Maluku Divers Resort
I enjoyed my time at Maluku Dive Resort once I got there. It is a long way from California both in distance and atmosphere. If you end up with a lengthy layover in Jakarta, which we did both ways, I do recommend a stay to rest comfortably in a close by Hotel. We used POP going and FM7 returning, both very comfortable. I had never traveled in Asia before so the crowding took some negotiating for me. Once we finally arrived on Ambon, Maluku Divers were there for us and made the week stay worth the effort to get there.
ROOMS
The rooms were spacious with both AC and ceiling fans. 2 Double beds with good mattresses could be kept separate or made into one big comfy bed. Your choice with your dive buddy! There were 2 large seating areas with room for full camera set up and editing space including enough outlets (but bring your adapter) and good lighting right in the room. The decor was basic but included underwater photos. A really nice shower and bathroom area was ample to share among 2 persons easily.. Our room was right on the edge of the water, and almost all had water views. The early morning light over the water coaxed me up early for a filling breakfast that was no problem for my gluten free needs (eggs prepared any way, rice, and many other choices) and allowed plenty of time for our 8:30 morning dive departure. The afternoon and evening meals offered easy choices as well.
MUCK DIVING
Muck diving was a new experience for me but our guides helped me to quickly learn the best ways to avoid kicking up the silt and balance to take my photos (BOUYANCY, gentle frog kicks , and a poker stick). I have a whole new appreciation for the photos I see from other muck diving destinations, some of those amazing critters are so very tiny!. Our guide Samuel stayed with the 2 of us throughout the trip and he was always helpful with positioning, patient to wait, and eager to show us more. His eyes are amazing as is his bouyancy. It was nice to have consistency with a guide who figured out our personal style and needs quickly and then catered to that each dive.
We saw some critters I could only imagine before including pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish, colorful frogfish, stonefish, myriad shrimp and crabs, and mantis shrimps that came right up to take a look. We only dove near a few coral areas so I did not get my usual fix of reefs and fish, but the quantity and diversity of critters made up for it. We never had to compete with other divers or dive boats. Even within our one boat, the groups were split between guides and did not overlap. They did a phenomenal job of creating a relaxed experience catered to our personal skill level in muck diving. I found very few things on my own, but saw plenty following Samuel from find to find.
The entire staff from managers Emily and Joe, the kitchen staff, and everyone I encountered in the dive staff was friendly and helpful. I liked them all. This is a great destination for anyone who wants to experience muck diving without the worry of crowds or trying to locate the critters. It does not offer significant reef areas or topside activities, but the focus is on muck diving. We did get to dive the wreck of the Duke of Sparta which has become a plentiful artificial reef and I strongly recommend that for both macro and wide angle.
For photographers, the set up is wonderful, with a great layout in the camera room including dedicated space and good lights as well as adequate space for 2 people to work easily in the cabin. They even provided a padded bag for the cameras and transported them to and from the boats with care.
I would go back soon if it were only closer.
