Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

[Tim Ingmire]

OK not a trip report as such but I'm two weeks into a 3+ week trip.

Topline, the diving rocks with numerous sites around the Bunaken Marine Reserve and 90 minutes drive from the Lembeh Straits. I've never seen such pristine coral and huge sponges and the muck diving in Lembeh is a hoot.

I'll do a trip report proper when back but I'm only 30 dives in with another 20+ to do. Also I've yet to do a night dive with the Mandarinfish.

For those interested I'm diving with www.odysseadivers.com and staying at the associated resort.

But it's not all good news. Today is a rest day. Just as well as I'm just getting over a the pain of a reverse block in my sinus' - very painful!

[Scuba Dub]

Originally Posted by Tim Ingmire

I'm only 30 dives in with another 20+ to do

Myself and Hubby are there in April next year, can't wait.

Look forward to reading your report.

Safe diving

Cotinne

[John Gulliver]

Yes, Bunaken and Lembeh Straits have some of the best diving in the world and it doesn't cost a fortune to enjoy it. Also, there is very little risk of "incidents" as northern Sulawesi is mainly Christian and relations between the muslim minority and the Christian majority on the whole are good. The only downside is that ...economy flights are hard to come by since Garuda stopped flying to and from Europe. A friend and I tried to book for September a couple of months ago but all ...flights were full, unless you were willing to pay several hundred pounds more. Next time, we will book a lot earlier.

[Moray]

Hope are having a GREAT time, except for your reverse block...will check digigreen for photos

[SCUBA Chick]

Lucky so an so!!!!

Looking forward to reading your report and seeing the pic's upon your return...

Happy & safe diving

Kathy

[Tim Ingmire]

Well just completed dive 48. Today we had the joys of a white tip reefer and a large squid (about 50cm) just feeding if the crevices of a bit of coral - paid me absolutely no attention them just swam off to meet with another squid of equal size and then a third sl smaller one - dead cool.

Finish off tomorrow with 2 dives to make a nice round 50 - as many as I would normally rack up in a year.
The sinus blockage problem cleared up after a few days rest but replaced with lots of bloody snot - which I can handle.

Have had the pleasure of 2 staff parties and a wedding whilst here and all were a blast.

Must go now, the sun has just set and its beer o'clock.

Oh, did I mention the Mandarin fish? Have piccies as well. Can't wait to get back and show you all.