My Dream

Since I started scuba diving, I have visited Bunaken quite often. It truly is a paradise for divers—offering incredible visibility and an astonishing variety of marine life. Wide-angle photographers would fall in love with this place. The dive sites are mostly steep walls, perfect for drift diving, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Drifting effortlessly with the current, I could simply relax and take in the underwater scenery. I vividly remember struggling to pause at a massive turtle station—it was worth every effort. 

 

After years of diving in Bunaken, I decided to explore Bali for a new experience. I spent quite some time there, discovering countless dive sites that kept me captivated. I could never get enough of taking photos. Padang Bay, which I’ve written about in another post, was stunning. Tulamben was exceptional—ideal for both wide-angle and macro photography. Some spots even allowed for muck diving. Heading north, the Lovina area surprised me with its thriving underwater life—huge starfish marching across the seabed, creating unforgettable moments. Many times, I found myself torn between planning for macro photography and getting distracted by incredible wide-angle scenes. That alone speaks volumes about the richness of these waters. 

 

One day, I was invited to join a small group for a dive trip to the Komodo area in eastern Indonesia. As they say, the farther east you go, the more untouched and unexplored the sites become. We flew to Labuan Bajo, where our liveaboard boat, a beautiful Phinisi-style wooden vessel, was waiting for us. We spent almost a week doing nothing but diving, eating, and relaxing—what a life! Perhaps this is exactly what divers like me are searching for. To top it off, we visited the legendary Komodo dragons. Seeing them up close, I could only say, “Wow.” These ancient creatures are incredible—they run fast and even swim. One thing’s for sure, I wouldn’t want to be in the water with them! 

 

After years of exploring these breathtaking dive spots, I decided to try Lembeh. It was a paradise for macro photography. One thing that stuck with me was the concept of a "lazy dive"—a term I now appreciate even more! 

 

From flying across Indonesia in search of the best dive spots, I eventually found myself starting a new adventure in Lombok. This time, it wasn’t just another visit—I was determined to settle in and become part of the island’s rhythm. People often say that having a dream keeps us moving forward, and I had one: owning a piece of land with rice paddies, right next to a pristine white sand beach. I could ask for nothing more than to live here, surrounded by nature. 

 

Lombok’s underwater world is incredibly rich, and it would be heartbreaking to see it suffer. Conservation efforts have often left me frustrated—it’s not an easy task, nor can it be done by just one person. It requires collective effort and commitment. 

 

For now, we are taking the first steps, working on landscaping and creating an environmentally friendly space. Hopefully, this journey continues to move forward in harmony with nature.