Frequently Asked Questions
General
- 1.0. Can I book my own Indonesian domestic flights or do I need to book through agents?
- Travel details: While we do not book international or domestic flights, most Indonesian airline carriers you can now book online. Some you may need to book via a local travel agent, as they do not allow non-Indonesian credit card online payments.
Travel agent: If you require assistance with your itinerary: obtaining an e-visa, booking domestic flight tickets, hotels, transfers, and additional land arrangements etc, we can recommend local Indonesian Travel agents, our friends at Come2Indonesia. Contact the team here tour2@come2indonesia.com
- 1.1. What is your Indonesia ticketing agent contact?
- Whilst we do not book international or domestic flights, we can recommend local agents in Indonesia; Come2Indoensia, who can assist you in all your flight/accommodation bookings. Contact Melissa or Norberto at info@come2indonesia.com
- 1.2. Is there VISA On Arrival facility to Indonesia?
- Yes, all major airports can process Visa On Arrival (VOA) including Jakarta, Makassar (Ujung Pandang), Manado and Bali.
What Visa?
• Please check if your nationality requires VOA, Visa BEFORE Arrival, or you qualify for Visa Exemption.
• Visa On Arrival (VOA), single entry is now available for citizens of 92 countries for those entering Indonesia, for stays up to 30 days and can be extended a maximum 1 time at the local Immigration Office (charges apply). VOA cost: IDR 500,000 (approx. EUR 32 / USD 35). Payment can be done by: Visa, Mastercard or Debit card or cash Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Alternatively, you can apply for an electronic Visa On Arrival: eVOA prior to your travel.
• Visa Exemption Arrangment (VEA). Available to ASEAN travelers, but you cannot extend this visa beyond your 30 day stay.
• Others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival. If you are from one of countries not on the VOA or VEA lists, or if you simply wish to get a visa in advance, you MUST apply for an eVisa (B211A) online PRIOR to arrival before entering all other airports.
- 1.3. How long does my passport have to be valid to enter Indonesia?
- Your passport should be in good order, valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your departure from Indonesia, a minimum of 2 blank pages, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Indonesia Embassy if unsure.
- 1.4. Do you give group discounts?
- Yes, we do for group bookings on selected trips. For more details please email info@whitemanta.com
- 1.5. Do I have to pay Single Occupancy if traveling alone?
- No. All cabins are based on 2 guests sharing, unless otherwise requested.
Single occupancy offer:
• For White Manta (WM) trips, single occupancy cabins are limited to main & lower decks ONLY.
• For Blue Manta (BM) trips, maximum 2x single occupancy twin cabins on each of upper & main deck. All other single occupancy cabins will be provided in cabin on lower deck.
• Single spaces are subject to availability & offered on a first come, first served basis.
• Single occupancy is 20% in addition to original trip price on both BM & WM trips, and subject to availability.
- 1.6. What is provided during the trip?
- All nights' accommodation, 5 meals a day including light breakfast and afternoon snack, hot beverages & biscuits, towels, toiletries, cabin services, tank, weight belt, dive guide.
- 1.7. Are there any extra fees to pay onboard?
- 1.8. Can I request a larger tank?
- Yes, we have a limited number of large tanks on board (AL 100 cu ft / 13.2 liter). Rental fee is US$15/ diving day. Allocated on first come, first serve basis, subject to availability. Please book ahead to avoid missing out.
- 1.9. Do you provide Nitrox fills?
- Yes, we have an Enriched Air Nitrox membrane system, default mix EANx32, subject to availability.
• US$20/ diving day or US$7/ fill on both KM Blue Manta & New White Manta.
- 2.0. Is diving gear included during trip?
- No, only regular air tanks, weights, and belts are provided, the rest is available on for rental, subject to availability.
Please book in advance of your trip to avoid missing out for each item and sizes, where applicable. If not known then please provide measurements; height, weight, shoe size.
- 2.1. Is there a fuel surcharge?
From September 2022, all cruises will be liable for the following charges. The fees shown are per person and will be collected in advance of departure:
• Cruises including the Banda Sea/ Crossing trips: USD200/ pax.
• Cruises to Komodo, Raja Ampat, Sangalaki, Triton: USD150/ pax. - 2.2. How can I pay for on board Trip Extras?
- 2.3. Does the trip price include insurance coverage?
- No. Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips. Our trips are not inclusive of any form of insurance. White Manta Diving cannot be held responsible for any trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or any flight / hotel expenses. This includes any costs resulting in delay/ medical/ extraction/ or trip costs, refusal of admittance to the country or your trip, before, during or after. We strongly recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance, that covers you before, during, or after your trip. We strongly advise you to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR).
In case of trip disruption or cancellation due to circumstances beyond our control any compensation provided will be in the form of future trip credit only.
- 2.4. Is diving insurance needed?
- Yes, dive insurance is compulsory for this trip. Check your travel insurance small print to see if you are covered for diving related incidents, medical, & extraction costs, else you will need dive insurance.
- 2.5. Is there Oxygen onboard?
- Yes, we have a large supply of Oxygen available for medical/diving emergencies along with a mobile field kit with demand valve and continuous flow system.
- 2.6. Where is the nearest Recompression chamber in Indonesia?
- Bali, Kalimantan, Makassar, Manado, & Jakarta
Waisai Island for Raja Ampat, has now installed a chamber at Waisai hospital, which is now up & running, compliant with international standards.
- 2.7. Indonesia; Is Malaria present in this area? Will I need Immunization boosters?
- You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel, while the risk is low some Health professionals recommend travel vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Indonesia is a low risk Malaria Zone; however it is advised you take the proper precautions against malaria. The following anti-malaria drugs are considered safe with diving; Doxycycline or malarone. Mefloquine (Lariam) is NOT recommended with diving.
Good preventative measures include DEET and long armed/legged clothing in evenings. If unsure about any health matters please consult a diving doctor prior to your trip and check out up to date travel health information.
- 2.8. What kind of meals are served on board the Mantas?
- KM Blue Manta & New White Manta
• Delectable dining should be one of the most important criteria when choosing a liveaboard. You start your day with freshly baked breads. With no less than 5 meals a day, you will be filled and satisfied with an extensive range of treats for your taste buds.
• We serve three plentiful meals a day prepared by our fantastic Chefs. A blend of Western and Asian Cuisine awaits our guests after every dive. Light breakfast and afternoon snacks complete the ensemble and a delightful array of fresh tropical fruits accompanies every meal.
• Further snacks, tea and coffee, hot chocolate and drinking water are available all day. Our large refrigerator is amply stocked with chilled drinks.
• Any special dietary requests can be catered for with prior notice.
- 2.9. Are there any activities on board for non-diver?
- On board;
• Sleep, relax, socialize with fellow guests, sunbathe, read, take a massage or 3, eat, plenty of DVD movies to enjoy.
Off;
• Snorkel and see the fishes & coral on sloping reefs just below the surface.
• Visit to the beach, local village, hike up to an island viewpoint, it really depends on which trip.
• In Komodo take a walk on the wild side with dragons. In Raja Ampat the mangrove snorkeling & short walk is a must. In Sangalaki you may be able to see baby turtles hatching & making their dash to the beach & a visit to the jellyfish lake at Kakaban is a must.
- 3.0. Is there power onboard for battery charging?
- Yes, all of the cabins have 3 pin and 2 pin sockets. Communal areas have mostly 3 pin but adapters are available for 2 pin appliances. The camera shelf on the dive deck has direct access to two 3 pin power sockets.
- 3.1. Do you have any tanks with a DIN valve?
- Yes, most of our tanks are DIN valves with DIN insert to adapt to an A-clamp (Yoke) regulator.
- 3.2. Is there a camera rinse tank?
- Yes, our New White Manta supplies 2 large rinse tanks, and our KM Blue Manta provides each diver with their own personal rinse tank!
- 3.3. Is there a massage service?
- Yes, there are usually 2 masseuses on board each of our vessels. You can select your time by writing you name down on the white board massage schedule when on board. Just remember to do so early to avoid missing out and your preferred time.
- 3.4. Is there Laundry service available?
- KM Blue Manta & New White Manta; Yes, US$10/ basket.
- 3.5. Check List / What to bring for my trip?
- PASSPORT, Dive cards, log books, sun lotion, Ear Drops, hats, sunnies, book, MP3/Tablet, camera chargers, memory sticks/ SD cards, personal beverages, CASH for any Trip extras; beer, massage, equipment rental, nitrox, and tip for the crew.
We will stop at some very remote villages, where un-used or 2nd hand clothes, colour pencils & colouring books for kids, even sweets or toys are highly appreciated gifts.
- 3.6. Check List for Diving Gear / What do I bring?
- BCD, regulator, fin/booties, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, dive computer, torch with
batteries, SMB, hood, reef hook.
If you do not have we have rental gear available, just let us know what items and sizes (if applicable) in advance as all gear is subject to availability.
Please note Dive Computer is compulsory during any of our trips, if you do not have we have available for rent on board.
Crossing trips (KM Blue Manta & New White Manta) Apr-May & Sept-Dec
- 1.1. How do I fly to my Banda Sea Crossing trip to join Blue Manta or White Manta?
- There are several different embarkation & disembarkation points four our Banda sea diving safaris. While some trips that visit the region begin or end in Raja Ampat (Sorong) and others in Flores (Maumere), Forgotten Island (Saumlaki), Kai Island (Tual), and the most common access is from Maluku Island (Ambon).
Please check your trip itinerary and confirm your start / finish ports before booking any flights. Wherever your trip starts / finishes we will be there to collect you at the airport on the day of departure and transfer you to your departure airport at the end of your trip.
See Banda Sea & Ring of Fire sections; Flight details & How to book your flights for more details.
Luggage Allowance; most airlines allow between 10-20kg/pax check-in, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/kilo). Consult with our Travel agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.
- 1.2. How do I fly to my Celebes & Moluccas Sea Crossing trip to join White Manta?
- There are several different embarkation & disembarkation points four our Celebes & Moluccas Sea diving safaris. While some trips that visit the region begin or end in Raja Ampat (Sorong) and others in Halmahera Island (Ternate), and the most common access is from North Sulawesi (Manado).
Please check your trip itinerary and confirm your start / finish ports before booking any flights. Wherever your trip starts / finishes we will be there to collect you at the airport on the day of departure and transfer you to your departure airport at the end of your trip.
See Diving in Halmahera & Molucca Sea sections; Flight Options & How to book flights for more details.
Luggage Allowance; most airlines allow between 10-20kg/pax check-in, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/kilo). Consult with our Travel agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.
- 1.3. If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into our Manta vessel?
- No, but we can help with local hotel suggestions. We need time between trips to make ready for the next; clean, restock, refuel, and prepare for the sailing. Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.
We can help recommend local hotels where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/ Trip Return day.
Note; our Trip Departure/ Return are from Laha Bay, Ambon. We include local hotel/ airport pickups/ drop offs as Ambon is vast.
• If staying local to Laha Bay, such as Spice Island Beach Resort then this is local, and we will pick you & included.
• If staying in any of the hotels located on North Eastern side (i.e Dive into Ambon) or on the Southern side of Ambon (i.e Swiss Belhotel Ambon) then NOT local and we ask you to make your own way to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) by 10am Trip Departure day, where we will collect you. After the trip please arrange your hotel to collect you.
- 1.4. What time do we need to arrive on first day?
- If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Crossing trips: 2pm. This is our official start time which will allow us time to sail to the first dive site in good time.
If unsure please check your proposed Domestic flight details to & from start & finish location(s) with us before booking..
- 1.5. Is there diving on the first day?
- Yes and No. Early arrivals are best and with our Trip Preparations are completed we can make check dive(s) before we get underway by 2pm for overnight sail.
Note; while we plan to make dive(s) on the first day our Cruise Leader's decision is final.
- 1.6. How many dives per diving day?
- 3 dives are scheduled per diving day in Banda Sea*. This is due to deeper dives and long distances covered between islands. Where possible a bonus night dive may be scheduled at the discretion of the Cruise Leader. *Except Trip Departure day & Trip Return day.
Diving in the Banda Sea involves a lot of sailing time and is a deep average depth as the highlight species we are looking for will be just under the 'thermocline'. The depth varies but is quite often at 25-30m when sightings are good. We have Max. Depth 35m, and guests are urged to dive about 20-25m, always shallower than their guide. You need to save gas and avoid decompression. We operate a no decompression diving policy and do insist that all divers wear a dive computer during their dives.
If you do not have a computer we have available to rent at US$12/day (subject to availability). We also advise that guests understand their computer comprehensively, if you are unsure about anything we recommend you take the time to go over the computer's manual & even bring along with you on the trip. Once on board the dive crew are of course there to help! Please also note longer surface intervals and more space between dive groups is necessary for dive safety and best experience.
- 1.7. When is the best time to visit the Banda Sea?
- Dry season in the Banda Sea runs from approximately May to November, with more likelihood of rain in the months of January and February. The temperature is quite constant* between 27°C and 32°C, the best time to visit for diving is between September and November, this is generally the time with the best chance of spotting schooling scalloped Hammerheads! Note; *however deep water upwellings & thermoclines especially in Sept-Nov can mean temps as low as 25°C
- 1.8. When is the best time to visit the Celebes & Molucca Seas?
- Our Celebes & Molucca Sea crossing trips take place either side of our Raja Ampat and Sangalaki seasons. As the Raja Ampat season comes to an end in April we escape the low season weather and follow the sun westwards towards Halmahera and Manado and onto the Sangalaki islands of Eastern Kalimantan. As the diving conditions improve around the Bird’s head peninsula we travel back eastwards from Sangalaki back to Manado and on to Halmahera in time to meet the Raja Ampat high season.
- 1.9. Will there be any land based visits on Banda Sea trips?
- Yes, we make a visit to at least one of the local villages in the heart of the Spice Islands.
Community Project; during our visits to this, one of the most remote regions in the Indonesian archipelago, White Manta Diving have made continued efforts to forge strong links
with the local communities and remote villages who have very little access to regional
infrastructure or Government assistance.
If you wish to help us in these efforts we encourage our
guests to think about bringing along some small gifts / presents for the local
communities that will be very much appreciated; un-used or second hand clothes,
colour pencils & colouring books for kids, even sweets have proved highly popular in
the past. If you have space in your luggage & are able to contribute we, and the local
communities, would be very grateful for your contribution.
Note: Any land based excursions often mean substituting a dive, there is not always time to plan for these activities along with 4 dives. If guests prefer to dive & miss these excursions we can manage as we have three support vessels available.
- 2.0. Will there be any land based visits on Celebes & Moluccas Sea trips?
- Where possible our cruise leader will schedule visits to some of the areas stunning beaches & mangrove forests. Whilst every effort is made to make land visits during your trip the final decision will be at the discretion of our cruise leader and will be dependent on your trip itinerary / weather & sailing conditions.
Note: These land based excursions often mean substituting a dive, there is not always time to plan for these activities along with 4 dives. If guests prefer to dive & miss these excursions we can manage as we have three support vessels available.
- 2.1. Is there internet/ phone reception throughout the trip?
- Yes & No. Both vessels are equipped with satellite phone on board. The charge is US$3/mins.
Internet;
• KM Blue Manta; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board.
• New White Manta; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board..
Phone Reception;once your leave port mobile signal is intermittent at best.
Telkomsel is best local card to buy, available at major Indonesian airports. Telkomsel simpati sim card costs around 3USD plus credit to add on top. Make sure to have the Telkomsel agent set up your phone to ensure your internet package is activated successfully.
If you are planning to use data roaming, please check with your network provider the service is available, how much it costs & if coverage is available in this area.
- 2.2. What Exposure suit do I need?
- Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 26-28 degrees Celsius means a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however deep water upwelling’s & thermoclines especially in Sept-Nov can mean temps as low as 25C. If you are prone to getting cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more), rash-vest, and hood.
Exceptions; Alor; water temps can be significantly colder, in the low to mid 20’s degrees Celsius. It is therefore advisable to bring along a 5mm full wetsuit & hood for these colder waters.
Note; we ONLY have 3mm shorty wetsuits available for rent on board.
Komodo (KM Blue Manta) May-Sept
- 1.1. How do I fly to Komodo to join Blue Manta?
- You'll need to fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) and is accessed via Bali (DPS). KM Blue Manta is based in Labuan Bajo, Western Flores. Airline carriers vary but most have daily flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo and same after your Trip Return. Flight time between Bali and Labuan Bajo is around 1 hour 20 minutes.
See Diving in Komodo sections; Flight options & How to book for more details.
Luggage Allowance; most airlines allow between 10-20kg/pax check-in, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/kilo). Consult with our Travel agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.
NOTE: from May 2019 many of our Komodo schedules Start & Finish ports will alternate between Bima & Labuan Bajo, please check your trip itinerary to confirm your trip’s arrival & departure points.
- 1.2. If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into the Blue Manta?
- No, but we can help with local hotel suggestions. We need time between trips to make ready for the next; clean, restock, refuel, and prepare for the sailing. Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.
Labuan Bajo has blossomed into a small tourist gem in recent years, with many Western/Local restaurants serving high quality food, small local craft shops and plenty of land and diving based day trips available. We can help recommend local hotels where we can pick you up on Trip Departure day & drop off on Trip Return day. Transfers on day of trip departure/arrival all included within the Labuan Bajo area.
- 1.3. What time do we need to arrive on first day?
- If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Komodo: 3pm. This is our official start time which will allow us time to sail to the first dive site in good time.
If unsure please check your proposed Domestic flight details to & from start & finish location(s) with us before booking.
- 1.4. Is there diving on the first day?
- Yes and No. If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Komodo (1-2 dives). We should be able to make a check dive and night dive on first day.
Note; while we plan to make dive(s) on the first day our Cruise Leader's decision is final.
- 1.5. When is the best time to visit Komodo?
- Conditions are usually at their best above and below the water during the high season from May through to September.
- 1.6. For Komodo cruise, do you include South Komodo?
- Yes, we do for all cruises dependent on good sea conditions.
- 1.7. Are the currents always strong in Komodo?
- The Komodo area is famous for its strong currents and adrenaline pumping action packed dive sites. On any trip to Komodo you should expect to encounter some current during your diving. However our experienced crew & dive staff are there to advise and assist you. We will always consider the level and experience of our guests when selecting dive sites, check dive site conditions before each dive, and incorporate that into the Dive Briefing.
- 1.8. Will there be any land based visits?
- As well as the Komodo Dragon trek there will be opportunities to visit some of the island’s beaches and view points throughout the safari. Whilst the actual location of these visits will depend on the trip itinerary as determined by the cruise leader, you can expect at least one or two opportunities to enjoy some of the stunning Komodo scenery from land.
Note: These land based excursions often mean substituting a dive, there is not always time to plan for these activities along with 4 dives. If guests prefer to dive & miss these excursions we can manage as we have three support vessels available.
- 1.9. Is there internet/ phone reception throughout the trip?
- Yes, our Blue Manta is equipped with satellite phone on board. The charge is US$3/mins.
Internet; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board.
Phone Reception; North & Central areas of Komodo has fairly good mobile signal South Komodo is less well covered and has next to nothing.
Telkomsel is best local card to buy, available at major Indonesian airports. Telkomsel simpati sim card costs around 3USD plus credit to add on top. Make sure to have the Telkomsel agent set up your phone to ensure your internet package is activated successfully.
If you are planning to use data roaming, please check with your network provider the service is available, how much it costs & if coverage is available in this area.
- 2.0. What Exposure suit do I need for Komodo?
- Whilst a 3mm shorty wetsuit is fine for the Northern areas of the park (26-28 degrees Celsius), it is recommended to bring your own 5mm long semi-dry & hood for Southern Komodo cooler waters (between 22-26 degrees Celsius)
Note; we ONLY have 3mm shorty wetsuits available for rent on board.
Raja Ampat (KM Blue Manta & New White Manta) Oct-Apr
- 1.1. How do I fly to Raja Ampat to join Blue Manta or White Manta?
You need to fly to Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC). Both vessels are based in Sorong, West Papua. Airline carriers vary but most have daily flights from to & from Sorong and same after your Trip.
See Diving in Raja Ampat sections; How to get to & from Sorong & How to book flight for more details.
Luggage Allowance; most airlines allow between 10-20kg/pax check-in, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/kilo). Consult with our Travel agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.
Jakarta (CGK) Airport; if you are traveling via Jakarta some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. Please check your flight tickets. There is a free 24h shuttle bus but if you are in a hurry you can get a taxi (around 50,000IDRp) between terminals, 10 minutes transfer time.- 1.2. If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into our Manta vessel?
- No, but we can help with local hotel suggestions. We need time between trips to make ready for the next; clean, restock, refuel, and prepare for the sailing. Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.
We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/ Trip Return day.
- 1.3. What time do we need to arrive on first day in Sorong?
- If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Raja Ampat: 3pm. This is our official start time which will allow us time to sail to the first dive site in good time.
If unsure please check your proposed Domestic flight details to & from Sorong with us before booking.
- 1.4. Is there diving on the first day for our Raja Ampat trip?
- Yes and No. If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Raja Ampat (0-1 dives). We can may a local check dive before sailing 4 hours to Raja Ampat.
Note; while we plan to make dive(s) on the first day our Cruise Leader's decision is final.
- 1.5. When is the best time to visit Raja Ampat?
- The best time to visit Raja Ampat is between November and April. Whilst the Northwest monsoon brings some rain the winds are much milder, making this the best time for diving. Raja Ampat has a hot and humid climate all year around, and whilst there will likely be some heavy showers they are generally short lived and followed by long sunny periods.
- 1.6. For Raja Ampat Cruise, do you visit Misool?
- Yes, for a minimum of our 8 days/ 7 night trips, we include Misool, South Raja Ampat (weather & condition dependent, as always the Cruise Director’s decision is final).
- 1.7. Will there be any land based visits?
- Raja Ampat is as stunning above the water as it is below and so we like to include occasional visits to the islands whenever possible. Typical land based excursions include visits to mangroves, snorkeling where the fresh water meets the sea, along with a short walk around the mangroves. We also stop off visiting a local village which is great for our guests and for us to support them too. There are numerous Beaches we can visit along with some amazing view points.
Note: These land based excursions often mean substituting a dive, there is not always time to plan for these activities along with 4 dives. If guests prefer to dive & miss these excursions we can manage as we have three support vessels available.
- 1.8. Is there internet/ phone reception throughout the trip?
- Yes & No. Both vessels are equipped with satellite phone on board. The charge is US$3/mins.
Internet;
• KM Blue Manta; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board.
• New White Manta; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board.
Phone Reception; not long after you leave Sorong, Raja Ampat has intermittent mobile signal in the North & Central areas of Raja Ampat and very limited in the South.
Telkomsel is best local card to buy, available at major Indonesian airports. Telkomsel simpati sim card costs around 3USD plus credit to add on top. Make sure to have the Telkomsel agent set up your phone to ensure your internet package is activated successfully.
If you are planning to use data roaming, please check with your network provider the service is available, how much it costs & if coverage is available in this area.
- 1.9. What Exposure suit do I need for Raja Ampat?
- Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 26-28 degrees Celsius mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you are prone to getting cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more), rash-vest, and hood.
Note; we ONLY have 3mm shorty wetsuits available for rent on board.
Derawan, Sangalaki. Kakaban, & Maratua (New White Manta) May-Aug
- 1.1. How do I fly to Sangalaki to join White Manta?
- All trips embark and disembark at Tg.Batu pier, East Kalimantan. Transfers at to & from Berau (BEJ) Airport are around 2 hours to Tg Batu Pier via car. Pick up on Trip Departure day from airport or local hotel. Our staff will be there to greet you at the Airport.
See Diving in Sangalaki, Kakaban & Maratua sections; How to get there & How to book flights for more details.
Luggage Allowance; most airlines allow between 10-20kg/pax check-in, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/kilo). Consult with our Travel agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.
- 1.2. How far is the sailing time from Tg.Batu pier to dive sites?
- We will sail for 3 hours away from Tg.Batu pier, East Kalimantan to Derawan Island for our first check dive, if all guests arrive on time. Any late arrivals may mean no dives on the first day.
- 1.3. If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into the White Manta?
- No, but we can help with local hotel suggestions. We need time between trips to make ready for the next; clean, restock, refuel, and prepare for the sailing. Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.
We can help recommend local hotels in Berau where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/ Trip Return day.
- 1.4. What time do we need to arrive on first day for our Sangalaki trip?
- If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Sangalaki: 5pm. We have our official start time for each region to allow us time to sail to the first dive site in good time. We strongly recommended guests take one of the scheduled morning flights to Berau (BEJ) on Trip Departure day in order to get the trip underway and have the chance to enjoy a check out dive on the first day all guests should try to arrive to Berau before 12pm trip departure day.
If unsure please check your proposed Domestic flight details to & from Berau with us before booking.
- 1.5. Is there diving on the first day on our Sangalaki trip?
- Yes and No. If all guests arrive early and we have completed our Trip Preparations we may be able to make a check dive and where possible night dive on the first day.
Sangalaki (0-2 dives). We have to sail 3 hours Derawan so this is dependent on all guests arriving early. If all guests arrive early we may be able to make a check dive and maybe a night dive on first day.
Note; while we plan to make dive(s) on the first day our Cruise Leader's decision is final.
- 1.6. When is the best time to visit Sangalaki?
- Conditions are usually at their best above and below the water during the high season from June through to August.
- 1.7. What is the main highlight of Sangalaki, Kakaban, & Maratua?
- Because there are so many equally worthy of mention, just to name a few: manta rays, eagle rays, white-tips, black-tips, grey-reefs, leopard sharks, hammerheads, giant nurse sharks, big schooling barracudas and so many turtles. Macro subjects and healthy hard coral can be found at the numerous dive sites which are varied between wall dives, channel dives and drift dives. An amazing freshwater jellyfish lake is also found here at Kakaban. There is a place to see whale sharks here too, although as always whilst the chances are very good, nothing is guaranteed!
- 1.8. Which dive sites and islands will we be diving at?
- Discover an untouched diving destination which offers everything you need for the ultimate dive safari. Located off the East Coast of Kalimantan (The Indonesian portion of Borneo) the Islands of Sangalaki, Maratua and Kakaban offer some of the most remote, uncrowded and untouched diving spots visited by the White Manta. Not only will you be diving away from the crowds but the diving is spectacular with plenty of ‘Big Fish’ sightings possible throughout the area.
• Sangalaki; famous for large aggregations of manta rays who use the islands surrounding colourful reefs as a cleaning and breeding ground, in certain conditions whale sharks can also be spotted.
• Kakaban; a stunning fresh water jellyfish lake fringed by virgin Mangrove Forest, sheer drop offs and walls that attract huge schools of trevally and barracuda along with the possibility of hammerhead, grey-reef, black-tip & white-tip sharks.
• Maratua; one of the most action filled destinations in the region, The walls that surround this island provide some great big fish dives, Massive schools of chevron rarracuda, hunting trevally, many sharks and much much more!
- 1.9. What is the difference diving on New White Manta and a local Resort?
- Liveaboard diving is by far the best option to dive this area offering a variety of dive sites across a number of islands. Between you will enjoy space & comfort, relax in your cabin, lounge, or sundeck. Enjoy delicious freshly cooked meals, take a massage, & chat with your fellow buddies before kitting up for your next dive on our spacious dive deck & platform.
Land based resorts will offer you local diving and their local boat will be restricted to how far they can travel in one day without the luxury you have on a liveaboard.
- 2.0. Will there be any land based visits?
- We will have a chance to visit the beautiful fresh water Jelly fish lake at Kakaban, a short trek over an easy walk way through lush tropical jungle leads to this stunning and tranquil lake, an experience you will never forget!. We also visit the beach at Sangalaki to witness baby turtles hatching & running to the sea - an amazing experience!
Note; these land based excursions often mean substituting a dive, there is not always time to plan for these activities along with 4 dives. If guests prefer to dive & miss these excursions we can manage as we have three support vessels available.
- 2.1. Is there internet/ phone reception throughout the trip?
- Yes & No, our New White Manta is equipped with satellite phone on board. The charge is US$3/mins.
Internet;
• New White Manta; Yes, she has 24hr Satellite Wi-Fi available on board.
Phone Reception; whilst the islands of Sangalaki, Kakaban and Maratua are remote, there is some coverage available, although often patchy at best. The island of Derawan has fairly good connection speeds.
Telkomsel is best local card to buy, available at major Indonesian airports. Telkomsel simpati sim card costs around 3USD plus credit to add on top. Make sure to have the Telkomsel agent set up your phone to ensure your internet package is activated successfully.
If you are planning to use data roaming, please check with your network provider the service is available, how much it costs & if coverage is available in this area.
- 2.2. What Exposure suit do I need for Sangalaki?
- Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 26-28 degrees Celsius mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you are prone to getting cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more), rash-vest, and hood.
Note; we ONLY have 3mm shorty wetsuits available for rent on board.
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