Diving in the 3 Pearls

Indonesia is the widest archipelago in the world, with more than 80,000 km of coastline and 3.1 million square km of marine area. With such a large marine area, it’s no wonder Indonesia is often described as a diver’s paradise. There are plenty of attractions for all kinds of marine lovers, but this time around, we will focus our attention on three small gleaming pearls – North Sulawesi’s Gangga Island, Bali’s Candidasa, and Lombok’s Gili Trawangan.

Photo credit - Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

The Gangga Island, North Sulawesi

The Gangga Island arises from the depth of the ocean north of Sulawesi, in the Bangka Archipelago, just off the National Marine Park of Bunaken. A volcanic island, Gangga is adorned with lush tropical trees and colorful flowers. There are several diving areas within reach from Gangga Island, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. The diving spots available in Gangga offers an astonishing kaleidoscope of life forms in more than 25 first-class dive spots in its central position between Bunaken and Lembeh Straits, which also happens to be one of the major playgrounds of paradise for macro-photographers.

Another island paradise bound to attract scuba divers is the renowned Raja Ampat, long heralded as scuba diving’s Holy Grail. Be mesmerized by the crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and pristine marine beauty in this jewel in the ocean!

Photo credit - Hagwall

Candidasa, Bali

Towards the south of the Indonesian Archipelago is Bali, the Island of Gods. At the Eastern coast of this island, far from the crowd, lies the small village of Candidasa, a key location where your choice of tours in the water, and out, begins. Bali has a superb reputation as a diving destination, and overal there is as much diversity of dive sites and marine life here than anywhere else in the region. In the eastern coast of Bali, the feature is on the Mantas, mola mola (sunfish) and tiny pigmy seahorses.

Candidasa is also home to the Bat Cave Temple (Pura Goa Lawah), an important temple to the religious locals which is home to thousands of bats hanging on the rock of cave walls. Legend has it that the cave extends all the way to Pura Besakih up at Mount Agung, more than 30 kilometres away. During various holy days, thousands of pilgrims would visit Pura Goa Lawah to join in sacred ceremonies, before heading up towards Mount Agung.

From water-sports at white sandy beaches to first-class shopping, to luxurious gourmet treats and a relaxing escapade at a hillside cafe, Bali has it all. Here are some of the must-do things in Bali, the Island of Gods.

Photo credit - Jos Dielis

Gili Trawangan, Lombok

Last but not least on our quick island hopping is Gili Trawangan, one of the three small islands off the coast of Lombok. Here, visitors can experience the serenity of a small island, the excitement of the underwater world, and the energy of island nightlife all at once. The island was renowned as a backpacker mecca in the 90s, and while it is still true to some extent, there is now a range of luxury and glamour on the island, and especially so on Gili. On one hand, you have a multitude of relaxing laid-back beach-side cafes serving home-made drinks and local delicacies, but on the other end you also seafood buffets, gourmet treats and luxurious stays.

The diving on offer is excellent, and the island is well-known as a teaching center for diving newbies. There are however, spots with strong currents and drifts better suited for the experienced, with the focus on barracudas, manta rays, sharks and hundreds of turtles.

Other than the above three gleaming pearls, the archipelago of Indonesia boasts plenty other diving attractions. Be sure to check out our list of amazing dive spots in Indonesia before you book your trip down South!

Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.

The Islands of South East Asia

Capital Adventures in Wellington

Photo credits - tony_the_bald_eagle

Take the cable car to the Royal Botanic Gardens

The old cable car is one of those old relics ticking along very nicely thanks to the tourist trade. So it’s purely a cheesy tourist thing, but I just love it because after it clinks and clanks its way to the top you’ll be at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and your reward is a wonderful view over the city. The gardens are huge and have a number of gorgeous old buildings and they really put some heart and soul into the flower displays!

Photo credits - *TreMichLan*

Chill out in Kelburn

Just west of the gardens is Kelburn Village, Wellington’s most European neighborhood. The main street is lined with cosy cafes, one-of-a-kind shops, antiques, a bakery, amongst other retail gems. This is the best place in town to linger over a coffee or enjoy a meal. Be sure to also wander around The Glen (which connects the village to the Botanics) and have a look at the old Pohutakawa trees near Saint Michael’s church.

Photo credits - PhillipC

Go Back in Time at the Karori Sanctuary Trust

You’ll never guess you’re still in Wellington when you enter the Karori Sanctuary. The trust states on their website that they’ll “restore a corner of New Zealand as closely as possible to the way it was the day before humans arrived,” and most agree they do their job pretty well! It’s actually a closed off area with a mainland island in the center; endangered plants and animals have found a safe refuge inside. Even if you’re on a guided tour, the place still feels extremely peaceful and rural even though it is in the city.

Photo credits - No One Nels

Be Entertained at Te Papa

Te Papa is Wellington’s national museum. I say national museum lightly, because the Te Papa has such a wide spectrum of exhibits that it’s hard to describe it. On any given day you learn about the geological forces that shaped the island, learn the oral traditions of the first people of New Zealand, explore a junk shop, and even art too. A must-see stop if you have children.

Photo credits - Peter Hodge

Sail out to Matiu-Somes Island

You might not think an island that was once an internment camp and a quarantine zone would be a tourist highlight, but Matiu-Somes Island in Wellington Harbour is worth a visit. You can catch a ferry from Queen’s Wharf but be sure to check with the staff, as you’ll need to ask for them to stop on the Island. It’s a great place to wander and explore, but then make sure you know what time to catch your ferry back – you don’t want to spend the night out here!

Photo credits - jemsweb

Other Lookout Points

I mentioned the views you can get from Kelburn or the top of the cable car, but there are a few other places you must go if you have the time and check out the view:

Mount Victoria – probably the most well-known lookout point, offering 360-degree views. About an hour walk from town, but you can also catch a bus;
Wrights Hill – get great views and explore WWII tunnel all at the same time. Check the website for opening days/times as it is only open infrequently;

Massey Memorial – this uniquely shaped memorial is an interesting sight itself, but the views of Days Bay is quite good to;
Brooklyn Windmill – I love the views from up here. But just so you know, in New Zealand a windmill isn’t the type of thing you’d see in Holland; it’s a wind turbine.

Queenstown Photo Collage

For this weeks’ Photo Friday, here’s a collage of snaps of the world’s adventure capital, Queenstown, New Zealand. This popular tourist domestic and international tourist destination did not disappoint, with plenty of attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages and interest. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Milford Sound, scream your lungs out bungee-ing away from a bridge, luge down the hill as you take in the beautiful scenic view, and many others!

This post is part of Photo Friday, a Blog Carnival held by Delicious Baby. Check them out for photo-sharing goodness, or take part in the carnival yourself.