Κυριακή 30 Μαρτίου 2008

HARLEQUINN SHRIMP

Seraya Secrets, a black sand site located just about 4km south of Tulamben, in which coral and sponge oases can be found from 3m to 38m of depth, is constantly producing a variety of marine life such as Harlequin shrimp, ornate ghost pipefish, mimic octopus, the Colemans shrimp, Nudibranches, triggerfish and sea anemones.
To get to Seraya will take you approximately 2.30 hrs from the famous Bali resort of Seminyak. A higly suggested place for divers to stay is the Tulamben resort in which the Papas diving centre offer good services (transport included starting at 7 am) and prices.

Παρασκευή 28 Μαρτίου 2008

MENJANGAN BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK

Menjangan Island the name of which means "deer", is located off shore the most mountainous point in far Northwestern Bali. Due to the island's protected position, the winds and currents rarely constitute a problem, so in location reefs are offered for undisturbed diving. Waters are crystal clear a factor that guarantees a visibility of 50m which never drops to less than 25m. The Island is part of Bali Barat National Park, a protected reserve area. To drive from Seminyak the southern Bali Resort, will take you 3hrs due to heavy traffic surrounding Denpansar, the Bali island capital. Once you pass the town of Tabanan and for the next hour, on your left spreads of wide area of rice field reaching to the sea.
The road condition is good (it's the main Java-Bali highway). Approaching the town of Negera the land becomes drier and there are lots of coconat plantations. Past Negara it's a half hour drive to Cekek, and at 3km farther a ferry crosses from Gilimank to Java. After 12km, you arrive at Mimbi Resort Menjangan,
where you may arrange a boat to take you to the place called "Post one". Depths range from 2m to 45m. This dive has a very simple entry and a remarkably contrasting terrain on both sides of the entry cut. One side has steep walls with deep crevices, and swimming to the left isn't that rugged, plus it's full of Marine inverts like fans and sponges. Swimming to the left side provides a seemingly endless array of fan coral, some in nearly 3m height in just 9m of water depth. Lacey gorgonians and delicate black coral trees adorn the reef. Barrel and immense platter sponges are also a commonplace. Fish life is active with schools of yellowtail cascading over the wall and unusual golden jacks swimming along the reef top.
This is one of the best spots in Bali Indonesia to photograph tropical marine life. I have shot my best pictures in this diving spot. Other diving spots in Menjagan island include: Craggy Walls, The Anchor Wreck, Post one, Post two, and Eels garden.
The papas dive centre is the best diving centre in Bali Indonesia.

APLYSIA-GEOGRAPHIC SEA HARE NEW NUDIBRANCHS BALI INDONESIA

I first found this Nudibranchs Syphonota geographica at sand bottom 10m deep in Seririt.

After mailing it to the Australian world expert Mr Neville Coleman for research, I received his reply two months later informing that it is a NEW NUDIBRANCH ! It is now included in Mr Colemans' publication NEW "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NUDIBRANCHS" edition 20008, page 64.