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Dive Review of Matahari Diving Center in
Indonesia

Matahari Diving Center: "Superb macro diving + USS Liberty", Feb, 2019,

by Eileen J Dietrich, China, China (Contributor Contributor 14 reports with 7 Helpful votes). Report 10850.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 1 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 5 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Diving in Tulamben is a treat! The macro critters and photography are bar none, some of the best in the world. The hotel at Matahari is very cheap - like $20/night, but the rooms and the resort feel cheap and old. They really need an overhaul. No tea kettle, no fridge, no pool towel, etc.

The dive center was run well though it took two trips to reception and several minutes of questions to learn how the diving worked, how we were charged, etc. In the end, it was exactly as they told me.

Diving in the three house reef sites is the cheapest. Once you leave the house reef and go to the other sites, known for their macro and muck diving, the prices go up but still terribly inexpensive. And, you dive predominantly with just one other person and a guide.

Every room is given a box for equipment. It's not really big enough for 2 divers, but it's ok. It works. They have a locked gear area for evenings/nights. The dive guides were excellent - they sighted quite well. They were very conscious of air consumption and time underwater. The younger guides were very careful with new divers. I appreciated that, but quickly moved to diving with veterans.

My only major concern with the guides was their handling of animals - setting up the "perfect" picture for the photographers. I do not like this at all, but the other photographers were very rough with the animals and did their best to create a perfect photo. The guides did the same.

I first dove the Liberty 12 years ago and then 2 years ago. The animal life just gets better and better though the boat continues to deteriorate. Bumpheads still congregate in the early mornings. It's a lovely dive. Viz was great in the morning and not as good as the day wore on.

This is still absolutely amazing diving with incredible variety!
Websites Matahari Diving Center   [same]

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Red Sea, Galapagos, Bali, Egypt, Philippines, Indonesia, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mozambique, South Africa, Hawaii, Pacific, Palau, Guam, Yap, Maldives, Lembeh Strait, Kenya, UAE, Oman
Closest Airport Denpasar Getting There We flew from China, via Seoul to Denspasar. It's quite easy for us living in Asia.

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 79-83°F / 26-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 25-50 Ft/ 8-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions [Unspecified] Time in the water and depth
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 1 stars
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities 5 stars
UW Photo Comments There is no camera room. However, they did reserve a rinse tank out of the way for cameras.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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