News
Sudamala to Open 5-Star Diving Resort Close to Komodo National Park in Indonesia
Sudamala will open its third luxury resort at Pulau Sebayur Besar (Sebayur Island) on the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara, a prime jumping off point to some of the world’s most incredible diving in and around Komodo National Park, home of the famous Komodo Dragons.
The architect chosen for the Sudamala Komodo Villas and Dive Resort is Yori Antar of Han Awal & Partners Architects while Hidajat Endramukti of Endramukti Design will take on the interior design.
The resort is scheduled to open in summer 2017.
Resorts Director, and daughter of the owner, Emily Subrata said the national park and surrounding islands were ‘pure diving nirvana’ and guests would encounter an other-worldly wonderland with architecture in the vernacular Labuan Bajo style, reminiscent of Papuan architecture, lush tropical jungle and pristine waters as their playground, and the group’s renowned touches of art and artisanship will also be a feature.
“We expect around 80% of our guests will be divers,” Ms Subrata said. “We are talking about very pristine and protected dive sites. Sea turtles, manta rays, mum and dad sharks deposit the baby sharks in the local mangrove. We have established our dive centres at Sanur and Lombok and this will be the extension of that as well as the jewel in our crown. We must be as mindful and sustainable as we can. We will be using recycled materials where we can. We will need to generate our own power and desalinate our own water, so it’s a big undertaking.”
Komodo National Park is located in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, and was set up to protect the only known habitat of the unique and fearsome Komodo dragon (Varanus Komodoensis), huge monitor lizards that can bring down a cow or adult human, and represent a living link to the dinosaurs.
The national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1,817km. It is also home to the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer, as well as one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays, harbouring more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.
“Sebayur Island, 30 minutes on boat from the nearest domestic airport of Labuan Bajo, is still quite remote, with the biggest resort on the same island now about 25 rooms. It’s an exciting part of the world to visit; Flores itself is 450km long and you have triple-coloured crater lakes, smoke belching volcanos, and at the other end they still harpoon sperm whales like in Moby Dick. Komodo is like a real life Jurassic Park, so that will be a big draw of course. But mostly, it’s going to be about the diving,” said Ms Subrata.
Sudamala Resorts also operates Sudamala Suites & Villas, Sanur, Bali and Sudamala Suites & Villas, Senggigi, Lombok.
For more information regarding Sudamala Resorts, visit www.sudamalaresorts.com.
Source: www.asiatraveltips.com
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: info@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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