Journey to taste the world

It felt like in the middle of a war zone as a part in breaking the world record for “The Most People Scuba Diving Simultaneously” on 17 August 2009. Organized by Indonesian Navy on our country 64th National Day celebration, we successfully broke the record with 2.486 divers involved. Held in Malalayang Beach, Manado, South Sulawesi, it was an once-in-a-lifetime adventure for every body, particularly me.

This trip was my coming back to diving after two years off. Nervous at first, thrilled at the end. We performed the national day ceremony underwater. Divided into groups of about 30, all participants entered the beach and swam backwards to the descending point, simultaneously. Then we were assigned to descend to a depth of 15 meters. Surely, it was an unusual descending, with hundreds pair of fins flapping at your sight from all side.

In the deep, we did salutation to our national flag. And even heard the national song played by the marching band at the main stage in the beach.

The surfacing was a stunning moment. As we saw thousands heads at the sea level, all Navy warships honks their horn, and salutation announced from the main stage. Moreover, hundreds local residents waited for us on the beach, as if we were the naval troops who just win a big battle under the sea.

And the glory of the day had just begun. Thereafter, apart from the Navy’s event, me and my diving club buddies rent a boat to continue our trip to another diving points, Molas Wreck and Lekuan Satu. As a part of Bunaken National Marine Park, these places are included as best dive sites for its high level of biodiversity. And what we saw proof these claims.

Molas Wreck was a Cargo ship sank on about 1942, located at 30-38 meters below the surface. We could see everything clearly with 10-15 meters visibility. More than Mantis Shrimps, Blue Ribbon Eel, Clown Sweet Lips, Blue Starfish and schooling of smaller fish were welcoming us in the quiet world. When almost nothing than our own breath bubbles could be heard, our eyes were pampered by amazingly beautiful scenes.

On the surface, right after, Indonesia’s traditional meals known as Nasi Kuning were ready to be digested. Wrapped by palm leaves that locally called daun lontar, sprinkled by dried shredded tuna fish, and several exotic local dish, it was spoiled our appetite. Perfect lunch.

Lekuan Satu was our last spot for this surprisingly amazing dive trip. In fact, we got the best closure ever. Colorful corals, Moray Eel, Napoleon fish, Tuna schooling, sea turtle, and many more, interact in a peaceful water world. In some spot, we feel a change of temperature water flow, thermocline, since this area is the meeting point of different sea current, which caused the appearance of high level biodiversity. Moreover, on our way back to the beach, schooling of dolphins was jumping around the boat as if waving goodbye.

Magnificent.