Thailand to Komodo Expedition - Pulau Masalembu and Indoensia's Bermuda Triangle

Pulau Masalembo - the heart of Indonesia's Bermuda Triangle

After a few days at the Orangutan Sanctuary and a quick visit to the small town, the Jaya is back in the Java Sea and headed off to the next destination. Pulau Masalembu. Another island very, very far off the tourist path.

This small island is located about halfway between Borneo (Kalimantan) and Bali. This Island (or two islands) is also known as Indonesia's Bermuda Triangle! There have been two significant airplane crashes in the area (Garuda and Adam air) for no discernible reason as well as the capsizing of a large ferry in the 80's. In addition there are stories of many smaller boats sinking in this region.

The seas are often rough in this area due to the geography and large waves are frequent, regardless of weather conditions. Settled mainly by Bugis people from Sulawesi, it is reliant purely on fishing these rich waters for revenue. The islands are very poor and rarely served by supply vessels.

They are quite scenic and look very interesting. There are only a few photos online and hopefully we will produce some new ones :) http://masalembo.weebly.com/galeri-masalembu.html

They are home to a few interesting species - most notably the White Indonesian Cockatoo. These are nearly extinct in the wild - but are found in these islands.

There is virtually nothing written about the diving or other activities in the area. So, once again the Jaya and Wicked Diving is off into unexplored territory. We will certainly fill you in shortly! Pictures and videos will come later.

If you would like to join Wicked Diving on a Komodo Liveaboard just contact us.

-Wicked diving, Komodo

Thailand to Komodo Expedition - Orangutans and Fireflys

Wicked Diving's Thailand to Komodo expedition has lasted more than a week - and everyone on the trip is still very excited and enjoying themselves.

The past few days found the Jaya sailing up a river INTO the heart of the Orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation center in Southern Borneo (Kalimantan) - Tanjung Puting. Known as Camp Leakey, this is one of the main centers of Oranutan research and rehabilitation in the world.

Not only did the guests go out and explore the refuge - they did an overnight trip up the river and slept on the boat in the middle of the jungles of Borneo!

They saw many, many species in the refuge. Highlights include (of course) the Orangutans - adult and juvenile - and the opportunity to fed and actually interact with them. But also Proboscis monkeys, longtail gibbons, monitor lizards, enormous butterflies, hornbills and more.

However - one the highlights of the visit to the refuge was sleeping on the boat in the middle of this river. The fireflies numbered in the tens of thousands and they said that everyone who had energy stayed up as long as possible, entranced by the light show.

They are currently en route to the next destination that you've probably never heard of...Pulau Masalembu. More on that tomorrow!


Orangutan means "man of the forest" and how true it is. However, most of their habitat has been destroyed for massive plantations for basic commodities like palm oil. In addition there is a lot of poaching for zoos, private collectors and more. Due to massive reduction in habitat, the population is at risk and they are endangered. However, they are simple a marker species that we all recognize. There are many, many more species that are at risk throughout this part of the world.

What can you do to help? One way is to change your habits! Make sure your foods are Rainforest friendly. Responsibly sourced products are hard to find in the United States but are available. In European countries it is pretty easy to access these goods. The other way to help is by sponsoring an Oranutan!


If you would like to join our adventures in Komodo, you can join our 3 or 6 day Komodo Liveaboards.


-Wicked Diving, Komodo

Thailand to Komodo Expedition - Pulau Serutu and onwards...

Pulau Serutu

This small island is located of the southwestern coast of Borneo. Also called Cigar Island (look at the picture).

After talking with the Jaya briefly - they had a great dive and are off...again for the next incredible destination.


The diving was very good at Pulau Serutu - they compared it to the best day on the Surin Islands. Pretty shallow sand and very cool stuff all around.


They saw a massive Jenkins Ray and a tiny, tiny blue spotted ray (species unknown). For all those into macro - several Thuridilla Nudibranchs and some Indian Ocean Walkman (though I reckon they have a different name when not in the Indian ocean?)...that's an old picture by the way! Just thought I might add some images to the story :)


After a spot of rain above the water, they were happy to come up from the dive to find the skies cleared up and the sailing smooth! They described the island as being very "Lost"-esque.

However - the next stop on this expedition is one that has got everyone excited to a point of frenzy (all of us included). They are pulling into the world famous Tanjung Puting National Park.

Don't recognize the name? Home to Camp Leakey.

Still not familiar?

This is home to the largest wild orangutang population in the world! This is where it all started for Orangutangs in the public mind. All those pictures you've seen of young orangutangs having been orphaned by logging and gold mining ...this is where they try to raise and release them.

This is also home to the proboscis monkey (and dozens of other incredible species).

We are actually (weather permitting) pulling the boat up the river INTO the park! Now, when was the last time your dive trip took you into an orangutang sanctuary?

We have forewarned all staff to do a strict and thorough staff check before departure. If we are missing anyone - we know to go in and look for Amanda. She may have abandoned ship. And we are also on the lookout for any extra crew members or "guests" that look like they need a shave.

While this is such a stunning experience and something we can all be envious of - the forests and lands that are home to these amazing animals is still very much under threat! Please take your time to help! Through your donations (and actions) you can help this massive preserve care for and rehabilitate Orangutangs.

However, this does not affect the actual problem, only deals with the results. Please join the Rain Forest Action Network and help change how the habitat is destroyed in the first place. Of particular help is to directly assist the protect an acre program. Something that Wicked Diving strongly supports and look for more news on that in the near future.


There are still spaces available if you wish to join our Komodo Liveaboard from June through September of this year.


-Wicked Diving, Komodo

Thailand to Komodo Expedition - Remote Islands on the edge of Borneo

Serutu Island

Having crossed the equator and the toilets flushing the other direction - the Jaya is approaching the Island of Pulau Karimata. This island has been visited a few times, has some inhabitants and is easier to find on the map than the last one!



Today's geography lesson!



In watching the Jaya approach Karimata Islands - I did some research to satiate my curiosity and prepare for my vicarious journey there :)

"Karimata Islands marine nature reserve located in the district of Maya Island Ketapang West Kalimantan Province. The area of marine nature reserve is 77 hectares Karimata islands. Karimata Islands can be reached from the city of Pontianak using a motor boat with 18 hours of travel time

Karimata Islands consist of clusters of islands totaling eight large and small islands.The largest island in the archipelago Karimata Karimata Island and Serutu Island.Natural Reserve in the region there Karimata archipelagic sea, rocky mountain forest.This area is separate from the island of Borneo (Kalimantan Island). These conditions cause the type of fauna present in the island’s many endemic species belonging to a quite unique, such as dugongs, turtles and ivory tortoises . Besides that we also find various coral reefs and other marine fish."

It is also something of a secret spot on surfing safaris that ply this region. Our actual destination (for which there is virtually no information) is Pulau Serutu, referred to as "Cigar Island". This has some really nice reefs and is home (it's only claim to fame) to a lighthouse noted by a large amount of international shipping (and originally built in 1911 )

While it is fun for me (us?) to check up on where the Jaya is going to, it must be so much more exciting to be on the boat preparing for each leg of this expedition. So many amazing things to see and experience and so much of it virtually untouched by tourists.

Aw. well - guess I'll just have to be on the return trip in October!

Should you wish join our Komodo Liveaaboard trips from June to September - don't hesitate to contact us -



-Wicked Diving, Komodo

Thailand to Komodo - Equator dives, bumphead parrotfish and signs of land.

Wicked Diving's expedition to Komodo is moving right along! After the first stop at the super remote Pulau Pejentan the Jaya headed towards Kalimantan (Borneo) and the next destination - Pulau Karimata.

While we do communicate - we can't spend too much time on the satellite phone, they screamed with joy! The first stop was the super remote Island of Pulau Pejantan and they loved it. Aside from not seeing ANY boats for many hours before and after the dive, they said the diving itself was incredible. Pristine reefs, really vibrant fish life - schools of Bumphead Parrotfish. And the groups chose to go separate directions as the sites were completely unexplored and they liked the idea of each group getting to dive a place that may have never been dived by anyone - ever!

After the excitement of the dive and the long journey ahead - they departed. Sadly they did not have enough time to explore the island more fully...but I am sure we can do that on the return trip in October :)

The transit to the the next destination was going to be almost 18 hours - so they did just the one dive. As part of the trip they were crossing the equator during daylight hours. so they stopped and did an "Equator Dive"!

Not much to see - but something not many people can say they've done!

Everyone is in very high spirits and looking forward to the adventures ahead - including the possibility of visiting an Orangutang Sanctuary on the mainland! There is much, much more to see and experience in the weeks ahead - and we are all watching (and reading) eagerly to learn more!

If you would like to join our Komodo Liveaboard trips from June through September - feel free to contact us.


-Wicked Diving, Komodo