North Sulawesi diving services : Diving in Bunaken, Lembeh "Muck" Diving, Bangka Archipelago dive Trips, Liveaboard dive cruise & PADI Courses
MIMPI on North Halmahera
MIMPI is a relatively simple, traditional wooden ship. She has 4 cabins, 2 twin and 2 double, each with a separate bath room and equipped with AC. The cabins are located below decks. On the upper deck there is a small lounge with dining tables and the front deck allows for sun bathing or sitting comfortably out side. The small dive deck on the back allows for easy entering or getting out of the dinghy.
The ship is not fast, but can withstand bad weather easily.
There is a charging facility on board and there is 24 hours 220 Volts electricity.
For emergencies Mimpi is equipped with a 16-persons life raft, life jackets, satellite telephone and VHF.
MIMPI Live Aboard cruises in the area of North Halmahera, an area that is not discovered by tourism and in that aspect very undeveloped. This has also consequences for the services that can be provided; Sometimes it is difficult to buy a broad variety on fruit and vegetables, sometimes guests don’t appreciate the style of living of the local people, sometimes it takes an effort to take water in…. Medical facilities are sparse and understaffed and the closest recompression chamber is located in Manado.
The MIMPI trips in North Halmahera cover the islands in front of the cities Tobelo and Galela and some of the small islands around the big island of Morotai. Not all possibilities have been explored yet, so it might be possible that guests will try new locations and dive on sites that have never been dived on before.
Most impressive are the abundant coral gardens. Interesting and unusual are the many hot springs in the middle of the ocean, resulting from volcanic activity and the several wrecks, resulting from WWII.
Fish life is less than North Sulawesi and Raja Empat, though one can find unusual Nudibranches and see Leopard sharks during most night dives. On most days, dolphins swim for long stretches along the boat.
Taking the above points in consideration one can say that MIMPI is not suitable for all guests. People that have been traveling to Indonesia and who like to have a familiar and friendly relationship with local people will thoroughly enjoy the trips MIMPI makes.
However, people that prefer luxurious live aboards, with slick cabins and high class facilities, should not go on a trip with MIMPI.
Trips only take place with 4 pax or more on a trip. Flights from and back to Manado are included in the trip fee. There are three airport that can be used, depending on the flying dates. Guests fly either to and from Galela, Kaou or Ternate. Guests board in the harbor of Tobelo or Galela in North Halmahera.
We cannot guarantee local flight schedules in Indonesia. The airline companies tend to change heir schedule without notice. Guests should have a couple of days before and after their trip on MIMPI to allow for a little bit of flexibility.
Trips take 8 days / 7 nights and cost US$ 1465 retail.
Trip fees are including air tickets from and to Manado, land transfers, minimum 15 dives per trip and of course full board on MIMPI. Soft drinks and beer are charged additionally.
All guests need their own travel insurance, covering medical expenses (DAN is preferred).
Possible itinerary MIMPI trip North Halmahera
Day 1: Transfer from the airport. Board the boat at about 10:00 in the morning after which MIMPI leaves immediately for Morotai.
On the way there will be a possibility to make 2 dives on underwater sea mounts.
Early evening, night dive at Morotai.
Day 2: Depending on the weather and guests preference: Wreck diving on the east coast of Morotai and around the cape , or the cape and the islands and reefs on the west coast. This is a relative new area where we have explored a few islands but not all. Some new dive sites, with unknown reefs might be possible.
Day 3: Further cruising and diving north along the west coast of Morotai
Day 4: In the early morning crossing over to Galela, the main land of Halmahera. Diving on the underwater volcanoes. Exploring the mainland and village.
(Mimpi will take in water)
Day 5: diving along the mainland and exploring the islands in front of Tobelo.
Day 6: Exploring the islands in front of Tobelo
Day 7: Early morning dive; chance to make a tour to the volcanoes of North Halmahera
Day 8: Transfer to the airport, departure to Manado
It is not possible to gain any rights out of this itinerary. Routes depend on factors which cannot always be predicted.
Download the Liveaboard Trip Schedule 2008
5* THALASSA DIVE CENTER
Sulawesi Utara – INDONESIA
Tel : (+62) 431 – 850 230
Fax : (+62) 431 – 850 231
E-mail : info(at)thalassa.net
-
Member of :
Click on logo to find out more
Click on image to download Thalassa Post