9th December 2011/Be careful as you go
Bali is blessed by being an all year round destination to get away from it all. It is a magical island with something to please all your senses; colourful and spiritual Hindu Ceremonies; dramatic landscapes of Volcanoes, waterfalls and rice terraces, ancient art and craft culture; diving on some of the healthiest reefs around.
Up here in North Bali the water temperature is settling at a comfortable 29/30 degrees and a couple of good rainfalls have already turned the winter-dry barren backdrop of mountains in Pemuteran a lush green.
Proyek Penyu, our Turtle Hatchery has had a very successful year and we thank all our visitors for the contributions they have made to protect the sea turtles in this area. We have only a handful of babies at the moment after releasing over 400 turtles during the last 12 months as we wait for new clutches of 280 eggs to hatch in the new year.
Reef Seen's efforts to protect the precious reefs continues with the help of the Reef Gardeners. We are seeing more and more visitors each year drawn to this delightful place to enjoy the wealth of life to be found in the sea. However we are concerned by the impact that such an increase can have. As the numbers of tourists increase so the number of businesses to cater for them also rises and the knock on effect can be devastating. More buildings fill in the green spaces, more rubbish to deal with in an already inadequate infrastructure, more drain on the local, natural resources and more traffic to bring the people here. We ask that when you come you take extra care to set a good example of consideration for the environment above and below the water line. Just because there is some plastic on the ground doesn’t mean you should add to it. A split second with a misplaced foot/fin can take years to mend and the corals have enough thrown at them by nature without us humans adding to the trauma.
At the moment it is still a beautiful, unspoilt and very special place, a haven for underwater photographers, so we hope you can help us keep it that way. Whether you want to blow a few bubbles or just relax this time of year is a great time to visit without the crowds of peak season so please come and enjoy it with us.
Bali is blessed by being an all year round destination to get away from it all. It is a magical island with something to please all your senses; colourful and spiritual Hindu Ceremonies; dramatic landscapes of Volcanoes, waterfalls and rice terraces, ancient art and craft culture; diving on some of the healthiest reefs around.
Up here in North Bali the water temperature is settling at a comfortable 29/30 degrees and a couple of good rainfalls have already turned the winter-dry barren backdrop of mountains in Pemuteran a lush green.
Proyek Penyu, our Turtle Hatchery has had a very successful year and we thank all our visitors for the contributions they have made to protect the sea turtles in this area. We have only a handful of babies at the moment after releasing over 400 turtles during the last 12 months as we wait for new clutches of 280 eggs to hatch in the new year.
Reef Seen's efforts to protect the precious reefs continues with the help of the Reef Gardeners. We are seeing more and more visitors each year drawn to this delightful place to enjoy the wealth of life to be found in the sea. However we are concerned by the impact that such an increase can have. As the numbers of tourists increase so the number of businesses to cater for them also rises and the knock on effect can be devastating. More buildings fill in the green spaces, more rubbish to deal with in an already inadequate infrastructure, more drain on the local, natural resources and more traffic to bring the people here. We ask that when you come you take extra care to set a good example of consideration for the environment above and below the water line. Just because there is some plastic on the ground doesn’t mean you should add to it. A split second with a misplaced foot/fin can take years to mend and the corals have enough thrown at them by nature without us humans adding to the trauma.
At the moment it is still a beautiful, unspoilt and very special place, a haven for underwater photographers, so we hope you can help us keep it that way. Whether you want to blow a few bubbles or just relax this time of year is a great time to visit without the crowds of peak season so please come and enjoy it with us.
3rd October 2011/Natural wonders
We have been busy for the last couple of months continuing our improvements around the resort. The main dive centre building has been extended and fully refurbished providing a great base for all our diving and snorkelling activities. Our Sea-view bungalow rooms have been refreshed and we've added three more rooms to our accommodation, The new Garden View rooms are for those of you who would like a simple place to stay and come back to after your dive. They all have en-suite shower rooms but without hot water and the option with A/C or ceiling fan. The simplicity is reflected in the lower nightly rate.
The diving has also been wonderful. As a centre for divers, run by divers, all our crew have a passion to share the natural wonders out on the reefs and nature hasn't disappointed us. We are always asked by guests "What will I see?" or "what is your favourite reef?" or demand "I'll only go if I can see Manta or sea-horses or sharks [or something}..." We always give the same answer. Any dive is good if you take an open mind and the time to explore. Our calm water waters in the North of Bali are not renowned for the big pelagics and it is all down to nature, so we'll promise you beautiful healthy corals and fish - no more - and let nature surprise you. And it always does. And not just the divers. Even our very experienced guides have been rushing off the boats to check the ID books as another unfamiliar nudibranch / rare robust ghost pipefish has appeared at the Bio-Wreck, or buzzing as there were TWO sea-horses and a pair of dragonet at fisherman's basket!!
Our boat to Menjangan leaves by from the beach in front of the centre for the hour long to cruise to the island. Off shore along the way over the last months the journey has been enhanced with pods of dolphins, spouting whales and a trio of White Manta playing in the bow waves!!!
We have been busy for the last couple of months continuing our improvements around the resort. The main dive centre building has been extended and fully refurbished providing a great base for all our diving and snorkelling activities. Our Sea-view bungalow rooms have been refreshed and we've added three more rooms to our accommodation, The new Garden View rooms are for those of you who would like a simple place to stay and come back to after your dive. They all have en-suite shower rooms but without hot water and the option with A/C or ceiling fan. The simplicity is reflected in the lower nightly rate.
The diving has also been wonderful. As a centre for divers, run by divers, all our crew have a passion to share the natural wonders out on the reefs and nature hasn't disappointed us. We are always asked by guests "What will I see?" or "what is your favourite reef?" or demand "I'll only go if I can see Manta or sea-horses or sharks [or something}..." We always give the same answer. Any dive is good if you take an open mind and the time to explore. Our calm water waters in the North of Bali are not renowned for the big pelagics and it is all down to nature, so we'll promise you beautiful healthy corals and fish - no more - and let nature surprise you. And it always does. And not just the divers. Even our very experienced guides have been rushing off the boats to check the ID books as another unfamiliar nudibranch / rare robust ghost pipefish has appeared at the Bio-Wreck, or buzzing as there were TWO sea-horses and a pair of dragonet at fisherman's basket!!Our boat to Menjangan leaves by from the beach in front of the centre for the hour long to cruise to the island. Off shore along the way over the last months the journey has been enhanced with pods of dolphins, spouting whales and a trio of White Manta playing in the bow waves!!!
14 March 2011/Babies!!
After a terrible year in 2010 for our hatchery with only one small successful clutch, we are pleased and proud to be new parents today. Just over 100 little green turtles poked their heads from the sand this morning. They'll need a couple of months in the safety of Projek Penyu to harden up the shells before we can give them full freedom in the seas but you are all very welcome to come and say hello.
And while you are here relax in our expanded beach-front snack bar where our friendly staff will happily rustle you up a tasty super sandwich in your choice of country grain bread or pitta pocket or wrap as well as a selection from the bakery and the drinks menu. The renovation work on our main building is nearing completion so we are looking forward to using the space for organising our diving & snorkelling activities.
Not that's it's stopping us now. Our boats are ready and waiting for you to hop in, see fish and have fun!!
After a terrible year in 2010 for our hatchery with only one small successful clutch, we are pleased and proud to be new parents today. Just over 100 little green turtles poked their heads from the sand this morning. They'll need a couple of months in the safety of Projek Penyu to harden up the shells before we can give them full freedom in the seas but you are all very welcome to come and say hello.And while you are here relax in our expanded beach-front snack bar where our friendly staff will happily rustle you up a tasty super sandwich in your choice of country grain bread or pitta pocket or wrap as well as a selection from the bakery and the drinks menu. The renovation work on our main building is nearing completion so we are looking forward to using the space for organising our diving & snorkelling activities.
Not that's it's stopping us now. Our boats are ready and waiting for you to hop in, see fish and have fun!!
29th January 2011/Take That
I'm sure you're all familiar with the term "moving house" Well this has a whole new take as the Reef Gardeners re-located back to be just the other side of Reef Seen Aquatics.
I'm sure you're all familiar with the term "moving house" Well this has a whole new take as the Reef Gardeners re-located back to be just the other side of Reef Seen Aquatics.
It is no mean feat to pick up a hut and walk it 100m across the sand. Everyone helped and we thank all involved including with staff from Bali Dive Academy, Werner Lau and Sea Rovers as well as Reef Seen and the Gardeners themselves. There is still some work to do putting it back together but it will soon be back to business as usual at the centre.
The guys from 
Reef Check came for their quarterly survey of Napoleon Reef and Close Encounters. Overall they reported the reefs are in good shape however they noticed a little wave damage from the last high winds. Thankfully, house moving has not stopped the Reef Gardeners from doing their underwater repairs.
Taking some first time divers to blow bubbles for the second hour of their lives we chose Napoleon Reef as the site. We slowly make our way over the beautiful hard coral garden back to the boat moored at 4m on the West end. Almost ready to surface with memories full of the variety of life we've already seen, when who should drift by but our friend and occasional visitor, the whaleshark. Talk about beginners luck!!
18th December 2010/New beginnings
Tranquility prevails here in Pemuteran on the North Coast of Bali. The thriving reefs continue to attract a wonderful array of marine life, including yet more Close Encounters with a whaleshark!
However we are saddened by the recent influx of floating rubbish which has marred the shore-line for several days. The heavy rains of this season have washed it down from we don't know where and the combination of high tides and on-shore winds mean some of it settled in the shelter of Pemuteran Bay. But, as Chris the boss says, "better it comes to the shore, where we can clean it up and dispose of it properly, than staying at sea being a environmental hazard". On the up-side it's carried healthy population of minuscule baby fishy friends including frog fish, file-fish, flying fish and seahorses. Rest assured all our staff and those of the other beach-front resorts are out there carefully clearing up every day, to protect the reefs and make your stay with us enjoyable. But we are only easing the pain not dealing with the cause. Please do your bit as you tour this beautiful island island to set an example; act responsibly, keep litter in the bins and think - Do you really need yet another plastic bag? Could you drink without a straw? Can you re-fil your water bottle? They may seem small things but it all helps.
When Chris started Reef Seen all those years ago he built a simple place to serve as his home, staff house, office, dive shop and all. It's now starting to creak a little at the seams as our business has grown along with the many other projects we've started and support - it's time for a face-lift. So we are re-building the old place to create a super new space for all your diving needs. And you will be able to relax at the new Snack Bar by the beach, where this month we welcome Made to our happy staff team, who can rustle you up a super sandwich, serve you yummy cake to wash down with a freshly made fruit juice or Storm Ale.
Tranquility prevails here in Pemuteran on the North Coast of Bali. The thriving reefs continue to attract a wonderful array of marine life, including yet more Close Encounters with a whaleshark!
However we are saddened by the recent influx of floating rubbish which has marred the shore-line for several days. The heavy rains of this season have washed it down from we don't know where and the combination of high tides and on-shore winds mean some of it settled in the shelter of Pemuteran Bay. But, as Chris the boss says, "better it comes to the shore, where we can clean it up and dispose of it properly, than staying at sea being a environmental hazard". On the up-side it's carried healthy population of minuscule baby fishy friends including frog fish, file-fish, flying fish and seahorses. Rest assured all our staff and those of the other beach-front resorts are out there carefully clearing up every day, to protect the reefs and make your stay with us enjoyable. But we are only easing the pain not dealing with the cause. Please do your bit as you tour this beautiful island island to set an example; act responsibly, keep litter in the bins and think - Do you really need yet another plastic bag? Could you drink without a straw? Can you re-fil your water bottle? They may seem small things but it all helps.
When Chris started Reef Seen all those years ago he built a simple place to serve as his home, staff house, office, dive shop and all. It's now starting to creak a little at the seams as our business has grown along with the many other projects we've started and support - it's time for a face-lift. So we are re-building the old place to create a super new space for all your diving needs. And you will be able to relax at the new Snack Bar by the beach, where this month we welcome Made to our happy staff team, who can rustle you up a super sandwich, serve you yummy cake to wash down with a freshly made fruit juice or Storm Ale.
11th August 2010/Ancient Underwater Temple Discovery!! Really??
Hi to all you happy divers, hope you are
getting wet and blowing enough bubbles.
Seems that there has been a bit of a
"Hoo haa" on the internet over the last week or so. Apparently someone reported that an
"ancient underwater Hindu temple" was found in the Bali Straits??
Anyway, I was away and out of touch at the time and so, when arriving back was
inundated by phone calls from reporters etc and was astounded when I saw what
was being written on the net!!
getting wet and blowing enough bubbles.
Seems that there has been a bit of a
"Hoo haa" on the internet over the last week or so. Apparently someone reported that an
"ancient underwater Hindu temple" was found in the Bali Straits??
Anyway, I was away and out of touch at the time and so, when arriving back was
inundated by phone calls from reporters etc and was astounded when I saw what
was being written on the net!!
Weird and wonderful stories and comments
aside, it seems that various people and organisations are being given credit
for work that anyone who has been here or read our site knows, is "The
Underwater Temple Garden", created as part of the Reef Gardeners projects,
quite separate from another Foundation and dive centres that are also found in
the bay here. However, we all do try and work in harmony to achieve a common
goal of protecting and preserving the coral reefs of the area.
So, if you want the real facts, direct from
the "sea horse's mouth", demist your mask and have a look at the
"environmental prog." section of our web site and make your own
decision. Weather here has been fine, as has the
diving, so time to leave the computer and get wet.
Chris.
4th June 2010/Situation Normal
Another wonderful, peaceful month in Paradise. The sea is still warm & wet and the sun still rises and sets in magnificent fashion every day. A few torrential rainfalls coupled with strong winds did bring in some unexpected guests. Drifting to shore on some plant material were a couple of Sargassum (or sarcastic as Chris says) frog fish which caused a bit of excitement for the afternoon.
We were sorry that a few of you were unable to make it over here due to the fallout from the volcanic eruptions in Iceland but hopefully you can come another time. On the other hand we were delighted to welcome and entertain some others who had a forced extension to their stay in Bali and chose Reef Seen Aquatics as the place to be. This truly is a wonderful location to relax and unwind. In the words of one such couple "We came for one day and a snorkel and stayed for 5 days and 4 dives - what more can we say?"
4th May 2010/Newcomers
Reef Nymph, the latest addition to the Reef Seen fleet is here and raring to go. The blessing ceremony (equivalent to our “God bless her and all who sail in her”) was conducted with due reverence, all the seating and safety equipment has been installed and we are just waiting for the custom tank rack before she is complete for divers. Adrian was lucky enough to hitch a ride on one of the running-in trips to Menjangan and can confirm how well she runs.
The photo shows the first group of fare-paying customers on the way to Menjangan for snorkelling.
The diving has been great with dolphins in the bay and whales and blue marlin on the way to Menjangan. Our resident 2 black frogfish seem to have moved from the Bio-wreck site only to be replaced by a small pink one. The nature trail has been improved by the addition of some more markers leading you from the mooring of Reef Spirit to the bamboo structure and the wrecked fishing boats that house a multitude of critters: 3 if not 4 types of shrimp, multi-bar pipefish, anemones with clownfish, lionfish, shrimpfish, striped-eel catfish even a friendly cuttlefish. All amazingly only 50M from Reef Seen.
Reef Seen also welcomes a new member of staff. Lollet comes to us from the Reef Gardeners, is an experienced rescue diver and has extensive knowledge of the local reefs. We will be training him up to become a dive guide but for now he is just learning the ropes.
Our relaxation spa has new air-conditioning so you may now have a massage or treatment in complete comfort (our masseuse is happy too).
Reef Nymph, the latest addition to the Reef Seen fleet is here and raring to go. The blessing ceremony (equivalent to our “God bless her and all who sail in her”) was conducted with due reverence, all the seating and safety equipment has been installed and we are just waiting for the custom tank rack before she is complete for divers. Adrian was lucky enough to hitch a ride on one of the running-in trips to Menjangan and can confirm how well she runs.
The photo shows the first group of fare-paying customers on the way to Menjangan for snorkelling. The diving has been great with dolphins in the bay and whales and blue marlin on the way to Menjangan. Our resident 2 black frogfish seem to have moved from the Bio-wreck site only to be replaced by a small pink one. The nature trail has been improved by the addition of some more markers leading you from the mooring of Reef Spirit to the bamboo structure and the wrecked fishing boats that house a multitude of critters: 3 if not 4 types of shrimp, multi-bar pipefish, anemones with clownfish, lionfish, shrimpfish, striped-eel catfish even a friendly cuttlefish. All amazingly only 50M from Reef Seen.
Reef Seen also welcomes a new member of staff. Lollet comes to us from the Reef Gardeners, is an experienced rescue diver and has extensive knowledge of the local reefs. We will be training him up to become a dive guide but for now he is just learning the ropes.
Our relaxation spa has new air-conditioning so you may now have a massage or treatment in complete comfort (our masseuse is happy too).
2nd April 2010/Easter
Well it's about time you heard from us. "Us" being me, Amanda and my husband, Adrian, the two English dive instructors who cannot believe how lucky they are to call Reef Seen Aquatics their home. We have had a busy start to the year welcoming old friends and helping some new divers on their discovery of the wonders underwater on offer, right on our doorstep in Pemuteran Bay. And wonders there are. We are relatively well travelled divers, fortunate to have been from our home UK waters to the South China sea, via the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean and what we have here is right up there with the best of them. The extensive healthy corals and sponges provide a beautiful backdrop to wide variety of sea-life. I've have lost count of the nudibranch, shrimp, pipe-fish and damsels. But it's not all about the little critters; in the last month we've had the 2m barracuda hanging under the solar panels out at the Bio Wreck; there was the quintet of bumphead parrot fish at Napoleon Reef; and two days ago would you AdAm and Eve it - a Whaleshark cruised in to Close Encounters!! I'm only sorry to say the camera had been left in the rinse bath back at base. So don't forget as you scan the reefs for that elusive octopus to keep checking over your shoulder.
We are also pleased to see Reef Spirit back in the water after a major overhaul. She's been stripped down, refitted, repainted and had some weight taken off the top which makes her more spacious and comfortable for our day trips to Menjangan Island. And if that weren't enough the boss has just gone to buy another boat so we can keep our groups small and none of you should be left behind on those busy days.
Well it's about time you heard from us. "Us" being me, Amanda and my husband, Adrian, the two English dive instructors who cannot believe how lucky they are to call Reef Seen Aquatics their home. We have had a busy start to the year welcoming old friends and helping some new divers on their discovery of the wonders underwater on offer, right on our doorstep in Pemuteran Bay. And wonders there are. We are relatively well travelled divers, fortunate to have been from our home UK waters to the South China sea, via the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean and what we have here is right up there with the best of them. The extensive healthy corals and sponges provide a beautiful backdrop to wide variety of sea-life. I've have lost count of the nudibranch, shrimp, pipe-fish and damsels. But it's not all about the little critters; in the last month we've had the 2m barracuda hanging under the solar panels out at the Bio Wreck; there was the quintet of bumphead parrot fish at Napoleon Reef; and two days ago would you AdAm and Eve it - a Whaleshark cruised in to Close Encounters!! I'm only sorry to say the camera had been left in the rinse bath back at base. So don't forget as you scan the reefs for that elusive octopus to keep checking over your shoulder.
We are also pleased to see Reef Spirit back in the water after a major overhaul. She's been stripped down, refitted, repainted and had some weight taken off the top which makes her more spacious and comfortable for our day trips to Menjangan Island. And if that weren't enough the boss has just gone to buy another boat so we can keep our groups small and none of you should be left behind on those busy days.
1st Jan, 2010/Happy New Year
Well, how quickly time goes by, here we are in 2010, and the 19th year in business for Reef Seen Aquatics here in Pemuteran. As the years go by, I see the corals, fish and general diving here in Pemuteran just keep on getting better and, as always, am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in this area. An area that was never previously considered a dive location and well on it's way to becoming a barren, underwater desert due to the previous destructive practices of dyanmite fishing and collection of aquarium fishes using cyanide etc. Now, thanks to the help of my staff, local fishermen, village authorities and more recently, some of the other dive operators here, we now have some of the best, and safest diving in all of Bali.
I also wish to welcome to the team our new instructors, Adrian and Amanda, affectionately known as "AdAm", to the Reef Seen Team. More about them will be on the website soon, but it looks like I have finally found the right ones to continue my work here and run the dive centre, allowing me to spend more time with my kids and other projects that just keep on popping up and need my attention and local experience. I might even get back into doing my underwater photography again!!
So, to all of you divers, and those wishing to become divers, I wish you all the best for 2010, remember to keep your dives safe and enjoyable and maybe we will see you here at Reef Seen and show you some of what we get to enjoy everyday.
Chris.
Well, how quickly time goes by, here we are in 2010, and the 19th year in business for Reef Seen Aquatics here in Pemuteran. As the years go by, I see the corals, fish and general diving here in Pemuteran just keep on getting better and, as always, am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in this area. An area that was never previously considered a dive location and well on it's way to becoming a barren, underwater desert due to the previous destructive practices of dyanmite fishing and collection of aquarium fishes using cyanide etc. Now, thanks to the help of my staff, local fishermen, village authorities and more recently, some of the other dive operators here, we now have some of the best, and safest diving in all of Bali.
I also wish to welcome to the team our new instructors, Adrian and Amanda, affectionately known as "AdAm", to the Reef Seen Team. More about them will be on the website soon, but it looks like I have finally found the right ones to continue my work here and run the dive centre, allowing me to spend more time with my kids and other projects that just keep on popping up and need my attention and local experience. I might even get back into doing my underwater photography again!!
So, to all of you divers, and those wishing to become divers, I wish you all the best for 2010, remember to keep your dives safe and enjoyable and maybe we will see you here at Reef Seen and show you some of what we get to enjoy everyday.
Chris.
10th September, 2009/Mass Turtle Release
Hi All,
Been a while since I've passed on any news, but, apart from all the excellent diving that's been had by all during an amazingly busy season that doesn't want to end. Seems even the different marine life is deciding to visit the waters of Pemuteran, with marlin, whalesharks and even 2 small mola mola ( oceanic sunfish ) being spotted over the last month or so. Not just that, but Adrian, one of our new instructors was welcomed on his first dive at Close Encounters by 4 dolphins coming in to check out the dive group!!
Our annual turtle hatchling release was postponed from the 16th August to the 9th of Sept. 09-09-09 seemed to be an auspicious date for the occassion, where the school children of Pemuteran released a total of 130 baby Olive Ridley sea turtles from the beach here. This was followed by a drawing/painting competition by children from the 5 primary schools in the area as well as the high school. Topic of the paintings was "protecting the environment" with most entries focusing either on turtles and or the marine environment. Some excellent results were achieved and a total of 41 prizes were handed out to the winners and runner uppers etc. Thanks to Saritaksu Publishing here in Bali for donating over 100 of their English and Indonesian language book about Turtles and Dolphins as prizes and contributions to the school libraries, Paperina for their donation of art paper for the competition, Lisa Cross and Caroline Thomas for documenting the event, as well as being independant judges along with Tama, Hiluh and Ketut from Saritaksu, and everyone else involved with the event in helping to increase the understanding of the need to protect our precious environment. If I can figure out how to do it, I will try and put the winning entries up on the net!
So until next time, this is Chris wishing you all good health and safe, wonderful experiences diving, wherever you get wet!
Hi All,
Been a while since I've passed on any news, but, apart from all the excellent diving that's been had by all during an amazingly busy season that doesn't want to end. Seems even the different marine life is deciding to visit the waters of Pemuteran, with marlin, whalesharks and even 2 small mola mola ( oceanic sunfish ) being spotted over the last month or so. Not just that, but Adrian, one of our new instructors was welcomed on his first dive at Close Encounters by 4 dolphins coming in to check out the dive group!!
Our annual turtle hatchling release was postponed from the 16th August to the 9th of Sept. 09-09-09 seemed to be an auspicious date for the occassion, where the school children of Pemuteran released a total of 130 baby Olive Ridley sea turtles from the beach here. This was followed by a drawing/painting competition by children from the 5 primary schools in the area as well as the high school. Topic of the paintings was "protecting the environment" with most entries focusing either on turtles and or the marine environment. Some excellent results were achieved and a total of 41 prizes were handed out to the winners and runner uppers etc. Thanks to Saritaksu Publishing here in Bali for donating over 100 of their English and Indonesian language book about Turtles and Dolphins as prizes and contributions to the school libraries, Paperina for their donation of art paper for the competition, Lisa Cross and Caroline Thomas for documenting the event, as well as being independant judges along with Tama, Hiluh and Ketut from Saritaksu, and everyone else involved with the event in helping to increase the understanding of the need to protect our precious environment. If I can figure out how to do it, I will try and put the winning entries up on the net!
So until next time, this is Chris wishing you all good health and safe, wonderful experiences diving, wherever you get wet!
3 May 2009/The Bio Turtle & Boomer's New Home!
Hello Everyone! It was a busy April for us! We have had many fantastic divers join us this past month as well as students. Congratulations to our newest divers: Betina Bertelsen, Fredrik Bergsaler,Jennie Sandstad, Nicholas and Ben Hartley!
As mentioned before, we have finally inaugurated the new home for our resident turtle, Boomer. Thanks again Hanna for the donations. Boomer is loving his new location. He is swimming laps daily! You can come visit Boomer in his new home and also release some of little guys in the hatchery that are now old enough to be released into the ocean.
We have also introduced the new Bio Turtle project into our Bio-Wreck dive site. This new structure, designed by some our previous Reef Gardener Specialty Course students, was sunk and attached to electricity generated by solar panels. We were lucky to have the help of Dr. Thomas Goreau and his associates from Bio-Rock the day of the sinking. So, now the next step will be to attach coral fragments to the structure.
So, if this sounds like fun to anyone, come join us for the on-going Reef Gardener Specialty course and help us with the Bio-turtle Project and our other on-going Reef Restoration Projects. The money from this course goes to support the Reef Gardeners of Pemuteran, local fishermen who have been trained to maintain the reef and the reef restoration projects. So, drop us an email if you want to get involved!
Hello Everyone! It was a busy April for us! We have had many fantastic divers join us this past month as well as students. Congratulations to our newest divers: Betina Bertelsen, Fredrik Bergsaler,Jennie Sandstad, Nicholas and Ben Hartley!
As mentioned before, we have finally inaugurated the new home for our resident turtle, Boomer. Thanks again Hanna for the donations. Boomer is loving his new location. He is swimming laps daily! You can come visit Boomer in his new home and also release some of little guys in the hatchery that are now old enough to be released into the ocean.
We have also introduced the new Bio Turtle project into our Bio-Wreck dive site. This new structure, designed by some our previous Reef Gardener Specialty Course students, was sunk and attached to electricity generated by solar panels. We were lucky to have the help of Dr. Thomas Goreau and his associates from Bio-Rock the day of the sinking. So, now the next step will be to attach coral fragments to the structure.
So, if this sounds like fun to anyone, come join us for the on-going Reef Gardener Specialty course and help us with the Bio-turtle Project and our other on-going Reef Restoration Projects. The money from this course goes to support the Reef Gardeners of Pemuteran, local fishermen who have been trained to maintain the reef and the reef restoration projects. So, drop us an email if you want to get involved!
28/03/28/Underwater Clean-up
We want to thank everyone that participated in the Underwater clean-up last month. Including our clients, staff, the Reef Gardeners and friends from other dive shops in Pemuteran, we had a total of 22 people helping to clean-up the bay from shore here in Pemuteran. Thanks for all your help, it definitely looks cleaner down there. Our next big underwater and beach clean-up will be held in the afternoon of April 22nd, Earth Day. So, if you are in the area and want to do something for the reef, pop by and give us a hand!
We want to thank everyone that participated in the Underwater clean-up last month. Including our clients, staff, the Reef Gardeners and friends from other dive shops in Pemuteran, we had a total of 22 people helping to clean-up the bay from shore here in Pemuteran. Thanks for all your help, it definitely looks cleaner down there. Our next big underwater and beach clean-up will be held in the afternoon of April 22nd, Earth Day. So, if you are in the area and want to do something for the reef, pop by and give us a hand!
3 March 2009/New Reef Seen Projects!
Although this is supposed to be the slow season for Reef Seen, the past month has been anything but slow for us here. As always we have had some very special guests here. But I first want to recognize the efforts of Hanna Bywater, an 8 year old Canadian. She has been to Reef Seen with her mom Micky and father Brent years before and fell in love with the turtle hatchery project. This passionate and determined little girl developed a fundraiser with the help of her family to assist the turtle project and conservation efforts here at Reef Seen. She presented Chris with Sixteen Million Rupiah, which we are using to give Boomer a bigger pool which is under construction at the moment and also create a new bio-rock structure, the Bio-Turtle.
On this note, we want to thank all of the people this last month who sponsored and released our head-started turtles, especially our other Canadian friends, Ian, Helen and their daughter Hanna (yes another Canadian Hanna!). And for those of you who will be visiting us in the months to come, you can come say hello to the new arrivals, 62 newly hatched green sea turtles! These little guys were given to Reef Seen 3 months ago by a local fisherman who found them down the beach from here. So, in about 3 month�s time, these little guys will be ready to join the others in the sea. We also have had a repeat visit from our Hawksbill friend, and a beautiful mature female Olive Ridley.
I am also very happy to announce that the Reef Gardener Distinctive Specialty Course was approved by PADI and has seen its first students, Jim and Wendy from Canada. After participating in the course in which they learned about reef ecology, coastal habitats, the impacts facing our reefs today, they also were able to learn new skills of reef restoration and artificial reef creation. They have been a great help with the on-going development and maintenance of the bio-wreck. They were also a big help to the Reef Gardeners. Also, Jim and Wendy helped created the designs of the future Bio-Turtle, which has been completed and now awaits submersion. So, very soon this new structure will be joining the Bio-Wreck project. We hope to collect broken coral fragments for this structure from other reef locations to add diversity to the gene pool of this coral reef. We now hope that others also take an interest in the Reef Gardener Course and that the revenues made from this course continue to support new reef restoration projects and the Reef Gardeners of Pemuteran.
As for the rest of diving this month, all I can say is Whale Sharks! 2 more sightings from our divers out at Menjangan have occurred this month, including a full size whale shark with two small baby whale sharks (estimated to be about 1 � meters long.) We want to thank all of our guests that have visited this past month, but a special thanks to Vikki and Istvan, our Hungarian repeat guests at Reef Seen and all of their Hungarian friends.(turtle release and whale shark photos credited to Istvan) Also, a big thanks to our Aussi friends - Brent, Bris, Bel and Wil. And, of course, our Alaskan friends Mary and Tom and my buddy Tessa! And everyone else, thanks for diving with us and we hope to see you again soon!
Although this is supposed to be the slow season for Reef Seen, the past month has been anything but slow for us here. As always we have had some very special guests here. But I first want to recognize the efforts of Hanna Bywater, an 8 year old Canadian. She has been to Reef Seen with her mom Micky and father Brent years before and fell in love with the turtle hatchery project. This passionate and determined little girl developed a fundraiser with the help of her family to assist the turtle project and conservation efforts here at Reef Seen. She presented Chris with Sixteen Million Rupiah, which we are using to give Boomer a bigger pool which is under construction at the moment and also create a new bio-rock structure, the Bio-Turtle.
On this note, we want to thank all of the people this last month who sponsored and released our head-started turtles, especially our other Canadian friends, Ian, Helen and their daughter Hanna (yes another Canadian Hanna!). And for those of you who will be visiting us in the months to come, you can come say hello to the new arrivals, 62 newly hatched green sea turtles! These little guys were given to Reef Seen 3 months ago by a local fisherman who found them down the beach from here. So, in about 3 month�s time, these little guys will be ready to join the others in the sea. We also have had a repeat visit from our Hawksbill friend, and a beautiful mature female Olive Ridley. I am also very happy to announce that the Reef Gardener Distinctive Specialty Course was approved by PADI and has seen its first students, Jim and Wendy from Canada. After participating in the course in which they learned about reef ecology, coastal habitats, the impacts facing our reefs today, they also were able to learn new skills of reef restoration and artificial reef creation. They have been a great help with the on-going development and maintenance of the bio-wreck. They were also a big help to the Reef Gardeners. Also, Jim and Wendy helped created the designs of the future Bio-Turtle, which has been completed and now awaits submersion. So, very soon this new structure will be joining the Bio-Wreck project. We hope to collect broken coral fragments for this structure from other reef locations to add diversity to the gene pool of this coral reef. We now hope that others also take an interest in the Reef Gardener Course and that the revenues made from this course continue to support new reef restoration projects and the Reef Gardeners of Pemuteran.
As for the rest of diving this month, all I can say is Whale Sharks! 2 more sightings from our divers out at Menjangan have occurred this month, including a full size whale shark with two small baby whale sharks (estimated to be about 1 � meters long.) We want to thank all of our guests that have visited this past month, but a special thanks to Vikki and Istvan, our Hungarian repeat guests at Reef Seen and all of their Hungarian friends.(turtle release and whale shark photos credited to Istvan) Also, a big thanks to our Aussi friends - Brent, Bris, Bel and Wil. And, of course, our Alaskan friends Mary and Tom and my buddy Tessa! And everyone else, thanks for diving with us and we hope to see you again soon!
26 January 2009/Holly's New Year's Greeting
Greetings everyone! This is my first official update as the new instructor here at Reef Seen. The past month and a half have been a whirlwind of excitement for me. How lucky do I feel about finding myself in a little corner of paradise with such incredible diving. What the articles and adverts all say about the north shore of Bali is so true. I find the diversity under the water is amazing here, from the smallest pygmy sea horse to the massive whale shark!
As a coral enthusiast, I am always happy with the health of the coral found on our local reefs. So far, my favorite local dives are definitely Temple Gardens with its amazing artificial reef of Balinese statues nestled naturally into a little wall where bizarre species of nudibranchs seem to hangout. Close Encounters as well of course, where when there is a slight drift, giant trevally found circling en mass. But so far, Menjangan Island is by far my favorite. The range of dive sites there are quite interesting ranging from crazy vertical walls punctuated with caverns to vista covered with garden eels as far as the eye can see and of course the coral!!!
But what I am really impressed with here is the entire staff's dedication to protection and conservation of the reef here in Pemuteran. I feel like I definitely made a good choice about choosing Reef Seen. ‘Eco’ dive operators are quite trendy at the moment, but the guys here are actually doing something positive for the reef! I am very excited about the work done by the Reef Gardeners and look forward to collaborating with them soon in the future with the Reef Gardener Specialty Course we will be offering clients! More info about that soon :)
But I also feel lucky about the great clients that seem to be drawn to Reef Seen. I send a thanks to everyone, especially to the Buchanan and Fisher families, Yan and Richard, Peter, his little mermaid Billy and the rest of the family, Paul, Kate and family, the Wright and White families from Australia and everyone else (you know who you are ;) I also want to congratulate our newest certified divers Logan, Georgia, Katja and Ralf. I had a great time teaching you guys and particularly enjoyed all of the beer fines!!
Cheers from Paradise!
Holly
Greetings everyone! This is my first official update as the new instructor here at Reef Seen. The past month and a half have been a whirlwind of excitement for me. How lucky do I feel about finding myself in a little corner of paradise with such incredible diving. What the articles and adverts all say about the north shore of Bali is so true. I find the diversity under the water is amazing here, from the smallest pygmy sea horse to the massive whale shark!
As a coral enthusiast, I am always happy with the health of the coral found on our local reefs. So far, my favorite local dives are definitely Temple Gardens with its amazing artificial reef of Balinese statues nestled naturally into a little wall where bizarre species of nudibranchs seem to hangout. Close Encounters as well of course, where when there is a slight drift, giant trevally found circling en mass. But so far, Menjangan Island is by far my favorite. The range of dive sites there are quite interesting ranging from crazy vertical walls punctuated with caverns to vista covered with garden eels as far as the eye can see and of course the coral!!!
But what I am really impressed with here is the entire staff's dedication to protection and conservation of the reef here in Pemuteran. I feel like I definitely made a good choice about choosing Reef Seen. ‘Eco’ dive operators are quite trendy at the moment, but the guys here are actually doing something positive for the reef! I am very excited about the work done by the Reef Gardeners and look forward to collaborating with them soon in the future with the Reef Gardener Specialty Course we will be offering clients! More info about that soon :)
But I also feel lucky about the great clients that seem to be drawn to Reef Seen. I send a thanks to everyone, especially to the Buchanan and Fisher families, Yan and Richard, Peter, his little mermaid Billy and the rest of the family, Paul, Kate and family, the Wright and White families from Australia and everyone else (you know who you are ;) I also want to congratulate our newest certified divers Logan, Georgia, Katja and Ralf. I had a great time teaching you guys and particularly enjoyed all of the beer fines!!
Cheers from Paradise!
Holly
20th November, 2008/Staff Change
Tess and Mike, our Dutch couple working as dive instructor and local environmental projects, have, unfortunately, had to cut their stay here at Reef Seen short and left us a few days ago. Good luck to them for their continued adventures and lives.
To replace them, Holly Hutchison, PADI MSDT/Instructor of the US will be joining us as from the middle of December. Speaking French, Spanish and, of course, English and having wide experience in the Carribean, Africa, Hawaii and other places as well as being involved, and wanting to get involved here, in local environmental and village projects, we are sure that Holly will fit in well at Reef Seen and continue the high level of service and diving that Reef Seen is widely known for.
Let's wish her a warm greeting to Bali and many wonderful dives to come.
Chris.
Tess and Mike, our Dutch couple working as dive instructor and local environmental projects, have, unfortunately, had to cut their stay here at Reef Seen short and left us a few days ago. Good luck to them for their continued adventures and lives.
To replace them, Holly Hutchison, PADI MSDT/Instructor of the US will be joining us as from the middle of December. Speaking French, Spanish and, of course, English and having wide experience in the Carribean, Africa, Hawaii and other places as well as being involved, and wanting to get involved here, in local environmental and village projects, we are sure that Holly will fit in well at Reef Seen and continue the high level of service and diving that Reef Seen is widely known for.
Let's wish her a warm greeting to Bali and many wonderful dives to come.
Chris.
16th august, 2008/Turtle Hatchling Release Day
For the 12th year in a row, Reef Seen Aquatics and The Turtle Project (Proyek Penyu) were able to do a mass Turtle Hatchling release with the 5 local "SD" ( primary schools) and 2 "TK" (kindergartens). Co-ordinated with the Village Council and School Heads, and in conjunction with the Indonesian Independance day celebrations the next day, over 500 school children attended and participated in the release of 55 one month old “Olive Ridley” turtle hatchlings. These hatchlings had all been hatched from eggs in the Turtle Project hatchery.
The morning started with a competition for which school could collect the most rubbish from the local beaches. This rubbish was then brought to the dive centre where it was then judged. ( SD 2 won - see photos) After this, and some well earned drinks of water for the children, the Head of the local fishermen gave a short speech followed by a another short speech on the why's and where’s of looking after the turtles and environment by Reef Seen's Director, Chris Brown. He also announced a new "mini grant" of IDR500,000 to each of the primary schools (SD) and IDR250,000 to each of the Kindergartens (TK) to kick start some environment programs in each of the schools.
It is hoped that this can continue, and the amount grows, in the years to come. After all, these children are the future stakeholders and leaders of the area and their successful education in protecting the seas and other environment must start young if it's to be successful.
For the 12th year in a row, Reef Seen Aquatics and The Turtle Project (Proyek Penyu) were able to do a mass Turtle Hatchling release with the 5 local "SD" ( primary schools) and 2 "TK" (kindergartens). Co-ordinated with the Village Council and School Heads, and in conjunction with the Indonesian Independance day celebrations the next day, over 500 school children attended and participated in the release of 55 one month old “Olive Ridley” turtle hatchlings. These hatchlings had all been hatched from eggs in the Turtle Project hatchery. The morning started with a competition for which school could collect the most rubbish from the local beaches. This rubbish was then brought to the dive centre where it was then judged. ( SD 2 won - see photos) After this, and some well earned drinks of water for the children, the Head of the local fishermen gave a short speech followed by a another short speech on the why's and where’s of looking after the turtles and environment by Reef Seen's Director, Chris Brown. He also announced a new "mini grant" of IDR500,000 to each of the primary schools (SD) and IDR250,000 to each of the Kindergartens (TK) to kick start some environment programs in each of the schools. It is hoped that this can continue, and the amount grows, in the years to come. After all, these children are the future stakeholders and leaders of the area and their successful education in protecting the seas and other environment must start young if it's to be successful. 23th August, 2008/Pemuteran, One Step Ahead!
Reef Seen Aquatics supervised a new project that started in April to prolong and safeguard the ongoing conservation works in Pemuteran Bay. As “godfather” of many projects before, Chris Brown personally joined the installation of the first information sign on the beach in front of one of the resorts. Visited by so many enthusiastic but inexperienced snorkelers and swimmers it is inevitable that damage is and will be done to the ongoing preservation and conservation work in this area. In order to provide adequate information to people that are unaware of these so very important things again Reef Seen Aquatics was the first to transform the wishes of many, devoted to conservation, into something real.
The first sign was installed on April 28th. While the work was still to be finished and the concrete was still wet, Chris… as always, could not resist informing guests of Pemuteran Bay that passed by on their early morning walk. Enthusiasm could be heard from their first reactions… busy with a team of “Reef Gardeners” he was probably so occupied that he was not aware that he was talking to people that would become his guests later that day.
Another 3 signs have been placed along the beach of Pemuteran in order to give adequate information to visitors and it will hopefully be another step forward in saving the habitat of so many marine creatures. There’s more work to be done and hopefully it will result in placing another two of this informative signs.
We sincerely hope to welcome you again on this part of our website!
Yours in Diving,
The Reef Seen Aquatics Team
Reef Seen Aquatics supervised a new project that started in April to prolong and safeguard the ongoing conservation works in Pemuteran Bay. As “godfather” of many projects before, Chris Brown personally joined the installation of the first information sign on the beach in front of one of the resorts. Visited by so many enthusiastic but inexperienced snorkelers and swimmers it is inevitable that damage is and will be done to the ongoing preservation and conservation work in this area. In order to provide adequate information to people that are unaware of these so very important things again Reef Seen Aquatics was the first to transform the wishes of many, devoted to conservation, into something real. The first sign was installed on April 28th. While the work was still to be finished and the concrete was still wet, Chris… as always, could not resist informing guests of Pemuteran Bay that passed by on their early morning walk. Enthusiasm could be heard from their first reactions… busy with a team of “Reef Gardeners” he was probably so occupied that he was not aware that he was talking to people that would become his guests later that day. Another 3 signs have been placed along the beach of Pemuteran in order to give adequate information to visitors and it will hopefully be another step forward in saving the habitat of so many marine creatures. There’s more work to be done and hopefully it will result in placing another two of this informative signs.
We sincerely hope to welcome you again on this part of our website!
Yours in Diving,
The Reef Seen Aquatics Team
18th July, 2008/Reef Seen Aquatics airborne!
Recently Teguh Sudarisman the managing editor of Indomultimedia Group honoured us with a 3 day visit. During his stay in Pemuteran we introduced him in the ongoing projects. His stay in Pemuteran resulted in an article called "Reef Revival" If you visit the link below you will be directed to the website of the Garuda Inflight Magazine. Imagine what great exposure this will generate for our projects…75.000 copies all over the world. 24 international and 22 domestic destinations are served by the Garuda Indonesia Fleet!
Please enjoy the article and we hope you will visit our website again for more news!
CLICK HERE
Recently Teguh Sudarisman the managing editor of Indomultimedia Group honoured us with a 3 day visit. During his stay in Pemuteran we introduced him in the ongoing projects. His stay in Pemuteran resulted in an article called "Reef Revival" If you visit the link below you will be directed to the website of the Garuda Inflight Magazine. Imagine what great exposure this will generate for our projects…75.000 copies all over the world. 24 international and 22 domestic destinations are served by the Garuda Indonesia Fleet!
Please enjoy the article and we hope you will visit our website again for more news!
CLICK HERE
24th May, 2008/Turtle Project
This morning the gods were with us. A local fisherman found a large Olive Ridley sea turtle on the beach and brought it to us. After explaining that the turtle - a female - probable came up to lay eggs and it would have been better to let it lay the eggs and then call us, we gave him a small reward for bringing it to us. A couple of hours later we noticed that it had started to lay eggs in the tank!! Never seen this before and was amazed. Quickly move the turtle to a sand area where it continued to lay 98 eggs. All of these, along with the ones laid in the tank, were then placed in one of our hatching boxes and then buried in the sand. Looking forward to some new hatchlings in about 2 months.
This morning the gods were with us. A local fisherman found a large Olive Ridley sea turtle on the beach and brought it to us. After explaining that the turtle - a female - probable came up to lay eggs and it would have been better to let it lay the eggs and then call us, we gave him a small reward for bringing it to us. A couple of hours later we noticed that it had started to lay eggs in the tank!! Never seen this before and was amazed. Quickly move the turtle to a sand area where it continued to lay 98 eggs. All of these, along with the ones laid in the tank, were then placed in one of our hatching boxes and then buried in the sand. Looking forward to some new hatchlings in about 2 months.
Mar 2008/RSA New Website!
Finally we have our new looking site, updated info, photos and much more. Enjoy!
Finally we have our new looking site, updated info, photos and much more. Enjoy!
