites That Will Ruin You for Everywhere Else

Beyond the Muck: A GoPro Diver’s Take on Lembeh

“In the diving world, Lembeh is the undisputed King of Macro. It’s the holy grail for photographers with rigs the size of a toaster, and honestly, who am I to argue? I’ve spent decades underwater, but my tool of choice is a GoPro, and I’ve always been more of a ‘big picture’ guy.

But living in Indonesia, you can’t exactly ignore the world’s most famous strait. In June 2023, I finally headed down to see what the fuss was about. Over nine dives, I encountered some of the weirdest, most wonderful creatures on the planet. I loved the experience—and the surprisingly peaceful, misty climate of the strait—but it also taught me exactly where my limits lie when it comes to the ‘muck.'”

Diving into the Depths: A Journey Through Lembeh