News
Dive Safari Asia add East Kalimantan, Borneo to their travel portfolio
UK-based Dive Safari Asia have recently returned from a fact-finding visit to a little-dived corner of Indonesia: East Kalimantan, Borneo. The travel company is now offering tailormade itineraries to handpicked resorts and will introduce small group safaris to the region in 2019.
The best diving of Kalimantan is said to be in the Maratua Atoll. Dive Safari Asia have teamed up with two fabulous resorts on opposite ends of the lagoon. Both have day-trip access to several dive sites including the well-known Sangakali, known as a manta ray hot-spot and Kakabun, known for its inland lake full of sting-less jellyfish.
Nabucco Resort, situated on a small private island, sits at the mouth of the lagoon, where, during incoming tides, divers almost always see a school of thousands of barracuda, various shark species, trevally and more. Other nearby sites are characterised by a proliferation of fish, excellent macro life and healthy colourful corals. The resort is relaxed, comprises of 20 rooms, a great sunset bar and a stilted restaurant with magnificent views of the lagoon.
Nunukan Resort, a 30-minute speedboat ride away, is another private island resort, situated on the southern side of the lagoon. The house reef is a 4km long stretch of healthy, lively reef, sloping to about 40m. There is a large turtle population here, as well as many passing pelagics including eagle rays and leopard, nurse and blacktip reef sharks. The reef is generally very fish-dense and offers amazing macro-life spotting opportunities with pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, soft coral and other crabs and leaf-scorpion fish amongst others.
The Dive Safari Asia team rate the diving here amongst the best they have seen… and with very few divers, the sites are often “private”.
A fantastic add-on is the orangutan rehabilitation centre at Samboja Lodge, about an hour from Balikpapan. Here one can visit resident rescued orangutans and sun bears, take a canopy tour on 40m high bridges through the tree tops, take a boat down a river or relax on the viewing deck at the lodge. There is a wide variety of wildlife in the area including proboscis and leaf-tree monkeys, gibbons, macaques, monitor lizards, snakes, insects, and more than 260 species of bird.
Dive Safari Asia will be introducing small group safaris to this destination in 2019 and are already offering tailor-made itineraries to the region. For more information please contact contact info@divesafariasia.com or visit www.divesafariasia.com or call 0117 369 0443.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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