Indonesia FAQ

Each region of Indonesia is vastly different, please hop to the itinerary you wish to travel to for specific weather information.

PASSPORT, Dive cards, logbooks, Sun lotion (Please use a reef safe sunscreen), Ear Drops, hats, sunglasses, books, camera chargers, memory sticks/SD cards, personal alcoholic beverages, sneakers for land excursions, CASH for any Trip extras: alcoholic drinks, massage, equipment rental, nitrox, and tip for the crew.

Yes, on both vessels. Price is US$10/ basket.

BCD, Regulator, Fin/booties, Mask, snorkel, wetsuit, dive computer, torch with batteries, SMB, hood, reef hook. 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, some are available for rent onboard. Our rental gear prices are available here.

Each region of Indonesia is vastly different, please hop to the itinerary you wish to dive to see specific information on gear.

Yes. Please book it well in advance. Our rental gear prices are available here.

A 12L (80 CF) tank is included in your package. Our tanks have both INT valves and DIN inserts. You don’t need to bring an adapter. We can provide 15L (100 CF) tanks on request (rental fee applicable and subject to availability on booking).

Rebreather diving is not permitted onboard. Recreational side mount diving with 1 or 2 tanks is allowed and divers must bring all necessary riggings, as those are not available for rent. All diving must be done within recreational diving limits and within the guidelines given by the crew onboard. Please contact us for details.

We do not allow Decompression Diving or Solo Diving on any of our trips

Yes, if you are Nitrox certified. Prices are USD20/ diving day or USD7/ fill.

Bali, Kalimantan, Makassar, Manado, & Jakarta
Waisai (Raja Ampat) 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.

We have 3 pin UK standard plugs, 220v in every cabin, saloon, dining area, and dive deck International plugs plus USD sockets available too. 220v We also have some 110v adapters onboard.

We suggest you work on a basis of 5-10% of your trip price, or more if you wish to reward their excellent service, this is entirely up to you of course. (New USD bank notes or Indonesian Rupiah preferred)

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. See Indonesia travel information.

Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival (VoA); many countries now receive a free 30 days on arrival, some pay USD35 to obtain VoA, others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival. e-VOA to your email. Visitors can now apply for an electronic Visa On Arrival(e-VOA) prior to your travel, making it super easy. See the official e-VOA for details Simply register, and fill in data & uploading documents, make your payment, and receive your visa.

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. Raja Ampat 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.

Local Telkomsel is best local card to buy available for tourists in Jakarta & Bali airports. Not long after you leave. Telkomsel simpati sim card is the best and costs only 3USD plus credit to add on top. Signal can be very limited when at sea. Make sure to have the Telkomsel agent set up your phone to ensure your internet package is activated successfully. For data roaming, please check with your network provider the service is available before your international flight. Both vessels have 24hr Satellite internet available onboard (prices per person are $35 for trips from 6 to 9 days and $50 for trips of 10 days or more) for a 10GB package.

Delectable dining should be one of the most important criteria when choosing a liveaboard. 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. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please be advised that while the chef is careful not to use allergens in the food prepared for sensitive individuals, the boat has only one galley, one set of prep equipment and dishes and one chef, so we cannot completely eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. If required, please let the crew know the location of any emergency-use medication when you board the boat. Specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in Indonesia, and it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat, gluten free goods or soy products and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.

Since January 22, 2024, the Government of Indonesia now requires all visitors to complete a Customs declaration online prior to your departure. Click on this link, and complete the details a maximum of 4 days before your flight to Indonesia, to receive a QR code which will be scanned at the Customs Desk as you pass through, but also at the airline check-in desk for your first international flight.

Since August 30, 2024, and following the classification of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO on 14th August 2024: The Indonesian government has introduced enhanced health protocols at all entry points, especially airports, to prevent the spread of a new Mpox variant. All travellers, including both Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors, are now required to complete an electronic self-declaration form called the SATUSEHAT. See Indonesia travel information.

Health Pass, before entering the country. After filling in the form, a QR Code and personal data information will appear. Indonesian authorities will scan the QR code on arrival in Indonesia. Save it on your smartphone, or bring a printed copy with you to ensure authorities can scan it on arrival. Note: This is to be completed up to 3 days before arriving.

Indonesian Rupiah, US Dollars, Euros. Always better to pay with Indonesian Rupiahs, to avoid high exchange rates.

Land transfer from local hotel / airport from destination on trip start & end days to boat, all nights’ accommodation onboard, all meals (Western & Indonesian) snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea, Milo, soft drinks, towels, toiletries, cabin services, FOC replacement if equipment breakdown, 12-liter air tanks, weights & belt, warm towel & drink after every dive, 5 dive guides (1x Instructor, 4x Dive Master), up to 4 dives per day.

Please visit our Onboard Charges webpage to check the most current information.

All flights, hotels, pickups outside trip start & end dates fee applies per car, Marine Park & Harbor fees (To be paid in advance), fuel surcharge (if applicable – To be paid in advance), dive (compulsory) & travel insurance (strongly recommended), massage services (USD35/ hour – If available), laundry services (USD10/ basket), Nespresso coffee (USD2), alcohol; beer (USD4), wine (USD30-50), Satellite Wi-Fi (from USD35 to USD50 per, trip per person), WiFi, rental gear. Also see our Onboard Charges webpage.

We prefer Indonesian Rupiah however we can accept USD, Singapore Dollar or Euros. If you wish to make onboard payments in another currency, please check with us in advance of departure. Please ensure ALL bills are in good order; New, NOT worn or torn and unmarked or they will NOT be accepted. Exchange rates will be determined at the time of
payment and will differ for USD100/50 bills and USD20/10 bills. Credit card payments onboard can be accepted with a 4.5% merchant fee added.

On board:
Sleep, relax, socialize with fellow guests, sunbathe, read, take a massage, eat, plenty of DVD movies to enjoy.

Off:
Snorkel and see the fishes & coral on sloping reefs just below the surface.
Walk on the beach, visit a local village, hike up to an island viewpoint, it really depends on which trip you’ll choose. Please contact us for more details.
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. We do not recommend non-divers or snorkelers to book a in Banda Sea/Ring of Fire, as snorkeling opportunities are very limited.

Please note that for Indonesia itineraries, same-gendered roommates are not guaranteed for single travelers booking at double-occupancy pricing. The vessel staff try to pair same-gendered singles where possible. When it’s not possible, both parties will be notified in advance. if yu do not want to share your cabin, the single occupancy is billed 20% of the retail price (conditions apply. Please contact us for more details).

Dive Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We also strongly advise you have adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs. If not covered then we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or if you are a resident of the Asia Pacific region then their Asia Pacific branch of DAN (Divers Alert Network). Alternatively, single trip coverage is available from Dive Assure.

Travel Insurance: Our trips are not inclusive of any form of insurance. Please NOTE: we cannot be held accountable for airline flight changes, delays, or cancellations. In case of trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control any compensation provided will be in the form of future trip credit only. Please do note we are unable to cover any flight / hotel expenses incurred & therefore STRONGLY recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance.
Please follow Safe Diving Practices at ALL times.

While we do not book International or Domestic flights, most Indonesian airline carriers can now be booked 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 suggest our friends at Come2Indonesia. Contact their team here tour2@come2indonesia.com or info@come2indonesia.com

Indonesia Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) should be included in your flight ticket price. Please check with your airline if unsure.

Most airlines allow 10-20kg/pax check, & 7kg carry-on. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-5/kilo). Maximum allowance between 20-30kg. Consult with your Travel Agent or Airline carrier (if booking directly) for actual details.

Jakarta: FM7 Hotel
Bali: Hilton Garden Inn Bali Airport
Sorong: Aston Hotel
Labuan Bajo: Luwansa Beach Hotel
Alor: Tanapi Resort
Manado: Novotel Manado Golf Resort & Convention Center
More options are available for a stay extension. Please ask our travel experts for suggestions about hotels & tours.

How to get to & from Ambon (AMQ)
– Lion Air/Wings daily flights from Bali via Makassar or Manado, Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air from Jakarta via Makassar, and Batik Air direct to Ambon (flight time around 3 hours).

Better to book a night flight and arrive in the early morning in Ambon. Boat departure is around 1pm, or earlier if all guests are onboard.

Dry season in the Banda Sea runs from approximately May to November. 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 Hammerheads!

Water Temp: 26-28 degrees Celsius, however deep-water upwelling’s & thermoclines especially in Sept-Nov can mean temps as low as 25C.
Air Temp: 22-31 degrees Celsius
Visibility: 20-30 meters, Currents: medium to strong, Level: intermediate to advanced

Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 25-28C mean a 3mm wetsuit is fine for most of the trip, however, there can also be colder thermoclines in deeper water throughout the Banda Sea, it is therefore advisable to bring along a 5mm full wetsuit & hood (or an extra 2mm top to be added to your 3mm wetsuit) for these colder waters .

Yes, when possible we like to enjoy some stunning beaches & visit at least one of the local villages in the heart of the Spice Islands (Especially Banda Neira, with the visit of Fort Belgica and the local museum, where you’ll learn a lot about the nutmeg trade).

Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough, most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. In the Banda Sea, you may want to bring a light sweater or jumper for the evenings, however the temperatures tend to stay fairly warm even after the sun goes down. You may want to bring along a waterproof jacket just in case.

For one or several nights in Ambon:
Spice Island Divers (Situated just next to the anchor point of the boat). Our crew can pick you up or drop you off at the jetty.
Ambon Dive Resort (Situated on the other side of the Ambon Bay – Transfer to the boat can be easily arranged by the resort).
Ambon SwissBel Hotel Situated downtown. Roundtrip transfers have to be organized by the hotel, as these included in the cruise price do not cover the Ambon City area.

How to get to Ternate (TTE), North Maluku:
– Easily accessed from Manado (MDC) with daily flights less than one hour with Lion Air, or via early morning flights from Jakarta (CGK) with daily flights around 3.5 hours with Batik air and Garuda Indonesia

How to get to Manado (MDC), North Sulawesi and then, reach Lembeh:
-From Bali, direct flights with Lion Air daily flights, Citilink or Garuda Indonesia, via Jakarta/ Makassar/ Surabaya.
– From Jakarta, direct flights with Batik Air & Citilink, or with Lion Air, via Surabaya.
– International from Singapore, direct flights with Scoot. Or fly to Jakarta, stay 1x night, and catch early morning domestic flight to Manado.

Always better to arrive in the morning. The boat will leave the harbor around 1pm (or earlier if all guests are onboard).

Halmahera and Lembeh can be visited all year long, but the best season takes place from April to September.

Water Temp: 27-30 degrees Celsius
Air Temp: 27-32 degrees Celsius
Visibility: 15-30 meters
Current: medium to strong
Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 26-28C mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you do get cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more) and hood.

Where possible our cruise leader will schedule visits to some of the areas stunning beaches & local villages. 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.

Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough, most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. However, the weather in this area can bring occasional brief but heavy downpours, you may want to bring along a waterproof jacket just in case. You may want to bring a light sweater or jumper for the evenings, however the temperatures tend to stay fairly warm even after the sun goes down.

Better not to spend a transit night in Ternate. The city has no interest at all.

For dive stay extension in Halmahera:
Kusu Island Resort

The Manado area is also a great option for a stay extension before or after your trip in Halmahera. Daily direct flights between ternate and Manado are operated by Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air (2h00 flight). We suggest you the following beautiful dive resorts:
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa
Siladen Resort and Spa
Coral Eye Resort
Lembeh Resort

How to get to & from Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Western Flores?
– Singapore (SIN) to Labuan Bajo via Jakarta (CGK) SAME day with Garuda Indonesia
– If you arrive to Bali (DPS) by 9am on Trip Departure day you should be able to connect with Lion Air or Sriwijaya Air (Nam Air).
– Else stay 1 night in Bali before trip and catch early morning flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Early morning daily flights with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air (Nam Air), or with Air Asia.

How to get to Alor (ARD), East Nusa Tenggara?
– Alor Island Airport, also known as Mali Airport (ARD) can be accessed via Bali (DPS), or Jakarta (CGK). This allows for international connections from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Bangkok (BKK) to name but a few. Flights from Bali or Jakarta currently operates via Kupang (KOE). An overnight in Kupang is usually mandatory, due to the flight connections.

How to get to Maumere (MOF), Flores
– Daily flights with Lion Wings & between Garuda Indonesia & Sriwijaya Air (Nam Air) cover all days from Bali to Maumere (flight time around 2 hours).

Always better to arrive in the morning. The boat will leave the harbor around 3pm (or earlier if all guests are onboard).

Conditions are usually at their best above and below the water during the high season from May through to September.

Water temp; South 22-26 degrees Celsius, North & Central 26-28 degrees Celsius.
– Air Temp; 25-30 degrees Celsius, Visibility; 20-40 meters. Current; medium to strong
– Level: intermediate to advanced. Best time to dive; start of May to end of October

Whilst a 3mm shorty is fine for the Northern areas of Komodo, Maumere and Alor (26-28C) It is recommended to bring your own 5mm long semi- dry & hood for Southern areas’s cooler waters (between 22-26 degrees Celsius)

As well as the Komodo Dragon trek there are also numerous opportunities to visit some of the island’s beaches and viewpoints 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 in-between your diving adventures. In Alor, and when posssible, you can visit some local villages or have a walk on desert beaches.

Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough, most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. However, you may also want to bring a light sweater or jumper as the evenings can sometimes turn a little cool, especially in the Southern areas of the park. For our dragon trek and visits to the island covered shoes are recommended.

For a transit night in Labuan Bajo (Komodo):
Bintang Flores Hotel
Luwansa Beach Hotel

For a diving stay extension in the Komodo area:
Komodo Resort
Kalimaya Dive Resort
Angel Island Eco Resort

For a diving stay extension in the Alor area:
Alor Divers
Alami Alor
Alor Tanapi Dive Resort

For a diving stay extension in the Maumere area:
Capa Resort
Coconut Garden Beach Resort

For an overnight in Kupang:
Neo Eltari Hotel

Please refer to our Trip Schedule before booking your domestic flights.

How to get to/from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua:
– It is easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), Denpasar (DPS), or Manado (MDC).
– From Jakarta: Overnight direct daily flights, with Batik Air / Garuda Indonesia, arriving to Sorong earlier morning. Lion Air & Sriwijaya Air have similar overnight flights but with a stopover in Makassar.

How to get to/from Kaimana (KNG), West Papua
Currently Lion Wings Air are the only operator offering flights from Sorong to Kaimana. The easiest way to fly to Kaimana is by flying from Jakarta (CGK) through Sorong (SOQ), then taking the short onward flight to Utarom Airport, Kaimama (KNG). We will be there to collect you upon arrival and transfer you to the boat where your cabin awaits you.

For a trip departing from Sorong, we recommend to arrive in the early morning. The boat will leave the harbor around 1pm, or earlier if all guests are onboard.

November to April (much less wind: perfect for diving)

Water Temp: 27-30 degrees Celsius
– Air Temp: 28-35 degrees Celsius
– Visibility: 10-30 meters – In Triton Bay, the vibility is often limited (but the rare critters are still there!)
– Current: medium to strong
– Level: Intermediate to Advanced,

Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 27-30C mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you do get cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more) and hood.

Where possible our cruise leader will schedule visits to some of the areas stunning beaches & mangrove forests. An excursion to the Penemu lagoon viewpoint in Raja Ampat and to a waterfall in FakFak is usually made. 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.

For your transit nights in Bali, Jakarta or Manado, please check our General FAQs section.

For a diving stay extension in Raja Ampat:
Papua Paradise Resort
Papua Explorers Eco
Raja4Divers

For a transit night in Sorong:
Aston Hotel
SwissBel Hotel

for a diving stay extension in Triton Bay:
Triton Bay Divers

Transit night in Kaimana:
We do not recommend to spend a night in Kaimana. No decent hotel can be found there and the city has no interest. In casse you are forced to spend a night there, the most decent one is Hotel Grand Papua.

The Manado area is also a great option for a stay extension before or after your trip in Raja Ampat. Daily direct flights between Sorong and Manado are operated by Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air (1h30 flight). We suggest you the following beautiful dive resorts:
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa
Siladen Resort and Spa
Coral Eye Resort

Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough, most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. However, the Northwest monsoon can bring occasional brief but heavy downpours, you may want to bring along a waterproof jacket just in case.

How to get to Berau (BEJ), North Kalimantan
– International arrivals should plan to arrive to Jakarta (CGK) the day / evening before trip departure day. This will allow you to take the direct, early morning flight onward to Berau (BEJ) the next morning. Daily direct flights from Jakarta to Berau by Batik Air & Citilink.
– If flying from Singapore (SIN) you may also choose to fly to Balikpapan (BPN) the day before trip departure with Scoot Air and take a same day flight onward to Berau (spending a night in local Berau Hotel where we can collect you on the morning of trip departure) OR stay the night in Balikpapan & take an onward morning flight to Berau (BEJ) with Batik Air or Wings Air.
– Note: Transfer from Berau to Tanjung Batu pier, 2 hours 30 mins by car.

How to get to Manado (MDC)
-From Bali, direct flights with Lion Air daily flights, Citilink or Garuda Indonesia, via Jakarta/ Makassar/ Surabaya.
– From Jakarta, direct flights with Batik Air & Citilink, or with Lion Air, via Surabaya.
– International from Singapore, direct flights with Scoot. Or fly to Jakarta, stay 1x night, and catch early morning domestic flight to Manado.

Always better to arrive in the morning and have time to be transfered to the boat (2:30 drive from/to Berau or 2 hours from/to Manado). The boat leave the harbor at 3pm.

This area can be visited and dived all year round.

Water Temp: 28-30 degrees Celsius, Air Temp: 28-30 degrees Celsius,
Visibility: 10-30 meters, Depth: 10-40 meters, Currents: mild to medium
Level: intermediate to advanced

Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 26-28C mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you do get
cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more) and hood.

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 dependant on your trip itinerary / weather & sailing conditions.

For a diving stay extension in Maratua Island:
Nabucco Dive Resort and Nunukan Island Resort
Please note that our vessels cannot pick-up or drop-off guests at this resort. The resort will have to organize your transfers to/from Tanjung Batu pier.