Java Sea 2004

Java Sea 2004

Every now and then, you may get the opportunity to go on a Dive Trip thats slightly out of the norm. This was one such trip. Leaving Benoa Harbour in Bali and the setting sun behind us, we steamed out into the Java Sea for an intensive 12 day trip of diving and exploration. Steaming every night to cover the distances required, we finally arrived, slightly tired, but certainly content, in Singapore Harbour.

With the majority of the dives on known and unknown wrecks in the area, it felt like we were always in the water and trying to remember which wreck was which, soon became a blur of names and places. Most wrecks were of Dutch or Japanese origin and sunk in action during the Second World War. Visibilty wasn't always the best but the history and thoughts of what had happened during this tumultous war, certainly made up for this.

In keeping with local custom, the Skipper would also liase with local Squid and Fishing Boats for any information which may lead to new and unknown wrecks we could explore. After the obligatory barter system was implemented, another GPS position was obtained and we would then check out this information filled with the excitment at the prospect of possibly being the first to dive on these spots.

It wasn't all wrecks though. We also managed to dive on a number of reefs out in the middle of nowhere which had been unsullied by a constant bombarding of tourists and weekend divers.

So as I said earlier, these sort of trips don't come along all that often, so when one does come your way, don't think about it, as they say in the classics, JUST DO IT!