A few weeks after my 10th birthday my parents decided it might be a fun family activity to go and do an open water course in Greece. A mixture of excitement and nervousness was filling me as I entered the Mediterranean waters fully geared up. Resurfacing 45 mins later, a bright smile on my face, everyone around me knew I had discovered a new passion.
Over the next 10 years, I discovered many new diving locations and underwater life forms. I continued rising up the PADI certified diver tree by completing my AOW and my Rescue Diver certificate. Yet I still felt like I could learn more about diving, sharpen my skills and become a better and more aware diver. So finishing my bachelor and with 1 month free before beginning the army I decided “What the heck, let’s go to Indonesia and get my Divemaster certificate !”.
After three years of studying you just need a break!
Two months after this statement I was disembarking from a speedboat on the coast of Nusa Lembongan, a big backpack over my shoulders, sweat streaming down my face (it is hot and humid on this side of the world) and my heart beating with impatience. That same day I met my instructors (Dani and Anna) as well as the other DMTs (Thomas and Yury) with whom I would be spending the most part of my days with for the following 3 weeks.
Nusa Lembongan is like a mini paradise which suits everyone needs. For divers and water enthusiasts, there are clear warm exotic waters full of fish, corals, Mola molas and manta rays. At the surface great surfable waves and breath-taking sandy beaches. All this, surrounding 3 tropical islands flourishing with forests, cliffs and a general “chilled” atmosphere.
As for the Two Fish Dive Resort, it is a small resort with accommodation, a bar, an eating area and of course a pool for training. Friendly staff and guides accompany you through your adventure and make you feel very welcomed.
My Divemaster course started right away and I quickly realized this was not for the faint hearted. Wake up at 5h55 to meet up with the dive guides and crew to load the boat and prepare your diving equipment. Then departure at 8h for a session of 2 dives (either course related or fun diving for practice and pleasure). On the boat you are expected to work as a fully fledged member of the staff, meaning: helping divers with their equipment, making a dive briefing, serving water and food after each dive and of course unloading the boat once its back at the beach. The afternoons are reserved for class sessions, skills in the pool or other divemaster training related activities. Obviously, the day ends with a well deserved beer with the instructors and DMTs.
Nusa Lembongan diving locations are spread out over the 2 main islands of Lembongan and Penida. In the south of Penida is where you find reef manta rays in Manta Point or in Manta Bay. These two locations can be breathtaking if the conditions are right and the mantas are there getting cleaned and feeding. You also have the famous Crystal Bay where between July and October you have the possibility of seeing mola molas. In the north, you have many challenging drift dive sites like Mangroves, Toyapakeh and SD. All of them offer very colorful corals and magnificent macro life for the great pleasure of photographers and fun divers alike.
At this time I have completed more than half of my DMT and I just can’t get enough. It is a one in a lifetime experience which keeps getting more fun as days go by. Hard work and tiredness is quickly forgotten once you head under water. Theory and exams dissipate to leave room for skill training and practice. All and all I am very glad to continue my DMT in such a friendly and marine rich environment.
