Diving in Manado -Day 1

Finally I'm on my personal holiday trip! Haven't been diving for a couple of years so really looking forward to this. Just being in the airport and waiting to board the plane is an enjoyable process, the feeling of going "somewhere, anywhere!"

So where is Manado? It is in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, beyond Sabah and Kalimantan. 

Manado is known for diving, especially around the world class Bunaken Island. This island is only 8km2 but the sea around it contain a high biodiversity of marine life. This is partly attributed to the Oceanic currents that sweep though the area. 

Arrived in Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado around 1pm. The day before I had called the Tasik Ria resort staff, who said they will arrange a pick-up from the airport, but there was nobody. Very frustrating to be left stranded in the airport, when you thought you already had it arranged. Called the resort to enquire, a couple of helpful locals also helped to call the driver, and finally concluded that the driver had left without us! WT.....?? Took another car to the resort instead. What was stated in the internet as a 33km ride became a 1.5hr journey! Sian mood to start the holiday. 

Tasik Ria had its rustic charms, or old if you want to look at it another way. There was a briefing for guests at 5pm, something I never had. Usually we would be left to find our way around, what briefing?? Anyway we were busy having dinner at 5 so didn't go for the briefing. What was important was to book our dive trips for the next couple of days. Btw the Ria Pizza was good! The spaghetti was bland. 

Tasik Divers staff were friendly and helpful. When we told them we haven't dived in 2 years, immediately they arranged for an extra Dive master for us! And it was mandatory to have a dive computer each, last time I never wore a dive computer, just follow the DM! Of course I didn't know how to use a dive comp, oh well shall learn tomorrow. One of the staff also offered to send us to the provision shop 1km away when she found out we were going. Thumbs up Tasik Divers! 

The night programme was massage at the Matana spa. The place and ambience was really cool! You walk up a short flight of stairs and find yourself in a naturally enclosed area with a "secret" pool, somewhat like a cave. My massage was, well....so-so. Sherlyn's was good, so it depends on who you get. 

Only took one shot today, the beautiful and dramatic sunset. Hopefully the next few days will be full of amazing underwater pictures!