E01 | Is Diving in Halmahera better than Raja Ampat?

[@marcolauber7112]

Hi there, is the black cat's name @min. 2:49 Boule? If so, pleeeease give her many big hugs from me. I was lucky to raise her up while living there - Best regards to any member of the crew who still remembers me and to Daniele M. - Marco (missing Boule and Indo very much, I use to manage the neighboring resorts)

[@Travel2Sea]

Hi Marco! The name of the cat is Mickey and it's a male 😅 so not sure it was the same one! He does have a sister named Mina. They were adopted by Ana and Miguel at Siladen Resort and Spa. Did you live there?

[@mikefounders1033]

You guys are doing a great job putting great diving content on KZbin. Keep going !!

[@Arrazi13]

beautiful shots of marine animals.

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you so much!

[@DiversLens]

Very good video with high quality footage and good music selection. Very well done! I will definitely check Halmahera in the future.

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you very much! It is definitely one for the check list! Have you been diving in Indonesia?

[@DiversLens]

@@Travel2Sea Yes, I've been to Lembeh, Misool and Dampier Strait.

[@Travel2Sea]

@@DiversLens yes after I went on your channel and I saw your great videos! I saw you stayed at the Sorido Bay too. I love this place and hope I will go back one day!

[@DiversLens]

@@Travel2Sea Many thanks for checking my channel and inspiring comments!

[@areiya1282]

Look soo amazing

[@suehan8379]

Done! OMG it's sooooo beautiful!!!! Wow!!!

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you so much! Have you been diving in Indonesia ?

[@suehan8379]

@@Travel2Sea No, I have not. BUT it is on my bucket list now!! 😍

[@Travel2Sea]

@@suehan8379 oh one more! 😉

[@Travel2Sea]

@@suehan8379 Congratulations!! You have been selected for the giveaway and you won a 5 days/4 nights stay at Blue Bay divers! Please contact us on Instagram to receive your gift! 😉

[@suehan8379]

@@Travel2Sea OMG I won?! Thank you so much!!!! How exciting!!! 😍🤩🥳

[@togian755]

Both are excellent for diving. There's no need to pit one against the other. Enjoy each on irs own merits.

[@danieljohn589]

Agreed. I don't like when people compare like this. No need. Why do people have to be on the constant look out for the next best thing. Be grateful!

[@edwinthemiles]

Looks amazing guys, great video! And diving such beautiful places as a solo team must be heavenly :)

[@Travel2Sea]

Yes it was amazing! Thank you for watching!!

[@danielgin449]

verrrry very cool video

[@eudls]

Just discovered you! love this! Thanks for sharing and for this amazing work! Hope you keep going!

[@herrfruhling2485]

Nice soundtrack

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you very much 😊

[@danielwilson3671]

I'm going to Raja Ampat next January and I'm SOOOOOO excited. Great video - this could be my next destination! :)

[@michaelmuir4548]

Beautiful video and definitely an area I'd love to dive. Thank you for sharing

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you for watching! We definitely recommend Halamahera, especially now that Indonesia is opening up!

[@michaelmuir4548]

@@Travel2Sea looks superb. I remember meeting Anke many years ago (2007 I think) when we visited blue bay but were diving from another resort. Will consider for the future for sure.

[@Travel2Sea]

@@michaelmuir4548 And Anke's operation provide just excellent services! Highly recommended!

[@GuileTrip]

well done ! the place looks amazing ! im going to indonisia on may =D mayb its a opportunity to check this place ^^ sucess on ur divecenter !!

[@lensofkryv]

Come and visit Manado, North Sulawesi. I'll be happy to be your guide :)

[@Travel2Sea]

Hi and thank you for your comment! You are going to have such a blast in Indonesia and we definitely recommend to check Halmahera if you have the opportunity! Where do you plan to go?

[@topanpermana268]

your video is so enchanting and inspiring

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you so much!

[@Visayan751]

Beautifully crafted video - I knew nothing of this place but now i'm educated ! fantastic work guys, your channel deserves so many more subscribers. Halmahera definitely on my bucket list now !

[@palmtreecoral.travel]

love it. we are currently on Halmahera. 😀

[@tsarabanjina]

Thank you for this nice and interesting video. Do you think, please, Halmahera is also a good choice for snorkelers ? Where are the bests spots ?

[@Travel2Sea]

I would recommend South Halmahera for snorkelers as some sites are very shallow and pristine. There is a resort there and they apparently offer great snorkeling. You should check it out!

[@xd_adventure]

awesome!

[@danieladoval4604]

Done! ✅

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@sandicirak6223]

i am just snorkeling. I visited Raja Ampat a few times, Komodo , Bunaken. How good Halmahera is for snorkeling? I am most interested in corals. I see beautiful ones on this video but are they accessible to see for snorkelers, similar to what you can find in Raja Ampat?

[@Travel2Sea]

Hi Sandi, some of the most beautiful dive site coral-wise, like Pulau Kecil or Dragon Rock were very shallow. Sometimes we were diving in 5m of water! Corals and fish life were thriving in the first 5m. So I would say, that yes there is potential for snorkelers. The problem will be to access these place as there is no accommodation nearby. At Sali Bay Resort, the only resort in South Halmahera, they seems to have a beautiful housereef that is suitable for snorkeler. Note that we never went to Sali Bay Resort (we only did Halmahera by liveaboard) but we heard good things about it!

[@joearneton5971]

C'est tout simplement magnifique! Une vie sous l'océan qui apaise.

[@Travel2Sea]

Merci Joe! En effet c'est un univers extraordinaire qui ne demande qu'a être exploré dans le respect ☺️ As-tu déjà essayé la plongée sous- marine?

[@sophievankeymeulen6805]

Done 🎉🎉🎉

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@Snorkellovers]

Great vídeo!! Is it good for snorkeling Halmahera??

[@akafuguvids]

Looks amazing! Hope I can make it sometime. I dove Raja Ampat in early 2019, about a year before the pandemic hit. One of the greatest experiences of my life, but yeah, there were a lot of boats there then. A couple on my live-aboard had been there 9 or 10 years earlier and they said the change was drastic, with many many dozens more live-aboards now than their first trip. So, Halmahera may not stay so quiet forever. I would sure like to see it while it still is. Some questions: How common are oceanic mantas and whale sharks? Any sightings of other sharks than black tip and white tip reefs? What is the nearest port or town big enough for groceries, supplies accommodation etc? Is it a protected area from commercial fishing, like Raja Ampat? Glad to have discovered your Channel. Hope to make it to Sulawesi and your dive shop some day. Maybe if you start managing tours to Halmahera I'll book one though you.

[@Travel2Sea]

Hello Matt and thank you for watching! We really appreciate your interest in our channel! Indonesia is opening, so I would say that it is a good time to look at trip in Halmahera! About you questions: - When we were there we did not see any oceanic manta nor whale sharks. For what we know it is not common sightings in this area. For whale sharks in Indonesia I can recommend area like: Triton Bay (West Papua), Gorontalo (Central Sulawesi) or Derawan (Kalimantan). - Apart reef sharks we saw few grey reefs (including one very close but no battery on camera 😅) and the endemic Halmahera Epaulette shark. Check out the Episode 2 to see some images of this beauty! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip-zp5Z9bth3qKc - The closest port from South Halmahera is Ternate where you can find a small airport. We did not go but not sure if you can find much there. Tourism is not very develop in this area. We know about 2 dive resort in this area: Sali Bay Dive Resort in South Halmahera and Weda Resort in the central area. - Halmahera is not a protected area and to be honest we saw part of the reef destroyed by bomb fishing et even heard it underwater. Unfortunately the pandemic increase the practice of illegal fishing even in protected areas. So far it mostly local but obviously the development of tourism in this area could help to convince authorities that it need to be protected. Hopefully my answers would be helpful. If you plan to go to Halmahera I recommend www.blue-bay-divers.de/en/liveaboard/tours/halmahera-liveaboard Simple boat but with a lot of knowledge of the area. Maybe one day we will meet underwater! Cheers! Celine & Niels

[@akafuguvids]

@@Travel2Sea All great info to have. Thanks! I was so impressed by what a large area was protected over Raja Ampat. I hope that the diving industry can convince the government to put such protections here, too. While we may worry about the impacts of more dive traffic, it must be better than unregulated dynamite fishing.

[@Broski319]

Matt - I couldn’t help but chime in. Yes there are more dive boats visiting Raja Ampat and it is becoming relatively more touristy. But in the past 10-15 years, conservation efforts in Raja and Misool have produced large increases in reef sharks and manta rays. I dove Raja around the same time you did. It was utterly amazing. Almost no signs of coral damage whatsoever. Yes more divers to the area will eventually degrade the area, as in Komodo, but don’t forget that biodiversity in Raja Ampat is actually increasing unlike anywhere in the world.

[@akafuguvids]

@@Broski319 Yes, it is truly a spectacular place of endless vibrant reefs booming with life. Absolutely spoiled me for diving most other locations. Even with the big increase in divers and boats over the past decade, it certainly is still a remote frontier and far from the kind of "touristy" crowds and scenes you will find anywhere else in the world. Staying in the grass hut home-stays with 8 hours of generator electricity a day, if you are lucky, and next to nothing in settlements anywhere near you is a wonderful escape from modern reality. I was very impressed with what a large area has been protected from commercial fishing. I hope Indonesia and many other diving destination countries do more of this.

[@earthcomedy]

i once put a $400 deposit to dive in Sorong/Raja Ampat...in 2003! Before a big world trip. But a dive pressure injury in Exmouth. Australia prevented me from going. The good news is I recovered and was able to dive in Palau for 2 weeks on that trip later. Maybe I can go to Halmahera.....next year.

[@munawarwahid7342]

Letter from Ternate - Wallace Halmahera is King of Island Halmahera was Island when Spain, Portugal, England and Netherland to look for cloves and spices. At WW II, Halmahera was central comando militer pasific and Doughlas Mc Arthur really loves this Island. Now Halmahera has a lot of Nickel and Gold to exploration. It also has a lot of destination tourism. Thanks for your Video, Come to our Island again and we'll accept you with love...

[@yumranarwandi7397]

your video like a discovery channel🥰

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

Has anyone been to Raja during May please? How was it?

[@insanelook]

Very nice video, been to Ternate and dived there then attempted the Jailolo festival of 2014, was awesome. I just wish I experienced more of Halmahera.

[@Travel2Sea]

Time to go back then 😉 We really want to back one day too, so much to see! Thanks for watching!

[@domenicoarena3347]

congratulations for the professional video. very very nice

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you very much!

[@reflexionlilbap]

the island in your video is a part of SOUTH HALMAHERA .. local people called LEI LEI ISLAND

[@nikkipotts6848]

Done 🤗

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@earthcomedy]

5 minutes in....awesome video! Wasn't planning to dive (focus is Ternate/Tidore)...but maybe I shall..

[@Travel2Sea]

YES you shall! It will be ashamed to go that far and not make some bubbles underwater 😊

[@louismccarten4710]

Both are outstandingly good dive sites in their own right. No need to put one against the other.

[@gregduff2593]

Done

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@oldsailorchannel9506]

DONE.....!!! 🤩😍😘🏝️😷

[@LiveaboardLife]

Nice video. Now I'll have to make a trip to Halmahera. I think you are right, having worked in Raja Ampat before, I'm afraid that it might become 'very crowded' once normal travelling is allowed again.

[@Travel2Sea]

Thank you so much! Yes Halmahera should be the next one on your list! 😃 And now Indonesia is opening up, it is probably the best time to go! Where did you work in Raja Ampat?

[@LiveaboardLife]

@@Travel2Sea I worked on a small liveaboard that travelled between Raja and Komodo, like most do. Once the tourism starts to get back to normal, I'll start on a new boat that travels between Raja and Lembeh. And I think they do go past Halmahera for a few dives. Can't wait 🤞

[@Travel2Sea]

@@LiveaboardLife that’s great!! To be honest that’s a dream itinerary 😍 Let us know the name of the LOB, we never know 😉

[@javierentenza3658]

Amazing. I’m a diver and believe me I’m going next march because of this video 💪💪💪

[@Travel2Sea]

Amazing! Happy you found inspiration in our videos!

[@klasamansorong2917]

Beautiful raja Ampat

[@mariatanimukti6366]

halmahera is beautiful island for scuba diving

[@salvatoredilauro3206]

DONE

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@marieeeee222]

I'm always about to cry when I see big swarm of fishes like these in videos, never experienced it in my life, but I will.

[@friseurethommystoeber3629]

Thanks for it. 😍

[@Travel2Sea]

You're welcome 😊

[@chococak9046]

Is Halmahera also good for snorkeling? Thanks for a great video!!

[@Travel2Sea]

Yes, it is!

[@gajaholeng440]

INDONESIA

[@Patricia-bi5gv]

Done :-)

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃

[@CinematographerRDee]

Thank u❤

[@Uji_Metal]

I just snorkel housereefs and go on snorkel boats. Should I pick raja ampat or halmahera?

[@Voice2707]

Great Video! I love the way you presented Halmahera. Hopefully you are able to visit East Halmahera and Dive / Snorkel here. There are still many islands to dive in and not many people know it, such as Plun, Woto, To, Para-para Island and more.

[@Travel2Sea]

Hi Puni! Thank you so much for watching our video! And yes I can't wait to explore more of Halmahera and hopefully we will be able to return soon!

[@KevinMcgovern-c1d]

Hmm my friend said many dive sites out fished n he dive for 24yr in indo n have liveaboard since 2010

[@reflexionlilbap]

halmahera not a part of maluku province..but NORTH MALUKU PROVINCE

[@johanvanholland6074]

Daar wil ik best een keer duiken. Ben dit jaar in Raja Ampat geweest en gedoken.

[@ellae1760]

Are the Diving Spots for beginners?

[@Travel2Sea]

We recommend being at least Advanced Open water diver in order to fully enjoy the diving there 😊

[@DiversLens]

Hi guys, I am actually checking Halmahera for fall 2023. I watched your video again, and see that visibility was quite limited. Is this correct? When was your trip?

[@Travel2Sea]

Hello we went end of May and visibility was variable. On some dives excellent, some days limited but always a lot to see 😁

[@greatnorthern3481]

Beautiful spot but no raja ampat

[@suranbeysenov2177]

yes of course i come

[@dugldoo]

This comes across like an infomercial made by a resort owner who's trying to sell paradise for a few bucks.

[@alexbaum2204]

I found myself asking more than once during this video, “So why would you make this video then?!”

[@ringowirjosentono6726]

Hooping that vietnamese and Chinese fish robbers don't get there,

[@Travel2Sea]

Not yet...but hopefully they will stay away!

[@Broski319]

The question is diving in one place “better” than another is entirely subjective and one an experienced diver would never ask. Some prefer cold water diving, some only warm. Some like soft corals like in Misool. Some like big schools of fish like in Sipadan. I just think it’s a silly question to title your video. And NO way does diving Halmahera come close to the richness of Misool, objectively, the biodiversity is unmatched.

[@Travel2Sea]

Hi Will you're right our opinion is purely subjective and based on our experience of both areas. Very often divers (even experienced ones 😉) ask us, where is our favorite place to dive, or where is "better". It's true that it depends of what you like and what are your interest while you dive. This video is based on our experience (including Misool) and we had a blast diving in Halmahera...may be we were lucky!

[@Friedolays]

This is an advertisement?

[@sturdevantphotography5726]

Having been to both I would say no, it isn't

[@adiningrat8796]

Lebih baik kalau penjelasannya pakai bhs Indonesia supaya kita org Indonesia mengerti , karena di gbr ini tidak ada teks bahasa Indonesia nya , dan ternyata anda bisa berbahasa Indonesia dengan baik

[@TheSpiritOfTheWest]

1.75 speed

[@TXDIVER-ru5ku]

No, It isn.t even close! If you are going to travel that far, go to Raja!

[@KevinMcgovern-c1d]

Of course it depend where you dive coz big area. But how can you say better than raja empat. N why. Raja empat is know for over 1200 types of fish on 1 dive site!@ but 70 to 80% is made up from different damselfish n wrasse!! So how many of those can you identify geez even me I would be hard pressed to identify even 100. . Raja kamodo alor n east fro. There plus crazy current places west.. n ammon banda.. goodnite n goodbye

[@deejay-su7uf]

Diving is responsible for ruining a lot of places.

[@oceanthusiast7895]

Done

[@Travel2Sea]

Good luck!! 😃