Boat Questions
How many guests / dive guides?
Pelagian accommodates only twelve guests and for this we have two dive guides – always
instructor level divers with a minimum of 1000 logged dives.
How many cabins does Pelagian have?
Pelagian has six cabins, for a total of only 12 guests. Compare that with many other liveaboards who
accommodate between 18-22 people on vessels of comparable size!
How many different cabin types are there on Pelagian?
Four cabin types: Standard Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, Superlux Cabins and the Master Cabin.
Do all cabins have their own bathroom?
Yes, they all have ensuite facilities.
What about A/C controls, are they in every room?
Yes, each of Pelagian's six cabins have their own AC control.
Will I be able to get the food personalized to fit my diet?
Certainly. A couple of weeks before your arrival our office will send you a brief survey where you can
indicate your food preferences and diet. Also, once on board you’ll have a choice of main courses and a
variety of options for all meals.
Are there hot showers on the dive deck?
YES. There is a warm fresh water shower. In addition we do offer warm towels as well as beverages
(hot and cold) and snacks.
Are any land tours part of the Pelagian cruise?
On the last day of the cruise Pelagian returns to her home near Wakatobi Dive Resort and guests are invited to
take a tour of Lamanggau village where local crafts and traditions can be observed and locals can be interacted with.
What kind of clothing should I bring along?
Bathing suits and t-shirts are the order of the day. Dress is usually informal in Indonesia due to the warm,
humid climate and lightweight fabrics are recommended. Light windbreakers, wraps, or sweatshirt should also
be considered as it does cool down at night (or in case of the occasional rain storm).
Are drinks included in the cruise price?
Water, tea, and coffee is available 24 hours and is included free of charge. Juices, Sodas, beer and wine as
well as cocktails, mocktails and specialty coffees are available at an additional cost.
What kind of food can I expect to the served?
Our executive chef serves up an excellent and delicious mix of international and local dishes. Just about any
special dietary need can be met, but please let us know in advance what if have specific requests or dietary
restrictions.
Is the food good on the Pelagian?
Put simply it's great!
Do you have any facilities for photographers?
The Pelagian is well equiped for underwater photographers and videographers. You will find ample space to work
on your camera, charge your batteries and store equipment.
Your conservation programs interest me. Can I contribute by coming to
Wakatobi for a cruise on the Pelagian?
Yes, you will. We set aside a portion of the funds you pay for your trip for conservation
programs and community development.
What is the air / water temperature?
Air temperature is in general around 30 °C during the day and nicely cooler in the evening. Water
temperature is a fairly cool 26-28 °C (79-82°F). We recommend a full body 5 mm dive
suit, especially for divers making several dives in a day.
What is the time difference at Wakatobi?
GMT +8 hours (Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi)
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Diving Questions
Does Pelagian dive the same sites as Wakatobi Resort
In general Pelagian dives entirely different sites than those reached from the resort. However, some
sites near the resort are (due to their popularity) visited on the first and last diving day
of a cruise.
Do you have Nitrox available?
Yes! We feature a Nitrox Technologies membrane system, Mattei low pressure compressors and Bauer high pressure compressors.
Are we allowed to bring souvenirs up from our dives?
No, we do not allow anyone to bring corals, shells or animals out of
the water and we make sure that our guests respect all aspects of our
environment. If ever a guest would knock over a table coral, it might
take 100 years for a new one to develop!
Is there a lot of reef damage from dynamiting and cyanide fishing?
No. Very little reef in our area is damaged by destructive fishing methods like dynamite bombing and
cyanide fishing (for the aquarium trade). However, it is a fact that destructive methods of fishing are
still being used in many parts of the world, including Indonesia.
In the remote areas around the Wakatobi resort, bombing is extremely rare. There have been instances of some
reef areas being hurt by boat anchors and local fishermen walking on the reef top. These practices are
effectively being minimized by our Collaborative Reef Conservation programs.
Has the Wakatobi region been affected by coral bleaching?
No. We have not detected bleaching of corals in the area.
The water temperatures in the area remain a cool 26-28 °C (79-82°F) and there are still healthy cooler
currents refreshing the reefs continually.
Do your tanks have INT or DIN valves?
We have tanks with INT and DIN valves.
Should I bring all my own diving gear?
We recommend that all our guests bring their own equipment so they're completely familiar and
comfortable with its operation. The basic diving equipment recommended is a regulator, depth and
pressure gauge, watch or dive computer, buoyancy compensation device, mask, fins and snorkel.
However, we do have dive equipment available for rental. Please contact us before your trip to verify your requirements.
We recommend you to bring a 5 mm (1/4") full-body suit but some guests are even comfortable in only
3mm(3/16") shorties. It is all up to what you are used to diving with, just keep in mind that it is nice to be warm.
How do you handle decompression emergencies?
In case of a DECO emergency, our first-aid trained dive managers would immediately stabilize the diver's condition with non-baric
medical oxygen. If deemed necessary, we would then evacuate the diver by a sea level cabin pressure flight (day-time only) directly back to
Bali where there is a good re-compression chamber.
On board the dive boats, there is a good stock of medical gear and medication. Should that not be enough,
there is a basic hospital on the island neighboring Wakatobi (sufficiently equipped for most general treatments).
Where is the nearest hyperbaric chamber?
Bali
Do you allow solo diving?
We do for Instructor-level divers with a pony tank once they have been deemed suitable by our professional dive
team as safe, responsible and competent. We rent pony tanks.
How long are the schduled boat dives?
The Wakatobi region is blessed with abundant marine life and dive sites that have both deep and shallow ares. This
allows for long bottom times on most dives. Divers can enjoy 70 minute bottom times or more if they choose.
We do not mandate that divers surface after 60 minutes. You may stay down as long as your air supply or safe diving
limits allow. Generally, however, a group of divers on a boat may agree to surface after a suggested time limit
so that other divers on the boat do not have to wait for long periods.
Do you have facilities to cater for rebreathers?
We offer the whole package, including bailout tanks and oxygen pump. We need to know in advance the experience level
and support needed. It is easier to handle rebreather divers in the resort and a higher experience level is needed
on Pelagian.
What's the diving like in the Wakatobi region? What will I see?
The Indo-Pacific region is considered a biodiversity hot spot, benefiting from the currents and nutrients
transported between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Within that area, the Wakatobi region is near the epicenter
of coral reef biodiversity. The hundreds of kilometers of reef structure in the Wakatobi National Marine Park
provide every imaginable marine animal, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, tunas, barracudas, marlin and more.
The area is teeming with hundreds, if not thousands of different fish species. For instance, Les Kaufman,
Professor of Biology at the Boston University Marine Program & Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology,
counted 301 fish species on a 100 minute dive at Wakatobi Dive Resort's house reef in 2004.
For photographers, this means wide-angle, normal and macro opportunities abound.
Do you offer night diving?
On Pelagian there is a night dive scheduled on all regular diving days. There are daily four dives
offered: two morning, one afternoon and one night dive. All dives may be adjusted as needed to compensate for
tides, weather and other conditions allow it.
Do you allow spearfishing?
No. We encourage all our guests to respect the marine environment, leaving it untouched so
others may enjoy in the future.
What sizes tanks do you have? Are they aluminum or steel?
We have 7.5 L (50 cbf), 10 L (63 cbf), 12 L (80cbf), 15 L (100 cbf). All are aluminium
Do I need to bring along my dive certification card (c card)?
Yes, if you want to dive.
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Question about air transfer, tickets and vouchers
When do I need to check in for the flight from Bali to Wakatobi?
To fly from Bali to Wakatobi, you will be required to check-in at the domestic departure terminal of the
Airport in Bali at either:
07:00h (First Plane) OR 11:00h (Second Plane)
Your check-in times will be communicated to you by email in advance of your trip by the staff in our Bali Office.
It would be very helpful if you could call our office upon arrival in your hotel in Bali to confirm the details.
(Bali Logistics Office 759 669 or Crispin 081 2381 1084)
Which ticket counter do we check in at in the Domestic Departure Terminal?
The Denpasar airport is relatively small and does not have very many terminals. As long as you find
the Domestic Departure Terminal you are set.
Our staff will meet you at the taxi drop point outside the domestic terminal door with entry passes, they
will help you find porters and direct you into our staff inside the terminal.
Inside, our team will assist you through check-in and escort you to the VIP lounge where there will be a
short wait before you board the flight.
Additional pointers: Head for the Wakatobi Counter, Ask the porters (grey uniforms). Our team will be
there all wearing Wakatobi shirts, carrying sign boards and a smile.
You really can't miss us if you know the name "Wakatobi/Pelagian"!
Do I need some kind of voucher or ticket for the Wakatobi charter?
No you don't. As long as you have paid in full for your Wakatobi of Pelagian package, you are
welcome onboard :)
We have our own check-in counter and our staff is in charge of luggage handling and boarding.
When will I return to Bali on the last day of my Wakatobi trip?
The Wakatobi air charter now returns back to Bali by 16:00h.
What time can I book my flight home
We recommend that you plan to leave Bali no earlier than 17:30h.
If I miss the flight from Bali to Wakatobi, what will happen?
You will get the opportunity to go by public transfer via Sulawesi to the Wakatobi.
It involves a two and a half day air - land - sea journey that will certainly be an experience you
can tell your friends about back home. This is the route that the first divers to Wakatobi Dive Resort
followed and is the reason for Wakatobi building its own airstrip. Our Bali office can help with all the
routing details should this occur.
Is the flight from Bali to Wakatobi (and back) included in the price?
No, it's charged separately.
What is the flight like to Wakatobi?
The flight lasts approximately two and a half hours and is very scenic along the way.
We work with TransNusa / Trigana Air for guest air transportation to the Wakatobi resort
and the Pelagian liveaboard. TransNusa operates commercial domestic routes within Indonesia as well
as exclusive charters for Wakatobi.
To ensure maximum reliability and space for our guests and their luggage, we use a pair of French Built
ATR 42 for our charters. The aircraft's maximum capacity is 44 seats (or about 35 divers and their heavy luggage).
The plane is spacious and nicely appointed. The restroom is small but still very serviceable. However, you
might be more comfortable using the facilities at the airport prior to departure or at the resort.
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Bali Questions
Do I need to stay in Bali one night before flying to Wakatobi island?
Yes, on the first day of the package, you will need to check in to the Domestic Departure Terminal in Bali
before any international flights arrive on the island. This will mean an overnight stay in Bali before the
trip is required.
Diving recommendation while staying on Bali?
The most popular diving in Bali is Tulamben (north east Bali) where you can find a beautiful drop-off accessible
from the shore as well as the famous Liberty wreck. The area is a good 3-4 hours from the airport by van so you'll
need at least a couple of days in Bali to have the time for a visit there. Some people combine a visit to Tulamben
with a stopover in Secret Bay (north Bali, muck diving). It is also possible to dive Nusa Penida island off Sanur
as a 1 day or 1/2 day excursion.
When I arrive in Bali, what should I expect?
Upon arrival from overseas, there will be a Wakatobi/Pelagian representative at the door of your plane. Our
representative will whisk you through Immigration at high speed avoiding all those queues
(a wakatobi/pelagian exclusive). You'll still need to pay USD 25 each here for your visas - no photos necessary.
See the Indonesia visa FAQ for more information. After getting your visa, you'll be taken
through baggage reclaim, past customs, and out to meet the guide and driver (if you have one arranged).
Alternatively, the rep will assist you in arranging a taxi from a reputable firm.
Make sure you give us your flight and arrival times beforehand so we can arrange this special greeting.
One other note: We recognize that this is your holiday and you'll be out and about enjoying all that Bali has to offer.
However, we do request you give our Bali office a call after you arrive in case there are any last minute details,
requests, or travel coordination needed. Crispin can be reached at his cell : 081 2381 1084 or the Bali office is
at 759 669 (local numbers).
Do you have a recommendation for hotels in Bali?
Yes, we recommend you contact Ms. Putu at info@trans-indo.com at
Trans-Indo Mukti http://www.trans-indo.com. Trans-Indo Mukti is a long established
Bali-based company we have worked with since the nineties. Tell them that you're flying
to Wakatobi, tell them what you want and indicate a budget, and they should be able
to handle all the details for your accommodation and transfers while staying in Bali.
They can recommend nice hotels and luxurious resorts far away from the crowds of Kuta
but still convenient to shopping and the airport. They can also arrange for private tours
and excursions on Bali.
Can I use US dollars in Bali?
Yes the US dollar is accepted by most merchants in Bali. However, while in Indonesia, it is always cheaper to use
Rupiah rather than US Dollars. This is because the merchant will apply an exchange rate to convert your US Dollar to
rupiah. He may not be giving you the best rate available at banks and authorized moneychangers .
Where's the best place to get money exchanged in Bali?
For some reason, although the exchange rate is currently hovering around USD 1 = Rp 9,000, a one dollar bill is
only worth about Rp 8,000 at the banks / money changers. The higher denomination bills (20, 50 and 100) are worth
the actual exchange rate as published.
It is tough to find banks or money changers willing to accept hundred dollar bills from 2003
(1996 notes are particularly difficult due to the Indonesian market being flooded with counterfeit 1996 bills
a few years back). People are simply not willing to take the risk in exchanging notes that they consider
have a high chance of being forgeries. If you think you might be doing some serious shopping while in Bali,
make sure you bring with you crisp, clean, newer notes--it actually does make a difference!
ATM machines are the best way forwards for taking money (exchange rate wise) as these will use the exchange rate
at your home bank, and this will favor your home currency.
However, machines here are limited in the number of notes they can spit out at one time, and this can mean that
you have to insert your card repeatedly to withdraw a worthwhile amount of cash. With most currencies, the machines
here dispense the equivalent of 2 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills or 10 dollar bills!
Depending on how your bank charges you for use of ATMs overseas, you could end up paying large bank charges to
withdraw fairly insignificant sums of money, thus negating the benefit of the higher exchange rate.
There is an ATM machine within the Domestic Arrivals Hall, and also just outside the International Arrivals Hall
(turn right as you come outside and the ATM is just before the pre-paid taxi window.)
Money changers abound. There are money changers at the airport, at your hotel, at the banks and in little
shops by the side of the road. The rates at the airport and the hotel are unlikely to be the best you can get,
but as we're talking about 1 or 2 percent, the convenience cancels the slightly lower rates.
The Authorized Money Changers (displaying signs) in specialist money changing shops and kiosks are the best way
to change cash to save time and get a good rate.
Note: Some money changers are a little less than scrupulous. You should always count your money before leaving
and not just rely on watching them count it.
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Health and Safety Questions
Are there doctors and/or medical resources close to Wakatobi?
As for the Pelagian, we have a good stock of medical gear and medication. Should that not be enough, there are
basic hospitals on the islands (sufficiently equipped for most general treatments).
In case of a serious medical incident, we have access to a medical evacuation plane service in Bali and
worked out clearly defined procedures.
Add to this Swiss perfection in maintaining all equipment, thoroughness in managing and training on-site
security, and a highly qualified international dive staff, you can rest assured that every possible effort
is made that you'll never need this service
Is it safe in the area around Wakatobi?
Yes. Though several areas of Indonesia (an enormous country spanning
over 3,500 miles) have gone through some rough times in the past few
years, many other areas - that are separate from the trouble spots -
remain very safe to visit.
The situation in Bali and Wakatobi (your only
two stopovers) is that of peace, friendliness and
stability.
People are sometimes a little hesitant before they come here but immediately upon arriving they discover how calm
and happy they feel here.
Not going to Wakatobi due to safety concerns in other parts of Indonesia is like avoiding Orlando because of crime
problems in New York! The two places are far, far away from each other and a problem in one place doesn't really
translate to a problem in the other.
Do you recommend any special insurance?
Every effort is made to make sure your trip is holiday and carefree.
However, we do recommend you purchase trip cancellation/interruption
insurance in the event of unexpected changes in your travel
plans.
You should also have adequate medical insurance to cover any incidents. Check with your medical insurer
before the trip to verify you're covered while traveling abroad and scuba diving.
We also recommend you consider purchasing supplemental dive insurance, offered by many firms such as Divers
Alert Network (DAN), PADI, and Dive Assure. These companies offer specific dive-related policies that often
include travel, gear and accident coverage all in one comprehensive policy.
Is there malaria in the Wakatobi region?
The risk of getting Malaria in the Wakatobi region is very, very low.
There have been the odd cases among the locals who's been bitten by mosquitoes imported by
transiting sailors, but none of our clients or staff have, as far as we can determine, in
over a decade ever contracted Malaria.
We normally don't recommend that divers take medication as it often creates mood swings
and drowsiness and other discomforts. However, we leave the final decision entirely up to the
individual.
If you're planning a trip to other parts of Indonesia, please consult a good traveler's health
resource like the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for the latest information on medicine recommendations.
Do I need vaccinations before I travel to Indonesia?
When travelling in the tropics, it is wise to be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Hepatitis and
a current Polio protection. As parts of Indonesia are in a malaria zone (not Wakatobi), please check with your
physician or medical center on the type of prophylactic you should use and ask:
• What are the known side effects?
Make sure you take the appropriate medications in time before you start the trip.
Do I need to worry about avian/bird flu when I travel to Wakatobi?
The simple answer is no—for several reason. Let us explain.
In recent news reports, you may have heard warnings or concerns about the avian flu and travel to Southeast
Asia. While there is concern in regards to the avian flu, the great majority of concern is directed toward
the possibility of the flu mutating into something that could spread from human to human. To this date, that has
not happened.
Here are some facts: Avian Influenza H5N1 (bird flu) is not a human epidemic. Travelers or tourists
have never died of bird flu in Asia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
(cdc.gov) has not recommended that the public avoid travel to any of the countries affected by the bird flu.
The CDC does recommend sensible precautions when traveling abroad. Most of the known cases of bird flu involve
farmers and livestock workers in direct contact with poultry, so avoid touching chickens and ducks (even those that appear healthy)
and surfaces that might be contaminated with poultry feces or secretions.
Wash your hands often to kill potentially infectious material; if soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
If you're going to eat chicken, make sure it's been thoroughly cooked; flu viruses are destroyed by heat.
Just remember, bird flu is not confined to Asia. Outbreaks have been reported in Africa and Europe where poultry
has been culled on a mass scale to stop its spread to other birds. Most recently, the bird flu was reported in Canada.
The Centers for Disease Control web site is an excellent resource for more bird flu information,
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/. In addition, the World Health Organization has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions,
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/index.html.
At Wakatobi, your safety and well-being are our foremost concerns. We are closely monitoring the situation and we
will take proper precautions as events warrant. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
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Indonesia and Passport Questions
Do I need a passport or visa to visit Indonesia?
Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after your entry into Indonesia and must have at least one
totally clear page for the visa sticker.
The current regulations in full are thus:
11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility. Those holding valid
passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon
arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:
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- Brunei Darussalam
- Chile
- Hong Kong SAR
- Macau SAR
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- Malaysia
- Morocco
- Peru
- Philippines
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- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Singapore
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Nationals of the following 63 countries are now eligible to purchase a non-extendable visa on arrival for either
USD 10 (for a maximum of 7 days) or USD 25 (for a maximum of 30 days). All Wakatobi and Pelagian guests require
a 30 day visa.
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- Algeria
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
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- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
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- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
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- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Norway
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- Oman
- Panama
- People's Rep. of China
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Slovakia
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- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Suriname
- Taiwan
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
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- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
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If you are staying in Indonesia for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a 60 days tourist visa in advance
of your arrival in Indonesia.
All other nationals should apply for visas in their home country before departure for Indonesia. There will be no
leniency for nationals of countries not listed above should they arrive without a valid visa - they will be sent
home immediately.
US citizens are entitled to buy a visa upon your arrival for 30 days for $25 USD.
Since visa regulations change quite frequently, we strongly suggest that you check the above requirements
with your travel agent, or with the airline you intend flying with.
Although many taxes and security fees will be included in the cost of your air ticket, Indonesia levies an
international departure tax of Indonesian Rupiah 150,000 (about US$15.00) at Denpasar airport. Please ensure that you
have enough Indonesian currency available to pay this fee on the day of departure from
Indonesia.
What is the time difference at Wakatobi?
GMT +8 hours (Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi)
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