Diving in the Komodo Region

WATER TEMPERATURE: Although these islands lie in tropical waters they are often affected by a cold-water up welling that drifts in from the south.

The temperature range can vary between 20-28^ Celsius (68-80^ Fahrenheit). Full wetsuits and hoods are essential, preferably 5mm.

VISIBILITY: Depending on season the visibility range is between 10 - 40M. The better visibility sites are located on the northern coastal areas.

CURRENT: The Komodo National Park is subject to currents that range from slight to extremely strong. Dive sites are selected according to currents with some great drift diving opportunities occurring all year round.

NIGHT DIVING: An opportunity to see some of the world’s most unique marine species that emerge only after the sun has set.

WALLS: The islands are Volcanic in origin and therefore offer great wall diving opportunities. Both drift and no current situations.

CANYONS: Again due to their volcanic origins the underwater topography is littered with canyons and gullies.

MARINE LIFE: Unmatched for small and unusual marine wildlife. The species list is endless and new ones are still being discovered in this area. Whales, manta rays, sharks and larger pelagic species are found in the dive sites with higher currents. Strong currents and upwellings transport nutrient-rich waters throughout the Park’s marine area. In 1995, the Conservancy and Park Authority produced a broad-scale Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) at 67 Park sites:

Fish: An estimated 900-1,000 fish species make Komodo National Park one of the world's richest fish habitats.

Corals: Approximately 253 scleractinian (reef building) coral species from 70 genera reside within the Park and at nearby Banta Island. The KNP area has a high abundance of Tubipora musica (organ pipe coral), which make up some of the distinctly pink coral sand beaches.

Sponges: An estimated 70 sponge species were recorded in a wide variety of coral reefs and near-shore marine habitats.

Algae: KNP supports a high diversity of algae, including economically important species such as gracillaria, gelidium and caulerpa.

Turtles and Marine mammals: Dolphins, hawksbill turtles (eretmochelys imbricata), and green turtles (chelonia mydas) frequent the Park's waters, and hawksbill turtles nest in the Park. Occasionally whales & Kararus are spotted, possibly during their regular migration through the area.

CLIMATE: The average air temperature in the Bali – Komodo region ranges from 25 –32’ Celsius ( Fahrenheit)

Please check our Indonesian weather link for current temperatures.

HEALTH AND INOCULATIONS: Vaccinations for typhoid, paratyphoid, tetnus, Cholera, Polio, and Hepatitis A are recommended. Malaria is endemic in many parts of Indonesia, please check with your local Tropical Disease Centre for anti-malarial/diver friendly medication.

GETTING THERE: Indonesia is served by direct air flights from Europe, Australasia, North America and many Asian Countries. Main gateways for international long haul arrivals are Bali, Jakarta & Manado. Please check with your local travel agent for details or contact Kararu Dive Voyages for your nearest agent.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Please check with your local travel agent.

VISAS: For holders of most Western countries, no visa is required for a visitor’s permit for up to 60 days.

MONEY: The Indonesian currency is Rupiah. Rates fluctuate enormously, please check our currency converter for up to date exchange rates. Visa, travelers cheques, USD cash are all widely accepted.

ELECTRICITY: Electrical current, on board and around Indonesia is 220 Volts AC. Plugs are of the two-pin continental European style, with no earth or ground pin.

POPULATION AND PEOPLE: Regarded as the fifth most populous nation in the world, there are approximately 200,000,000 in Indonesia. The majority, around 60% reside on the island of Java.

RELIGION: An amazing diversity of religions exist. Predominantly a Muslim nation, islands like Timor, North Sulawesi and Flores are Christian. Hinduism is found mainly in Bali. Scattered throughout the region, are a variety of other beliefs.

LANGUAGE: Bahasa Indonesia, almost identical to Malay is the one national language. Several local dialects exist in each region as well. English is widely spoken in the more popular tourist destinations such as Bali. On board, all crew members speak English and divemasters speak English, Indonesian, German, Italian and French.