Discover the Ambai Liveaboard, your gateway to a world of underwater wonders in the pristine Indonesian waters. This is my review of a cruise to Halmahera in August 2023. Read on to find out if the Ambai is the boat for you and plenty of practical tips. Crafted with divers’ needs in mind, the Ambai promises an exceptional fusion of value for money, comfort, and unparalleled underwater adventures.

Aboard the Ambai – Boat Overview:

Upon stepping aboard, the Ambai, you’re immediately embraced by an aura of understated elegance and superior comfort. While the vessel’s exterior may not win beauty contests, its cozy interior makes up for it in spades. Every detail has been meticulously thought out to ensure your journey is seamless and thoroughly enjoyable. The spacious deck area offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding ocean, providing the ideal backdrop for relaxation.

The middle floor is home to the dive deck, camera room, dining area, and kitchen.

Ascend to the top floor, where 2 luxurious cabins, the navigation bridge, and a shaded seating area await.

Most guest cabins are situated on the lower floor.

Navigating the boat is effortless, thanks to well-placed handrails, spacious staircases, and strategically located anti-slip mats, ensuring safety at every turn.

Review of the dining room aboard the Ambai

The dining area exudes warmth and hospitality with carefully chosen wooden furnishings and Indonesian decor. Four tables cater to groups of divers, each with expansive panoramic windows for diners to relish ocean vistas. This enclosed, air-conditioned haven offers respite from the tropical heat.

On one side, you’ll find the kitchen, bar, and a cozy coffee corner, while the other side houses soft drink fridges (with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages) and a well-stocked library, with fish books and a variety of novels. Additionally, a water fountain allows for convenient refills of your water bottle.

The dining area on the Ambai is not just about meals; it also serves as a social hub. It’s a place where divers can gather to share stories and experiences, forging new friendships and fostering a sense of community.

Review of the outdoor lounges on Ambai Liveaboard

Stepping outside the dining area leads to the first outdoor seating area, a covered space featuring eight seats and inviting bean bags—ideal for unwinding as the boat gracefully glides through the water.

The top deck unveils another outdoor lounge, offering both shaded and sun-drenched seating options.

Review of the cabins on the Ambai Liveaboard

Ambai Liveaboard boasts eight meticulously appointed cabins, each thoughtfully designed to provide a cozy and serene retreat for divers. Opt for a deluxe cabin on the upper deck, complete with a panoramic window, or a standard cabin on the lower deck. While some cabins offer triple occupancy, Ambai accommodates only two guests per cabin, ensuring ample space and comfort.

Tip: Book early so that you can get a triple cabin instead of a double cabin. They are a bit bigger and are the same price as the double cabins.

I stayed in a standard triple cabin on the lower deck and fortunately, I was the only person to occupy it so I had plenty of space.

While the cabins may not be overly lavish, they provide a cozy and inviting retreat at the end of each day. They are very practical and offer a balance between the allure of the open sea and the comfort of modern living, creating a space where you can relax and recharge for the next day’s underwater explorations.

My cabin has a large double bed with a smaller bunk bed on top. The bed was longer than on most liveaboard ( I am guessing around 2.1 meters), making it a great option for tall people. The bed is comfortable allowing you to unwind after a long day of diving. Having a comfortable bed is important on Liveaboard because diving 4 times a day can have an impact on your back.

My lower deck cabin was quite spacious for a liveaboard and even had a little desk area.

Tip: There is not a lot of storage space in the room. There are no places to hang clothes so don’t bring dresses or clothes that need to be hung.

You can see that the boat has been operating for a long time as there are many small touches to make things practical. For example, anti-slip mats are placed in critical places. Hooks are both in the bathrooms and the bedroom. They even provide a small bag for you to carry your things on the boat.

Electric plugs are also convenient as they are the international type that will fit Europe, US, and UK plugs. There are also USB sockets near the bed.

An aluminum water bottle is provided for you to use during the cruise and take home as a souvenir.

A small porthole window in the lower deck cabin let in natural light, brightening the space and offering glimpses of the breathtaking ocean outside. These windows can also be opened to allow for fresh sea breezes, immersing you in the tranquil marine environment even when you’re inside your cabin but make sure you close the porthole when not in the room or when the boat is navigating as waves could easily wet your whole cabin!

AC is individually adjustable and can be turned on and off depending on your needs.

I stayed in cabin 1 which is at the back of the boat and closest to the motor. While I could hear the motor, it was not overly loud. The cabin was relatively well soundproofed.

Here is a photo of an upper deck cabin. It is slightly smaller but has a larger window

Bathroom Experience:

Surprisingly spacious for a liveaboard, the bathrooms come stocked with soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Enjoy a private shower with consistent hot water, separate from the rest of the bathroom. Porthole windows introduce natural light and ventilation, though a word of caution—remember to secure them during navigation to prevent any unwanted splashes.

Tip: Bring conditioner or hair oil as the seawater can be harsh on your hair if you dive every day

 

The passengers on the Ambai

There were 11 passengers during our cruise to Halmahera. Ages ranged from 15 to 65 years old. About half the group was from the US, 2 from France, 2 from Hong Kong, and the rest from Europe

Most passengers also tended to be well-traveled. Diving skills varied with some people onboard doing their advanced open water certificate. The atmosphere on the boat was incredibly friendly.

Review of the food on the Ambai liveaboard

Embark on a culinary odyssey with Ambai’s onboard chefs, who craft a diverse array of delectable dishes to satisfy every palate.

Overall, the food on the Ambai Liveaboard is good and just what you need on a diving trip. It’s delicious, diverse, and expertly prepared. You’ll be well-fed and satisfied throughout your journey. You can see that the Ambai take their food seriously. While most people don’t come on a liveaboard expecting high gastronomy, the chef served a wide variety of delicious and freshly prepared meals

Meals are served five times daily, commencing with an early breakfast before the first dive.

The “big breakfast” follows, offering an array of choices to appease all appetites.

Lunch and dinner present a delightful spectrum of Indonesian and international cuisine, served family-style for you to sample to your heart’s content. From chicken curry to tuna sashimi and avocado and feta salads, the fare is both abundant and diverse. Dietary requirements are happily accommodated, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Throughout the day, snacks and refreshments keep you energized between dives, with fresh fruits, cookies, and light bites readily available.

The talented chefs aboard take great pride in their culinary creations, sourcing high-quality local ingredients whenever possible. There is even a pastry chef onboard so you can expect freshly made bread and pastries.

The talented onboard chefs take pride in their craft, creating flavourful dishes using high-quality ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. From delectable seafood to mouthwatering international cuisine, every meal was enjoyable.

Tip: The last meal is served after the last dive which could be as late as 8:30 pm. So if you are not doing night dive, you might want to bring some extra snacks to keep you going until dinner time.

This is the price of alcoholic drinks onboard. you are also welcome to bring your own liquor.

Tip: Buy a bottle at duty free as alcohol is very expensive in Indonesia

Dive Organization with Ambai Liveaboard:

A great boat is important, but let’s be honest; most divers come on a liveaboard for one reason—diving. The Ambai is renowned for its exceptional dive facilities, and with an experienced and knowledgeable crew at your service, you can rest assured that every aspect of your diving experience will be attended to.

Group Composition on the Ambai Liveaboard:

The Ambai boasts four dive guides for a maximum of 16 passengers. During our cruise, we were only 11 passengers, resulting in group sizes ranging from 2 to 4 divers. Groups are thoughtfully created based on diver’s experience levels and affinities. Traveling companions are placed within the same group.

Uniquely, Ambai rotates dive masters between groups daily, affording divers the opportunity to experience the guidance of each divemaster. This can occasionally be confusing as groups and dive masters change daily but rest assured, the dive masters are friendly and well-versed. Departures are carefully staggered to prevent overcrowding at dive sites, with two groups setting off early and the remaining two groups following a brief delay.

Halmahera remains a relatively uncrowded diving destination, offering the luxury of often having dive sites entirely to ourselves. To make locating your dive guide even easier, each group is assigned a specific color, which the divemaster wears and utilizes during night dives with a flashlight of the same color—an ingenious idea to enhance the dive experience.

Dive Deck on Ambai Liveaboard:

The Ambai Liveaboard features a spacious dive deck equipped with individual gear stations and multiple rinse tanks, each designated for different equipment. This thoughtful layout ensures easy access to your gear and a hassle-free dive setup. The staff is exceptionally helpful in rinsing and organizing wetsuits and transferring fins and tanks between the dive deck and the dinghies.

Diving from Dinghies:

One of the standout features of the Ambai Liveaboard is its trio of solid dinghies that transport you to dive sites. Having 3 dinghies offers comfort and options, providing a superior diving experience compared to vessels with only two dinghies. With the added convenience of an extra dinghy, you’ll never have to wait for a boat after a dive. These dinghies, especially the larger ones, offer exceptional comfort, with ladders that open inside the boat for easier re-entry and tank holders. It also allows them to tailor the dive sites to divers preferences. They are able to have a group diving the exposed current side while another group can dive the protected side.

The crew takes care of transporting all your equipment to and from the boat, leaving you with only your mask to manage. Most of the crew waits for you at the end of the dive, helping with disembarkation, wetsuit rising, camera care, and more. It’s truly a 5-star diving service.

Photographer’s Paradise:

Ambai Liveaboard caters to photographers with a dedicated rinsing tank for cameras and a spacious camera room equipped with numerous charging points. The staff is trained to handle cameras, bringing them on and off the boat with custom-made cushioned bags for added protection.

Drinks and Towels:

Before each dive, you’ll find infused water on the dive deck. After your underwater adventure, you’ll often return to refreshing fruit juices, mocktails, or hot beverages. On occasion, you might even savor a fresh coconut.

Consistent Nitrox

Nitrox facilities are also available for those certified to use enriched air. They have a membrane, and the Nitrox content was consistent around 30 or 31 percent. Unlike many boats, Nitrox is free of charge on the Ambai liveaboard.

For those without a Nitrox certificate, you have the opportunity to obtain one onboard for an additional fee.

Review of the crew on the Ambai liveaboard

Bruno was acting as interim cruise director for a few cruises. Bruno’s wealth of knowledge about Indonesian diving was nothing short of remarkable, and his friendly disposition added an extra layer of warmth to our voyage. His extensive experience diving in Indonesia was evident, offering a sense of reassurance and excitement to all of us eager to explore the underwater world.

The dive crew had an unwavering dedication to ensuring our dive experiences were seamless. They went the extra mile to simplify our dive preparations, handling everything from neatly hanging our wetsuits to meticulous Nitrox checks. Their attentiveness extended even beyond the dive, providing us with comforting towels after each exhilarating plunge into the deep blue.

The exceptional service didn’t end with the dives. Onboard, the waitstaff was proactive and efficient, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey. The Ambai itself was very clean, with cabin turn-down service not once, but three times daily, ensuring a welcoming retreat after each dive. The drink fridges remained stocked, a small yet delightful detail that added to the overall sense of comfort and indulgence.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the infectious atmosphere that pervaded the Ambai liveaboard. It’s evident that the crew excels in creating a harmonious and inviting environment. This positive atmosphere among passengers and crew alike enhanced the overall experience, making it more than just a dive expedition – it was a genuine adventure shared among friends.

Overview of the Itinerary on the Halmahera diving cruise

While the Ambai’s lavish accommodations were undeniably inviting, it was the promise of unrivaled diving experiences in Halmahera that truly stole the show. It was my second trip to Halmahera, and I was so impressed by the quality of the diving that I was back for more. We felt like explorers as the waters of Halmahera are still visited by few divers and there is so much yet to be discovered in the region. Throughout the whole 9-night trip, we didn’t see another diving boat. Here is an overview of the dive sites in Halmahera. It could almost read as a list of the best dive sites in Halmahera!

It is worth noting that a night dive was offered on most nights but I don’t usually do night dives.

Also worth noting is that my Canon R housing from Seafrogs flooded so all the pictures below were taken with a gopro…

Day One: Boarding Ambai and Ternate’s Check Dive

Our journey commenced as we were whisked away from our Ternate hotel at a punctual 10:30 am. Seamless boarding via a waiting dinghy eased us into the Ambai’s liveaboard, with our baggage expertly handled. Welcomed with a refreshing drink and a cookie, we were ushered to our comfortable cabins.

A sumptuous lunch was followed by a comprehensive boat briefing, going over the safety protocols and the vessel’s organizational dynamics.

Unlike most liveaboards in Indonesia that offer dives only from day 2, the Ambai liveaboard offers 2 dives on the first day. Both dives were in the Ternate harbor and one of them was a night dive

Nukila Point Dive Site Review:

Nestled within Ternate’s harbor, Nukila Point revealed itself as an unexpected gem. Beneath the surface, a treasure trove of sunken wrecks awaited exploration, including curious sightings like a submerged bus and motorcycle. A bustling underwater world came alive with diverse marine life, from schools of batfish to baby barramundi. A slumbering shark sought shelter under a table coral, while an array of critters such as porcelain crabs and manta shrimps delighted us. Anemones, adorned with their clownfish tenants, added to the underwater spectacle.

Tip:  It’s worth noting that the harbor can be bustling, so ensuring you have a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and employing it before surfacing is a wise practice.

Days Two and Three: Exploring Ternate’s Dive Sites

Due to the robust winds accompanying a passing storm in Indonesian waters, the crew opted to explore dive sites around Ternate Island for 2 more days

AM Point 2 Dive Site:

Some parts of AM Point 2 bore the scars of destructive bomb fishing, with patches of coral devastation. This accessible dive unfolded within a protected bay, boasting a central boulder as its focal point. Though there weren’t many fish, a submerged bus and motorcycle offered unique underwater attractions. The cabbage coral field, however, was splendid.

Maitara Utara Dive Site:

Positioned along the northern jetty of Maitara Island, this wall dive captivated us with its underwater topography. Starting at a gentle 5 meters and descending to 25 meters, the reef showcased a gentle drift current. Regrettably, the shallow areas nearest to the village bore the scars of coral damage due to anchoring and construction. However, the deeper parts revealed a mesmerizing underwater world, replete with table corals, sponges, and gorgonians. A serendipitous discovery was a pygmy seahorse camouflaged amidst the gorgonians, and a wealth of crabs and nudibranchs added to the dive’s allure.

After a day of diving, a visit to the local village provided a warm welcome, where the villagers proudly showcased their island’s representation on the 1000 Rupiah note.

Day Four: Transitioning to the Patinti Strait

As the sea’s tempestuous nature subsided, we started on an overnight crossing to the Patinti Strait, the crescendo of our Halmahera expedition.

Kusu Ridge Dive Site:

Positioned in front of the newly built Kusu Resort, Kusu Ridge presented us with a fantastic dive. The reef, gently sloping to about 40 meters, featured a perpendicular ridge extending from 20 to 40 meters. This ridge demanded careful no-decompression limit monitoring, as ascending from the ridge’s depths to the shallower reef required prudent time management. The reef teemed with an astounding array of fish, including schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. A remarkable spectacle awaited us as we encountered the most extensive congregation of Moorish idols we had ever seen. A few vigilant sharks and a stately Napoleon wrasse patrolled the area. The dive also transitioned to a sandy bottom beyond the ridge’s deepest point at 40 meters. Here, we encountered crabs, schools of fusiliers, barracudas, and more sharks, culminating in a superlative dive experience.

Nabucco Pretty Shallow Dive Site:

Serving as the house reef for the Nabucco Resort, Nabucco Pretty Shallow lived up to its name with a magnificent shallow reef top ideal for snorkeling. As the reef descended to 25 meters along the island’s side, a captivating underwater world unfolded. The presence of currents accentuated the marine activity, with schools of fusiliers, snappers, anthias, sharks, and tuna patrolling the vicinity. A vast assembly of Moorish idols and a family of Napoleons graced the reef, embodying the site’s remarkable marine biodiversity. Vibrant colors adorned the reef, enhancing the overall dive experience. It is a rare privilege to encounter such profuse marine life, and Nabucco Pretty Shallow delivered it in abundance.

tip: When there is current, stay close to the reef as there can be a down current that can take you away from the island.

Sabatang Island Dive Site:

Situated on an island encircled by walls transitioning into a sloping slope down to 25 meters, Sabatang Island revealed a different facet of underwater exploration. While it may have hosted fewer fish and boasted less vibrant colors compared to Nabucco, it offered an opportunity for extended observation of the wall. Among the highlights were numerous nudibranchs, a Pontohi pygmy seahorse nestled on an algae instead of a gorgonian, and a tableau featuring two sharks and a stingray concealed beneath a table coral.

In between the dives, we went to visit the dive resorts around. We visited Kusu Resort in the morning and the Nabucco Resort in the evening. It was lovely to walk on the beach

Day 5: Exploring Halmahera’s best Pinnacles dive sites

Batu Jabu Dive Site:

Revolving around a pinnacle descending to 35 meters, Batu Jabu provided an exhilarating dive in strong currents. A mini-wall commenced at 15 meters, while a smaller rock sat at 21 meters, slightly removed from the pinnacle. To counter the currents, we did a negative entry and employed reef hooks. The vivid marine tapestry included schools of jacks, small barracudas, and thriving coral bommies in the sandy bottom regions. The currents attracted active sharks

Tip: If you want to dive the current in front of the pinnacle, bring a reef hook.

Ambai tailored the dive to the capacity of the divers. People who did not like the current or were not advanced enough were able to dive to the protected side while others were dropped in the current.

Batu Mangga Dive Site:

Another pinnacle awaited us at Batu Mangga, a site slightly steeper than Batu Jabu. This underwater jewel extended to about 25 meters and featured remarkable coral bommies adorned with vibrant corals and soft corals. The pinnacle pulsated with life, hosting a multitude of small, colorful fish species. The vibrant colors shone most brilliantly at around 15 meters, creating a mesmerizing underwater dreamscape. The site teemed with blacktip sharks, tunas, jacks, and schools of snappers and fusiliers. When strong currents were in play, hugging the reef closely became imperative to navigate the exposed side.

Tanjung Tower Dive Site:

Tanjung Tower unveiled itself as a wall sloping beneath the Telekom Tower( So it is also a great place to get a strong signal to do video calls 😊 )

The initial segment of the dive proved somewhat uneventful, characterized by rocky slopes with scarce marine life and limited corals. Murky visibility further contributed to a subdued atmosphere. However, magic occurred at the 10-meter mark. The reef burst into life, teeming with small fish species. Amidst this aquatic ballet, we uncovered treasures such as a blue lobster, a Pontohi pygmy seahorse on a gorgonian, and an astonishingly colossal nudibranch, measuring over 40 centimeters. This unexpected turn of events reaffirmed the adage that anything can happen underwater

Day 6: Last Diving Day in Patinti Strait

As dawn broke, an extraordinary revelation stirred us from slumber: a blue whale had been sighted! Our enthusiastic rush to the top deck, in hopes of catching a glimpse, ultimately proved futile. Nevertheless, the day’s excitement continued with our first dive at Kusu Ridge Timur.

Kusu Ridge Timur Dive Site:

This site served as an extension of Kusu Reef, previously explored on our initial day in the Patinti Strait. Characterized by a substantial plateau off the island, it descended to a remarkable depth of nearly 140 meters. Although the possibility of encountering larger marine inhabitants passing through the channel existed, our dive only introduced us to two blacktip sharks. The staghorn and Acropora corals were in good condition, a heartening sight to witness.

Proco North Dive Site:

Navigating the channel between the two Sali islands, we embarked on our dive at Proco North during the falling current. A gently sloping reef eventually led to a sandy plateau at the corner, approximately 20 meters deep. The sandy expanse hosted a congregation of eels, numbering in the hundreds. Parts of the sloping reef teemed with fish life, and the plateau witnessed blacktip sharks on the hunt.

Tip: Some parts along the wall had strong currents, both up and down so watch your depth.

Oci Point Dive Site:

The name “Oci” aptly translates to “fusiliers,” a nomenclature justified by the prodigious numbers of these fish species inhabiting the dive site. Located near Tanjung Neraka, Oci Point offered an engaging corner dive experience, characterized by a ridge protruding from the corner’s contours. The sandy bottom lay at approximately 28 meters. Dive conditions varied along the site. While the initial part featured broken corals and a somewhat subdued ambiance, other sections dazzled with their breathtaking splendor. Marvelous sponges, soft corals, and tunicates adorned the underwater landscape, showcasing a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors. The dive, a treat for macro enthusiasts, yielded discoveries such as nudibranchs, a pipefish, and a dozing cuttlefish. Overall, it proved a rewarding dive.

It was time to say goodbye to Patinte straight as we slowly made our way up towards the Siko island. The sunset onboard was stunning and we even saw a few dolphins. We navigated for part of the night.

Day 7: Massive Schools of Fishes Near Siko Island and Beach Bonfire

Our penultimate day unfolded with the promise of breathtaking underwater encounters near Siko Island. The current conditions, however, prompted a change in plans.

Tanjung Siko Dive Site:

In light of the strong currents rendering Batu Siko’s pinnacle inaccessible, we pivoted to explore the wall and the corner instead. Tanjung Siko encompassed the wall and the corner of Siko Island, cascading down to a depth of 20 meters before giving way to a sandy bottom. The reef boasted colossal and time-honored corals, basking in the radiant sunlight that bathed the underwater tableau. The number of blue triggerfish was incredible. baby triggerfishes were everywhere! We also saw 3 sharks, a turtle, and 2 tunas.

It was a great dive for a plan B!

Siko Pinnacle Dive Site:

As the day progressed, the relenting currents finally allowed us to explore the Siko Pinnacle. This site offered an exceptional dive experience, with an impressive congregation of fish species. Schools of big-nosed unicornfish, surgeonfish, and snappers made frequent appearances, while trevally were seen in pursuit of blue and yellow fusiliers and twin-stripe fusiliers. Yellow snappers and sweetlips paraded gracefully on the plateau, presenting a rare spectacle of marine life’s abundance. In an era of expanding human activity and fishing, the discovery of such prolific fish populations became even more significant. Siko Pinnacle indeed stood as a testament to Halmahera’s underwater splendors.

Batu Bolong Dive Site:

Batu Bolong served as an extension of Siko Pinnacle, with a distinctive rock formation featuring a hole within it. The reef commenced at a shallow 5 meters, transmuting into a wall descending to around 20 meters before transitioning into a sandy bottom. An additional smaller underwater pinnacle, peaking at 18 meters, added depth to the site. We were fortunate to explore this dive site after two exceptional dives earlier in the day. The pinnacle was adorned with an abundance of vibrant corals and soft corals, leaving no space untouched. The pinnacle’s upper portion, around 15 meters, radiated the most resplendent colors, punctuated by an exquisite array of small, colorful fish species

After the 3 great dives and a nourishing dinner, some passengers decided to go to the beach on one of the deserted islands and do a bonfire. It had a vibe of Robinson Crusoe!

Day 8: Exploring Around Siko Island

Our diving sojourn around Siko Island proved so captivating that we decided to extend our stay. While Halmahera cruises typically include visits to the Goraichi Islands in hopes of encountering mantas, the crew got information that mantas were not in residence during our visit so they decided to skip Goraichi.

An eagle was flying along the boat as we did the first dive briefing. nice companion for breakfast!  The view was the 7 volcano islands aligned in the sunrise creating a majestic panorama.

Batu Mandi Dive Site:

Batu Mandi is another famous dive site in Halmahera. It is a submerged peninsula, featuring a wall on one side and a sloping stone on the other, plunging to depths of 50 meters. The marine life here was resplendent, with blue triggerfish continuing to dominate the scene. The presence of giant trevally and sharks added an exciting dimension to the dive, and we encountered a colossal marble ray peacefully resting on the slope. Our venture against a mild current led us to a captivating experience at the split, where we bore witness to thousands of fish engaged in a graceful ballet. Yet another unforgettable dive!

Abu Bakar Flash Rock Dive Site:

Named after the captain who discovered the site, Abu Bakar Flash Rock was characterized by a submerged peninsula commencing at around 6 meters. The peninsula was punctuated by three canyons, contributing to stunning formations. Steep walls, blanketed in corals and soft corals, hosted a wealth of fish life. Fusiliers, resembling flashes of light, abounded, while sharks and turtles gracefully navigated the pinnacle. A gentle current accompanied our dive, revealing the breathtaking beauty of Abu Bakar Flash Rock. As the tide fell, visibility improved remarkably. Some members of our group made a staggering discovery: eight pygmy seahorses nestled on a single gorgonian!

Tunjung Laigoma Dive Site:

Tunjung Laigoma unveiled itself as a submerged corner, protected by the island’s geography. Originally, we planned to dive another pinnacle but inclement weather prompted a shift in our diving itinerary and dive Tunjung Laigoma instead. Descending onto a sandy bottom, we began by exploring a cave before proceeding along the sloping reef. The reef eventually gave way to a sandy expanse at around 20 meters. While the initial phase of the dive may have lacked excitement, we soon noticed shadows in the distance, beckoning us to investigate. Despite mild currents that we had to contend with, the effort paid off as we stumbled upon a stunning new pinnacle. It commenced at 25 meters and extended down to approximately 50 meters, adorned with vibrant corals and soft corals, leaving no space uncovered. The sheer volume of fish life was staggering, underscoring the unpredictability of diving in Halmahera. Expect the unexpected indeed!

Day 9: Last Day of Diving in Tidore

Our final day of underwater exploration found us moored at Tidore Island, which would be the last stop for our cruise.

Filonga Island Dive Site.

Filonga Island, our chosen dive site, was characterized by a small island graced by a lighthouse near the village of Tidore. We enjoyed two dives at this site on our way back to Ternate. The reef’s topography featured a gradual slope, and while it may not have matched the vibrant marine life of previous days further south, it still offered sightings of sharks and intriguing critters Given that our flights awaited us the next day, we limited our dives to two in the morning, leaving ample time for relaxation on the boat.

Tidore Fort Visit:

Our afternoon interlude brought a delightful visit to the historic Tidore Fort. This excursion provided an opportunity to stretch our legs, interact with the locals, and delve into colonial history, enriching our Halmahera experience. As the day drew to a close, a breathtaking rainbow graced the sky during sunset, a fitting farewell to Tidore Island.

Our last onboard dinner was filled with lively camaraderie, providing the perfect backdrop for bidding adieu to fellow passengers, reflecting on our remarkable journey, and cherishing the memories forged during our 9-night odyssey.

Other Activities Aboard Ambai Liveaboard:

When you’re not exploring the depths of Halmahera through diving, Ambai offers a variety of leisure activities to keep you engaged. You can bask in the sun on the generously proportioned sundeck, savor breathtaking sunsets, or simply unwind with a good book in one of the cozy lounge areas. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, kayaks are available for use when the boat is moored. Just be sure to check the current conditions beforehand, as it can unexpectedly become quite strong. Additionally, for those seeking relaxation, an onboard masseuse is at your service, offering full-body massages at a reasonable rate of 25 euros.

Internet Connectivity on Ambai Liveaboard in Halmahera:

The Ambai Liveaboard stands out as one of the few vessels that offer complimentary internet access while onboard. This connectivity is made possible through a 4G dongle, which means that internet availability is contingent on the boat’s proximity to a cell phone antenna.

During our journey, we experienced reliable internet access for the initial three days when we explored the Ternate region. However, as we ventured into the Patinti Strait, connectivity became limited near Kusu Island. It did, however, become available once more when we explored the western side of the strait, thanks to the presence of a phone antenna in the vicinity. As we circumnavigated Sikko Island, the internet signal weakened substantially.

Tips for Enhanced Internet Access:

For those desiring stronger and more consistent internet access, it’s advisable to procure a Telekomcel SIM card for your phone, complete with a data plan. The shared dongle can become congested when simultaneously used by everyone on board, resulting in slower connections. By having your own SIM card, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable internet connection.

Furthermore, in areas with subpar signal strength, positioning yourself higher on the boat and outdoors can significantly enhance signal reception.

Conclusion of Ambai Liveaboard Review:

In summary, the Ambai Liveaboard offers an exceptional diving experience complemented by practical luxury. From the moment you step on board until the culmination of your voyage, you’ll receive top-tier service, explore awe-inspiring dive sites, and craft indelible memories. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice eager to delve into the wonders of the underwater realm, Ambai promises a journey of a lifetime.

Remarkably, Ambai provides many of the amenities found in the most opulent liveaboards at a fraction of the cost. Complimentary Nitrox, soft drinks, and internet access are delightful bonuses that enhance the overall value of this remarkable adventure.

 

For more info about traveling to Indonesia, read my other articles here .

If you want to spend a day in Ternate before your Halmahera cruise, read this article about what to do in Ternate.

Makassar and Toraja are also great stopovers on your way to Ternate. You can read my review of Makassar here and Toraja here.