FAQs
Departure & PricingGeneral
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 Rendy & the team here tour2@come2indonesia.com
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
Is there VISA On Arrival facility to Indonesia?
Yes, four airports can process Visa On Arrival (VOA) in 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 Exemption; many countries now receive a free 30 days on arrival, some pay US$35 to obtain VOA, others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival.
Passport; ensure your passport is in good order, has at least 2 empty pages, is valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to leave Indonesia, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. If unsure please check with your local Indonesia Embassy.
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.
Do you give group discounts?
Yes, we do for group bookings on selected trips. For more details please email info@whitemanta.com
Do I have to pay Single Occupancy if traveling alone?
No. All cabins are based on 2 guests sharing, not unless 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 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.
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.
Are there any extra fees to pay onboard?
Nespresso coffee US$2, beer US$4, wine US$30-50, massage services (per hour); US$35, laundry services US$10/ basket, satellite Wi-Fi US$35 for trip per person (for 10+day trips, then US$50 for trip per person from 2023).
Marine Park & Harbour fees (per person), to be collected in advance of the trip:
- Komodo: US$200
- Raja Ampat: US$250
- Derawan, Sangalaki. Kakaban, & Maratua: US$250
- Crossing trips: US$250, including all Banda Sea or Celebes Sea trips
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$12/ diving day. Allocated on first come, first serve basis, subject to availability. Please book ahead to avoid missing out.
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.
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.
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.
How can I pay for on board Trip Extras?
Cash; for payments on board we prefer Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), however we can accept USD, Singapore Dollar (SGD), Euros (EUR), and British (GBP). If you wish to make onboard payments in another currency please check with us in advance of departure.
Cash; American Dollars (USD), Singapore (SGD), Euro (EUR), and British (GBP), as well as Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) are accepted.
Note; please ensure ALL bills are in good order; New, NOT worn, torn, unmarked, and not older than 2007 or they will NOT be accepted. Exchange rates differ for USD100/50 bills and USD20/10 bills.
ATMs; are available at most of our start/ finish locations although there will be max withdrawal limits per day. Also remember to notify your card provider you will be traveling overseas so that your card will not be rejected.
Credit Cards; we also accept, however please note these come with 4.5% additional handling fee.
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 related to COVID-19 issues, resulting in delay/ medical/ extraction/ quarantine/ or trip costs incurred due to potential positive testing / refusal of admittance to the country or your trip, before, during or after.
We strongly recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance, that covers COVID-19 related issues, before, during, or after your trip. We strongly advise you to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR).
Is diving insurance needed?
Is there Oxygen onboard?
Where is the nearest Recompression chamber in Indonesia?
Waisai; has a chamber installed at Waisai hospital, but is not certified for use by any inspection body and at last report was not compliant with international standards.
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.
What kind of meals are served on board the Mantas?
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.
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.
Is there power onboard for battery charging?
Do you have any tanks with a DIN valve?
Is there a camera rinse tank?
Is there a massage service?
Is there Laundry service available?
Check List / What to bring for my trip?
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.
Check List for Diving Gear / What do I bring?
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
How do I fly to my Banda Sea Crossing trip to join Blue Manta or White Manta?
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.
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.
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.
What time do we need to arrive on 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 fight details to & from start & finish location(s) with us before booking.
Is there diving on the first day?
Note; while we plan to make dive(s) on the first day our Cruise Leader’s decision is final.
How many dives per diving 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.
When is the best time to visit the Banda Sea?
When is the best time to visit the Celebes & Molucca Seas?
Will there be any land based visits on Banda Sea trips?
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.
Will there be any land based visits on Celebes & Moluccas Sea trips?
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.
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.
What Exposure suit do I need?
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.
Raja Ampat (KM Blue Manta & New White Manta) Oct-Apr
How do I fly to Raja Ampat to join Blue Manta or White Manta?
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.
If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into our Manta vessel?
We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/ Trip Return day.
What time do we need to arrive on first day in Sorong?
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.
Is there diving on the first day for our Raja Ampat trip?
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.
When is the best time to visit Raja Ampat?
For Raja Ampat Cruise, do you visit Misool?
Will there be any land based visits?
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.
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.
What Exposure suit do I need?
Note; we ONLY have 3mm shorty wetsuits available for rent on board.
Derawan, Sangalaki. Kakaban, & Maratua (New White Manta) May-Aug
How do I fly to Sangalaki to join White Manta?
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.
How far is the sailing time from Tg.Batu pier to dive sites?
If we arrive one day before trip, can we check into the White Manta?
We can help recommend local hotels in Berau where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/ Trip Return day.
What time do we need to arrive on first day for our Sangalaki trip?
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.
Is there diving on the first day on our Sangalaki trip?
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.
When is the best time to visit Sangalaki?
What is the main highlight of Sangalaki, Kakaban, & Maratua?
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!
What is the difference diving on New White Manta and a local Resort?
Will there be any land based visits?
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.
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.
What Exposure suit do I need?
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.
Ready to Dive?
Checkout our our schedule and book your adventure today!