Indo help back-up plan

We were booked on the Oriental Siren to Timor Leste in September -- I think everyone's heard by now it's floating out to sea in Malaysia.

I'm hoping for the best, but we need a back-up plan. We have Intl flight to Bali in September giving us 15 days, but want some time in Bali at beginning and end.

Been to RA (3x) and Lembeh and done Bali to death. Looking for a somewhat remote resort with a great house reef where we can do our own thing (without a DM following us around) -- Unlimited shore diving. Wakitobi is PERFECT, but the flights don't fit with ours. Heard great things about Alor Divers, but don't relish the o/n in Kupang in both directions. Maluku in Ambon? My husband is not a photographer so there has to be more than muck. (Me, I could live in the muck). Maratua in Kalimantan? (Really a pain to get to) Derawan? We don't need luxury, just great diving and cold beer. But I would rather not fly all over Indo on puddle-jumpers and o/n on the way, but we'll do it if its worth it. Anyplace with a direct flight from DPS? I wish I could see a domestic route map with all the airlines.

Hey Cheryl... sounds like you haven't gone to Komodo yet?

There is a resort out on Sebayor Island, not sure the name of it, but the diving in Komodo is in my top 2 in Indo (along with Raja)

thx mike! i knew it wouldn't be long before you came up with something. i'll check it out.

Maluku in Ambon? My husband is not a photographer so there has to be more than muck. (Me, I could live in the muck).

...But I would rather not fly all over Indo on puddle-jumpers and o/n on the way, but we'll do it if its worth it. Anyplace with a direct flight from DPS? I wish I could see a domestic route map with all the airlines.

Believe me there's much more than muck in Ambon and Lease island!

Great coral dives if you are okay with having some boatride (3 islands north or Hukurila/Pinta kota area in the south) or moving around in the Lease islands (which means for instance splitting your trip into Ambon and Saparua (only 1hr ferry ride from Ambon).

The great thing is that Ambon is one Garuda flight from Jakarta (ie. 35kg checkin luggage allowed for divers) departing everyday.

I posted a report on this area a while ago on Scubaboard, if you want to have a look at it, click on http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/indonesia...feb-2011-a.html

If you need some addresses or recommandations in the area, you can PM me. Things have evolved a bit since my report and I've also returned this year.

Though Mike is right, Komodo would be a good bet, the diving is gorgeous, though in september I believe you won't have access yet to the southern sites (Horseshoe bay with Cannibal rock). The italian Sabayur based resort he's mentioning is http://www.komodoresort.com/, looks wonderful, I would go there too if I were to go back to Komodo.

Check out Mermaid liveaboards trips from bali to komodo. No extra flights needed. Mermaid 1 does 9 night trips and Mermaid 2 does 7 night trips. Same route but mermaid 1 has more time to spend in komodo park. I have done 6 trips on mermaid liveaboads and enjoy both boats. Mermaid 1 does have more space and the extra 2 nights is the one i prefer. The trip from bali to komodo has excellent diving.

http://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/

Thanks Luka, that scuba board review is wonderful -- looking forward to reading your others. I'll look more closely at Maluku -- I always wanted to go there,.

Do you know who flies to Ambon from DPS? I've been checking but I don't see anything. Probably have to change in UPG? I have terrible luck with Indo airlines including missed connections, 7 hour delays and near-death experiences!

and Thanks Saga -- Mermaid was my first choice as the dates are perfect. Unfortunely they, along with every other liveaboard during my dates in Indonesia, are sold out : (

I think right now my first choice is Alor divers. If they would only answer my email (sigh). I'm worried all the great stuff is no longer available.

Maybe WWDS will come up with an alternate boat. I just don't see how they can possible find something of equal quality in such a short time period.

Do you know who flies to Ambon from DPS? I've been checking but I don't see anything. Probably have to change in UPG? I have terrible luck with Indo airlines including missed connections, 7 hour delays and near-death experiences!

I believe that from DPS ypou would need a change at UPG either Garuda or LionAir.

Otherwise you could also try flying back to closeby Surabaya, since I know Batavia has a daily morning flight to AMQ.

Batavia airlines is quite reliable on Indonesia standards, not more than 1hr delay generally, plus you can buy your tickets online from their website (I think they're cheapest airline plying Ambon, I once bought a CGK-AMQ ticket via Surabaya for 85USD).