Page 26 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

PULAU SERIBU Pulau Seribu

(the Thousand Islands)
The Thousand Islands offer conditions
suitable for all levels. Sloping reef sites Dive Site and
which fringe the islands rarely bottom out Marine Life
at more than 30 meters and generally, Highlights of
the most abundant corals and reef life is
found at 18 meters and upwards. Pulau Seribu

For those who are learning to dive while Whilst the diversity and abundance
staying or living in Jakarta, Pulau Seribu is of marine life found in the Thousand
an excellent training ground with easy-to- Islands pales in comparison to some
access dive sites, sandy bottoms for skill regions in Indonesia, you will still find
practice and a pretty selection of corals pretty dive sites with a good selection
and fish. Visibility is variable but improves of species. At most sites you’ll find a
significantly as you move away from the mix of reef fish including parrotfish,
Jakarta coastline – as does fish numbers butterflyfish, angelfish and anemonefish
and coral quality.
as well as moray eels, stingrays and
crustaceans. On good days passing reef
Conditions sharks and turtles are a highlight.
Generally easy conditions For wreck enthusiasts the Papa Theo is a
make this a suitable location pleasant steel cargo ship which remains
for all levels of divers. Most in relatively good condition on the
sites have sandy bottom sandy sea floor. The Papa Theo lays in
compositions which are ideal for those 32 meters of water at its deepest point
taking training courses and sites around and around 15 meters at its shallowest.
Pulau Seribu rarely exceed 30 meters in The sides and deck of the wreck are
depth. encrusted in corals including lace corals
and long sea whips. Common sightings
Around full moon, current strength here include groupers, boxfish, moray
increases and makes for pleasant drift eels, stingrays and occasional passing
dives along some of the regions long turtles and reef sharks. Another popular
shore reefs. wreck is the Poso wreck which is located
close to Pulau Karang Congkak. The
Visibility is variable and is reduced Poso wreck site is a sloping patchy coral
ulau Seribu, which literally translates to the “Thousand following rainfall. Visibility (and water reef down to a flat sand bottom which
Islands” is a great opportunity to dive while based in Jakarta. clarity) improves with increased distance attracts a variety of marine life including
PThe name of this island chain is slightly misleading and the from the mainland. small schools of fusiliers, barracuda,
Water temperature is relatively
number of islands is actually estimated at around 342 islands consistent throughout the year at groupers and batfish which hover in the
shaded sections. Critter life here is good
(depending on the level of the tide), which stretch 45 km north between 27 and 29 degrees. and a variety of shrimps, nudibranch
of Jakarta into the Java Sea. The close proximity and easy access The best time for diving in Pulau Seribu and blennies have made the wreck their
from Ancol Marine in north Jakarta means that weekend breaks are is outside of the wet season with home. Passing turtles and stingrays
entirely possible and with no flights being needed, two solid days of the optimum months being July to burying in the sand are a highlight.
diving is easily accomplishable. September.

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