News
Winning Trip: A blog from the Scubaverse holiday competition winner
When I opened an email from Scubaverse advising me I had won the Scubaverse diving holiday to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, little did I think that I would be on a Royal Brunei Airlines flight a mere eleven days later. Thanks to the efficiency of In Depth Tourism Marketing, my husband and I found ourselves enjoying a trip of a lifetime where everything had been organised for maximum enjoyment and minimum stress.
Our trip began with a night in Singapore. New to this city, we took the advice of the friendly Furama Hotel concierge and went to Clarke Quay for a Singapore Sling and a bite to eat. Singapore is fascinating: spotlessly clean, safe and vibrant, it comes alive at night when the skyscrapers light up the skyline.
Next morning’s transfer to Mersing in Malaysia was an enjoyable and comfortable car ride through palm oil plantations and jungle. Headed for Rawa Island Resort, by lunchtime we had arrived by boat and were enjoying a delicious buffet. Owing to its close proximity to agricultural land, Rawa’s dive sites do not enjoy the best visibility, but there is an abundance of soft corals and a plethora of marine life. It was encouraging to see entire families being taught to dive together by Orca Scuba, as it is very safe, relatively shallow and non-taxing diving. Orca Scuba also took us to wreck and coral reef dive sites by boat and shore dives around the jetty, but the best dives were actually shore dives at the north end of the island where there are even more corals. The dives with Orca Scuba were not part of the prize, but my husband and I were happy to pay for them ourselves.
After four nights on this tropical paradise, we returned to Mersing and were taken back to the Furama Hotel in Singapore. This time, armed with local knowledge gleaned from fellow divers, we headed straight to the Fullerton Hotel’s roof top bar “The Lantern”. Drinks here were not cheap, but we had the perfect viewing point for the Marina Bay Sands Hotel’s light and laser show, a sight I am glad we did not miss.
The next day we flew from Singapore to Brunei and, yet again, everything went smoothly and exactly to plan. Poni Divers in Brunei collected us daily for boat dives, and in two days we had dived three, coral-covered boat wrecks, an oil rig and a coral garden. The diving off Brunei is wonderful: colourful, full of life and with good visibility. Puffer fish, sting rays, huge shoals of fish and every type of coral are in abundance. I would thoroughly recommend adding Brunei to any diver’s wish-list of places to visit, especially as it is still relatively unknown and therefore in pristine condition.
The ten days we spent on holiday were spectacular! Thank you to Scubaverse, In Depth Tourism Marketing, Royal Brunei Airlines, The Furama in Singapore, Rawa Island Resort, Orca Scuba, The Radisson in Singapore, and Poni Divers in Brunei.
Lucy McCorkindale
Blogs
BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures
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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