Issue 6.5 of FiNS is out now!

This issue features articles about Cebu, Papua New Guinea, sea lions in Western Australia, frogfish, Dive Diary, Gadget Guru and much more! So grab your copy now.

And in case you just can’t wait for the postman to deliver your copy, subscribe to our new iTunes podcast and download the entire issue for FREE! Or log on to our magazine section here.

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In the third installment of his Bali trip notes, Alex Mustard (amustard.com) tells us about his amazing experiences at Scuba Seraya Resort.

Scuba Seraya Resort, just to the east of Tulamben, is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Pemuteran. It is also one of my absolute favourite dive resorts, and I have been making an annual pilgrimage to this charming and intimate hotel since its soft opening.

The last 12 months have been Read more…

In part two of his travel notes, Alex Mustard recounts his experiences in Pemuteran in the northwest of Bali.

After a few days in Ubud, I have to admit I was well rested and itching to get wet. Our first diving destination was Pemuteran, which, although not the best known diving area on the island, is ideally placed to sample the many flavours of diverse Balinese diving.

Pemuteran Bay has both interesting shore diving around the electrically grown artificial reefs (more about those in a bit) and some good quality sites on offshore reefs, with great scenery and plenty of critters. The star attraction of Read more…

This is the third and final installment from the Ferraris about their recent adventure in Raja Ampat.

Seriously, as a dive travel destination goes, Raja Ampat has few equals in the world – spectacular marine life (all sorts of stuff including carpet sharks, mantas, dolphins, rare and exceptionally colourful flasher wrasses and even four different species of pygmy seahorses – bargibanti, denise and two undescribed ones, possibly pontohi and colemani), incredibly scenic topside views, unique land wildlife (sulphur-crested cockatoos, Eclectus parrots, cassowaries, cuscus – a cuddly, small, tree-dwelling marsupial - and two birds of paradise!), colourful, spirited and very friendly local people, and finally, a good all-year round tropical climate.

Occasionally, currents can be extremely Read more…

Here’s something interesting. Take a few seconds to look at this nudibranch (Chromodoris coi), a type which is quite common on our reefs. We took this photo recently during the Tioman Mega Dive event. See something unusual?

People always ask me what it is that I like most about visiting Bali, and I have to admit that it is difficult to put my finger on it. Bali is a fantastic holiday destination for so many reasons. It goes without saying that the diving is excellent and diverse, but there is so much to savour above the waves. Beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture, the smiles of the Balinese or the relaxation of a spa, Bali has it all. It is certainly my favourite all round destination in South East Asia.

Whenever anyone asks me for advice on diving in Bali I always try and persuade them to Read more…

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Despite the fact that DEEP Indonesia 2008 is still over six months away, the show program has attracted a lot of enthusiasm from companies that have taken advantage of the 20% early-bird discount that was on offer through the end of last month. As of 31 August 2007, approximately 45% of the exhibition space has been taken up by 36 exhibitors.

If you’re interested in exhibiting at next year’s DEEP Indonesia show, please see www.deepindonesia.com for further details.

This is part two of a report from the Ferraris on their recent trip to Raja Ampat. See part one here.

It’s obvious that the presence of Max Ammer’s tourist operations (traditional, long-standing Kri Eco Resort and the more luxurious and recently completed Sorido Bay Resort) is actually making a difference regarding conservation. Read more…