Eco Divers News

Critter of the month: Whale Shark (Rhincodon Typus)

2008-04-18T20:38:00Z

Thank you to Katy Page for letting us use her photo from the dive

"Keep your wide angle in your bag, this is the Lembeh Strait!" We really can't remember how many times we have said that to our guests. However, on 3rd March we were forced to think again. On a dive to Angels Window a group diving with guide Robbie Manialup came across a whale shark. We fondly called it a pygmy whale shark as it was still young and only reached a length of 6 meters!

This is the biggest fish in the sea and there are only a few whale species that are larger. Thought to reach up to a possible 20 meters and 34 tonnes it seems difficult to believe that they feed on microscopic plankton rarely more than 3mm in size. The combination of its immense size and characteristic checkerboard pattern makes this creature almost unmistakable and completely unforgettable.

The whale shark belongs to the order Orectolobiformes, or carpet sharks, and comprises the only member of its family, Rhincodontidae. Most families of carpet sharks are small, benthic (sea-floor) species with a limited distribution through the tropical and temperate indo-pacific waters (e.g. wobbegongs and bamboo sharks). A few species such as the whale shark, Zebra shark and two out of the three species of nurse Shark are larger and more geographically widespread. (Info from the Shark Trust)

If you have a particular critter that you would like to learn more about, email steve.coverdale@eco-divers.com and we'll look into featuring it in a future article.

Scuba Diver Australasia selects Kungkungan Bay Resort to host Digital Shoot-Out

2008-04-09T12:05:22Z

Kungkungan Bay Resort is proud to have been selected by Scuba Diver Australasia Magazine as host resort for its Digital Download photo shoot-out event 2008.

The shoot-out is in a 5-night format between 26 November and 01 December. All are welcome to join irrespective of level of experience, with the emphasis firmly on having fun and learning. There is no entrance fee to pay – all you need to do to join this exciting event is make a normal booking into the resort on those dates and let us know you'd like to join the event.

Prizes will be in three categories with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize awarded in each category:

CATEGORY	1st prize	2nd prize	3rd prize
Macro Behaviour	Canon EOS 450D Tusa Selene BCD (female)	KBR 7D/7N trip for one	PDS Membership Camaro wetsuit
Portrait	Canon EOS 450D Tusa Xpert Zoom fins	Tasik Ria 7D/7N trip for one	PDS Membership Camaro wetsuit
Portfolio	Canon EOS 450D Scubapro Xtender computer	Kima Bajo 7D/7N trip for one	PDS Membership Camaro wetsuit

Judging the event will be three very well known personalities from the world of scuba diving and underwater photography. David Espinosa, editor of Scuba Diver Australasia, will also be attending. Joining him will be Simon Buxton and Mike Veitch.

Simon Buxton has spent most of his working life in and around the sea. After graduating with a degree in marine biology, he journeyed to Asia to work in the diving industry as an instructor, guide, and videographer. As time passed he began to specialise more in imaging, and the only dives now without a camera are while teaching students about photography on his underwater photo workshops. Simon has placed highly in several competitions in the past few years, and when not diving spends his time designing Web sites and performing studio photography. He is a contributor for various magazines around the world and a Field Editor for ScubaDiver AustralAsia. Highlights of his underwater career so far have been seeing humpback whales underwater, and finding his first mimic octopus in the Philippines. Within Asia he tries to dive Indonesia and the Philippines at least once a year, as he feels these areas offer more than most other locations.

Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Mike Veitch has been working as a full-time dive professional in the tropical Pacific since the '90s. As a photo/video pro aboard live-aboards and resorts, Mike has spent many years photographing the incredible marine life of the Indo Pacific region on a near daily basis. Along with his underwater photography and video work, Mike conducts photo classes throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific (www.divephotofest.com, www.OceanStockImages.com), and currently resides in Bali where he hones his photography and video skills on an almost daily basis.

For further details contact Eco Divers at info@eco-divers.com

FREE tuition and advice from world-renowned Bill MacDonald

2008-04-04T12:58:02Z

It's not often we get something for free these day, and so the Eco Team are extremely happy to tell you that Bill MacDonald will be at Kungkungan Bay Resort for the first 3 weeks of November 2008. This is your big chance to learn from one of the most experienced underwater videographers in the world. And Bill's advice is completely free of charge.

Bill is an established environmental film producer and CEO of Bill Macdonald Productions and stock footage archive and is the producer of the popular Synthetic Sea series that chronicles the unfortunate impact of marine debris on the world ocean ecosystem.

He has a B.S in Political Science from CSULB as well as some forty years of filming and video experience including a six-year period as a member of the Cousteau Society's Calypso diving and filming team. You can learn more about Bill and his work by checking out these links – and when you've done that you will then want to click here and book your diving holiday to make sure you get some of the best free advice this side of Christmas!

Links: www.macdonaldproductions.com and www.youtube.com/007bmac

Book today! info@eco-divers.com

Meet Eco Divers at the Asia Dive Expo 2008 (ADEX)

2008-04-02T13:01:40Z

Come and meet the Eco Divers team from April 18-20 at the ever-popular ADEX show in Singapore (Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre).

Please call by to say Hi and catch up on the latest goings on with Eco Divers, Kungkungan Bay Resort, Kima Bajo Resort and Tasik Ria Resort.

New Japanese representative for Eco Divers

2008-03-30T15:58:57Z

A new Japanese representative will join Eco Divers on 1 April.

Ms Takako Wada is an experienced PADI IDC Staff Instructor, EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor in eight subjects and a Recompression Chamber Operator, who also worked for several years as Inbound Manager for a travel agency in Malaysia. Takako's role is to make sure that Japanese dive guests staying at either Tasik Ria, Kima Bajo or Kungkungan Bay have a memorable and fantastic experience. We welcome Takako to her new job and we wish her every success!

New Eco Divers' services at Kima Bajo Resort

2008-03-13T15:21:27Z

From May 2008, Eco Divers will be offering diving and snorkelling services at the attractive upscale boutique Kima Bajo Resort, Manado. The resort beautifully compliments Eco Divers' Kungkungan Bay Resort in Lembeh as it give you the same high standards.

This exciting development sees Kima Bajo and Eco Divers offering highly competitive new dive package prices (see below).

With its own private beach, this phenomenal, unspoilt location is idyllic for diving and relaxation being just a short boat ride away from world renowned dive sites of the Bunaken National Park. So you can take advantage of choosing two dives in the morning and one dive in the afternoon with a leisurely lunch back at the resort.

Kima Bajo is the ideal place for divers and non-divers alike with its bar, restaurant, Mayana Spa, private beach and excursions to nearby places of interest.

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Eco Divers will be offering its usual high calibre of customer service and will be operating brand new, purpose built boats designed by Eco Divers with you, the diver, in mind. They are spacious, built in traditional design but with contemporary interior facilities such as sundecks, rinse tanks, WC, shaded salon and powerful, energy efficient double outboard engines, which means that you get to travel to the dive sites quicklyand in extreme comfort.

As with all Eco Divers' diving, the guest-to-guide ratio is kept small at 4 to 1. Each boat will carry a maximum of just 8 divers, but snorkellers and non-divers are also welcome to join any of the trips.

"We are delighted to be involved with Kima Bajo – our experience of Kungkungan Bay and Tasik Ria stands us in good stead and the team is looking forward to welcoming our first guests," explains Eco Divers' owner, Jim Yanny.

New Kima Bajo dive and accommodation packages for 2008

4 nights all inclusive package (2 dives per day) US$ 690
4 nights all inclusive package (3 dives per day) US$ 750
Includes diving, accommodation, meals, airports transfers, taxes & service

email diving@kimabajo.com

For more information please see www.eco-divers.com/kimabajo.php

Tasik Ria - fantastic new all-inclusive dive package - save over US$ 100

2008-03-13T15:02:26Z

Eco Divers at Tasik Ria Resort Manado is offering a fantastic new all-inclusive dive package price for 2008. A 4-night package starts at just US$ 525, including three days diving, meals, accommodation, taxes and service - a saving of over US$ 100.

Bookings are now being taken. For information on accommodation and diving, visit

www.eco-divers.com

email info@eco-divers.com

Visa Reminder

2008-03-01T12:44:45Z

Please remember that your passport must be valid for 6 months from the estimated date of departure from Indonesia. If you are eligible a VISA on arrival , please make sure that they have one (1) entire blank page for the placement of the VISA on arrival for Indonesia. If there is no page available, you run the risk of being turned away from Indonesia. We strongly advise to check your VISA requirements before travel to Indonesia with your Tour Operator or your local Indonesian Embassy.

For more information on Indoneesian Visa regulations also ckeck here.

Give your underwater photography the WOW factor with the Ferraris

2008-01-02T16:10:32Z

World-famous underwater photographers and marine life authors, Andrea & Antonella Ferrari, are holding an informal hands-on photo workshop at the newly refurbished Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR) from June 13 to July 2, 2008.

Learn first hand about their unique tips on identifying and photographing the marine life of the Lembeh Strait.

The workshop is really informal and will look at the creativity and actual underwater action of capturing shots as well as in-depth chats about the subject. Share experiences and make the most of improving your underwater photography with their priceless tips and suggestions.

The Ferraris will also sign copies of their new book, A Diver's Guide to the Art of Underwater Photography - the ideal tutorial for all those diving at KBR.

Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee

2008-01-02T15:11:53Z

The Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee for 2008 has not been increased and is fixed as follows: Rp 50,000 per daily ticket (approximately US$6) or Rp 150,000 (approximately US$18) for an annual entrance Park Tag. Tags (or tickets) must be carried at all times within park boundaries. The tags can easily be affixed to your diving or snorkelling gear or on backpacks.
The entrance fee system has been adapted from the well-known Bonaire Marine Park system, and the proceeds from the sales of the entrance tags are managed by the Bunaken National Park Management Advisory Board (BNPMAB), a multi-stakeholder board that NSWA is a member of. The system has been very successful in raising over $250,000 for conservation programs in the Bunaken Marine Park since its inception in 2001.

Please read: The Bunaken Entrance Fee - Questions and Answers

Guided snorkeling trips now available at Tasik Ria Resort

2007-12-18T15:09:37Z

Eco Divers now offers snorkeling trips to the wonderful reefs of Bunaken. Perfect for non-divers and families, our informative snorkeling guide will be there to guide you and show you the best parts of the reef.

As we offer a varied schedule through the week, on certain days you can return to resort aftr two dives and take advantage of a relaxing massage in the Matana Spa.

Kungkungan Bay Resort undergoes major refurbishment

2007-11-02T15:14:52Z

Kungkungan Bay Resort has just completed a major refurbishment of all its rooms, which has seen a radical change of 'out with the old and in with the new'.

Bedding, pillows, towels, lamps, decorations, furnishings, curtains and cushions have all been replaced incorporating a contemporary yet traditional style, which really reflects the stature of this fabulous resort. All rooms are now fully air-conditioned.

Renowned for its beautiful, secluded setting, fine food and high levels of personal attention and service, the 17-room resort also boasts an swimming pool with bar and an 'over-the-water' restaurant.

Indonesia's Visa Policy

2007-08-12T12:25:37Z

Visa-Free Short Visit

11 countries and territories are eligible for a “Visa Free” facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:

Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hong Kong SAR
Macau SAR
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Singapore

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:

Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above.
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.

]]> Visa on Arrival Facility (VOA)

Effective May 28, 2007, visitors holding valid passports from certain countries can obtain either a 7 day or 30 day non-extendable visa at any of the 15 airports and 21 seaports designated as “international gateways” by the Indonesian Immigration department. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa. Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a “visa on arrival (VOA):” (Updated May 28, 2007)

Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Panama
People’s Republic of China
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Suriname
Switzerland
Sweden
Taiwan
The Netherlands
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival:

Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Please make sure that you have one (1) entire blank page for the placement of your visa. If there is no page available, you run the risk of being turned away from Indonesia.

Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa. Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days. Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rp. 25 million.

Tourist Visa

Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy aboard. Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.

Visa Issued on Approval
All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling. The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia.

Afghanistan
Albania
Angola
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Cuba
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Nigeria
North Korea
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Tanzania

Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors

There are several other classes of visas available to visitors to Indonesia. If you are making your travel arrangements with www.balidiscovery.com we will be happy to provide you additional information and assistance regarding the following visa classes:

Business Visa - This visa is given by an Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia. This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.

Social-Cultural Visa - This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia. The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.

Employment Visa - This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia.

Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) - This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period.

NOTICE: The information supplied was believed correct and current at the time of publication. When in doubt or if you have questions, we strongly suggest that you contact the travel company making your travel arrangement or your nearest Indonesian Embassy.

Source: Bali Discovery

Red Sea experience joins Eco Divers

2006-05-02T12:20:40Z

Eco Divers has appointed new managers to run their dive centre at Tasik Ria Resort, Manado.

Bjorn Ramault and Caroline Gerresch will join owners, Jim & Cary Yanny, in the management of its centre at Tasik Ria Resort from June 2006.

Bjorn and Caroline have a long and successful track record in the diving industry, having recently managed the busy and popular PADI 5 Star IDC Centre for Emperor Divers at the Millennium Coral Beach Diving Hotel, Marsa Alam, in the Red Sea.

They have many years of instruction and management under their belts, including extensive liveaboard experience and will further strengthen Eco Divers' seasoned team of Steve and Miranda Coverdale, Kungkungan Bay Resort managers, and Jim & Cary Yanny, owners of Eco Divers.

Being Belgian natives, they are fluent in several languages including English, French, Dutch, Spanish and German.

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"Eco Divers has long been involved in conservation projects," says Jim Yanny, "and Caroline and Bjorn are the perfect ambassadors to carry forward our environmental philosophy. Plus they also come with some additional useful skills with Caroline being a graduate in medicine and Bjorn a graduate in electro-mechanics!"