August 2006

In Indonesia, namely, off the northwest coast of the island of Sulawesi, about 45 minutes by boat from Manado, stands out beautifully in the turquoise sea of Celebes a lovely verdant archipelago, which is the famous Bunaken National Marine Park, destination unchallenged for divers, which in these clear waters may know one of the most fascinating spectacles that nature can offer them.

We are on the equator, where temperatures of water and air, hovering steadily all year around 30 ° C thus providing an ideal climate for those seeking a truly exceptional holiday in all respects.

In particular, we want you to tell our travel experience on the beautiful island of Siladen, perfect place for lovers of nature, sea and tranquility.

Siladen is definitely the petite island of Bunaken National Marine Park, but has mainly to be a true piece of paradise with long white sandy beaches surrounded by coconut palms and mangroves, with its small fishing village consisting of approximately 300 inhabitants always happy, smiling and hospitable despite the simplicity in which they live.

Excellent alternative to reside on the island is the Auberge de la Plage, also known as Christian homestay here conviviality, authenticity and tranquility are the order of the day.

L'Auberge de la Plage overlooking a long beach home with magnificent view of coral on the island-volcano of Manado Tua.

The sunsets can be seen here are really incredible and spectacular.

The 6 bungalows are all this small resort on the beach and seafront are really spacious and very comfortable, of course, made of wood and coconut fiber according to local style. Are equipped with 3 bathrooms shared pool, with a typical method sends Indonesian.

The table for breakfast, lunch and dinner is prepared on the beach, coffee and tea are always there, available to guests.

La Plage de la dell'Auberge wonderful cook as well as preparing the fresh bread every morning, always a great and varied use of local produce and its delicious dishes are mainly of good fish. In the evening we have always been able to enjoy delicious Indonesian specialties served on the beach and rigorously candlelight.

The Diving Center itself does not exist but Christian, the owner of the Resort, accompanies you with great joy in beautiful and exciting dive in the Marine Park.

He graduated from the University of Paris in oriental languages and Indonesian woman married to a marine engineering graduate, speaks fluent Indonesian still retaining its very nice and unmistakable French accent. Instructors for many years (SSI - CMAS - TDI - FFESSM) has to his credit more than 14,000 jumps and over twenty years experience as a Dive Industry Professional.

Every day, in front of the Resort, a wooden boat is ready to sail with all the equipment on board (already installed) for a new dive to explore the fabulous underwater world. Extraordinary walls of many colors and dizzying descents into the blue, rich in hard and soft corals, plenty of reef fish, large sponges, colorful nudibranchs, huge sea fans, various leaf fish different colors, small and fragile sea horses, shrimps and crabs of every race and model!

In several of the Marine Park dive sites can also easily encounter reef sharks, turtles, jack fish, barracuda, eagle rays, Napoleon fish and moray eels and numerous snakes. Excellent visibility. Should always try and pay attention to even the most minute details to be able to discover interesting and small marine organisms. The emotions that you can try immersing himself in this place are very rich indeed indescribable and certainly not very usual!

Often you can safely leave in the stream along the sides of the walls and then be easily fished from the boat at the end of immersion. And this is certainly a very pleasant way to attend live a very original show LIVE on the hidden wonders of the sea.

Dive into the morning, there reveals a genuine new world, composed predominantly of amazing animals that are absolutely not see during the day as a beautiful star gorgon with multiple ramifications, crustaceans like crazy very funny porter crabs, lobsters, various types shrimp, pencil urchin and beautiful cowries.

Lying near the equator, the island is subject to strong and inexorable flow of the tides. During periods of low tide you can walk up to the reef or go around the island on foot (about 1 hour walk).

However, even in situations of low tide you can snorkel near the resort thanks to a small concrete pier.

Very important to know that the Resort has no ability to accept credit cards, you can pay in rupees, in euros and U.S. dollars. The exchange rate is quite favorable. The official currency is the Indonesian rupiah. The change that was in force in August 2006 was about Rp 11,500, or 1 Euro = 1US $ = 9400 Rp. Of note also that the Indonesian banking regulations do not allow to accept banknotes are too old or not perfectly intact.

Of this fantastic and unforgettable holiday in Indonesia, in addition to the hundreds of photos that we took in and out of the water and the beautiful memories that will belong forever in our hearts, we will certainly also provided a great example of life taught to the beautiful people living in this paradise with extreme simplicity, but always with a smile on his lips.

And finally we send a warm greeting to all the friends we met along our way and who have been with us Siladen: Matteo, Lluis and Tais, Patrizia and Alexander and of course, and Pierpaolo Tiziana who have been in contact with Christian and who advised us the fabulous Auberge de la Plage.

For more information and addresses:

Website: Manado Dive

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