On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 16:35:36 +1000, Poe Lim wrote:

>Cynthia and I are seriously considering making a trip to Bali in a couple of
>weeks; what's the water temp like? Was it low 20C (from your comment on 5mm
>suit) at Nusa Penida?
>
>BTW, any current recommendations as to dive operators from those that have
>been to Bali recently? We're thinking of Tulamben for 1-2 days, and perhaps
>Nusa Penida for 1-2 days (depending on conditions), seeing as the equinox is
>suppose to be a good time for Mola Mola. It's more travel with a dive trip
>tacked on to it, and we envisage being based in Ubud, perhaps hiring a
>driver/guide for day trips around the island.

I just got back from two dives with BIDP at Nusa Penida today.  First
dive was Crystal Bay, water warmer than expected, about 24 C.  We had
one mola mola.  I may have got a couple of decent shots, just waiting
for the housing to dry off after soaking to pull the card and put the
images up on a bigger screen.

Second dive was the one they call "Blue Corner".  Colder on the
surface, with a thermocline at about 15-18 meters - it was 20-21 C.
below that.  So it's hard to say.  Water should start to be getting
warmer soon, but that second dive today was pretty cold.

I'm told there's a good chance the mola molas wll continue into
October.  But as you know, there are no guarantees.

I use BIDP (Bali International Dive Professionals) here in Sanur for
Nusa Penida.  Run by Avandy Djunaidi.  I like him and all his people.
His boat is out of commission at the moment (I think it's the best of
the bunch), so we used someone else's today, but they should get the
engine repairs sorted soon.

For Tulamben, I've stayed at Tauch Terminal several times.  Liked it
very much - well run operation, and the basic rooms are very nice.
It's also closer to the wreck, which helps if you're shlepping a big
housing and strobes back and forth over the rocks, er I mean beach.

Got to go open the camera and see what I shot today!

Let us know if you decide to come - it would be nice to get together,
maybe do a dive or two.

Robert



Robert Delfs

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