News
Exploring new territories in Indonesia
UK-based tour operator Dive Safari Asia have announced a new group tour combining remote and exclusive diving off Sumbawa Island in eastern Indonesia, with the cultural splendour of Java.
Located in the centre of the Coral Triangle, on the outskirts of Komodo National Park, Kalimaya Resort offers muck, reef and drift diving opportunities. It is the first dedicated dive resort in East Sumbawa Island and the only dive operator offering day trip diving to West Komodo Island, Gili Banta, and Sangeang Volcano – so divers can expect wild and remote diving away from the masses.
Dive Safari Asia owner Ben Stokes recently returned from a visit and describes the diving:
“A typical day of diving around Kalimaya Dive Resort can include anything from hanging out at manta cleaning stations to exploring pristine reefs and remote pinnacles which attract masses of life or black sand muck diving hunting for critters – there’s something for everyone here.”
Kalimaya Resort has a house reef which offers an array of critters including Frogfish, Rhinopia, Candy Crabs, Starry Night Octopus and Bobtail squid. Divers can enjoy unlimited diving here, morning day and night which makes it an ideal location for photographers looking to hone their macro techniques.
The topography of the area includes sloping reefs, sea mounts, walls, pinnacles and caverns largely characterised by rich and healthy reefs that this area of Indonesia has become so well known for.
Kalimaya Dive Resort has sea-front bungalows built with materials sourced from local communities and built in traditional Indonesian style by local teams. The pool offers a great sea view and becomes the central place to relax after a day’s diving.
The large open sided dining area provides delicious meals, served family-style on a large communal table. There is a wide variety of dishes on offer with flavours influenced by Indonesian and international fare. Kalimaya tries to source as much produce as possible from the nearby villages which rely on income from farming and fishing. Also included is a half day experience to see the Komodo Dragons.
The tour includes three days of land touring in Java visiting UNESCO Heritage sites – Borobodur Temple and Prambanan Temple. There’s also the chance to see the Royal Ballet and spend time in the cultural hub of Java – Jogjakarta City.
10 nights at Kalimaya Dive Resort followed by 3 nights Java fully escorted by a member of the Dive Safari Asia team includes 18 dives, unlimited house reef dives, Java land tours and Royal Ballet performance with all internal transfers and connections cost £3216.00 per person – Twin/Double Share.
2018 TOUR DATES
- 5th – 19th May 2018
- 13th – 27th October 2018
To find out more, visit www.divesafariasia.com.
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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