Indonesia

The remote Togian Islands lie in the middle of Tomini Bay in central Sulawesi. While difficult to reach, the islands offer great conditions for scuba-diving all year round.

Protected on almost all sides by the tentacle-like arms of Sulawesi, this large bay is reputably the calmest in the world.

Sumatra is not as famous for diving as some of the more easterly Indonesian Islands, but little Pulau Weh offers much for the more adventurous diver.

Perched off the northern tip of Sumatra, it's position means that it is not affected by run-off from rivers and so has great visibility. It also receives a lot of nutrient rich currents, which bring with it a kaleidoscope of life.

Maumere is a beautiful bay on the north coast of Flores. It is an area that is famous for its diversity.

Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Dolphins & Whalesharks cruise the bay, good encounters with Sharks & large Rays are possible and there is a wealth of macro life to keep any diver fascinated for hours.

On the east coast of Kalimantan, a little south from the world famous Sipadan area, are more equally impressive, but less well-known islands & reefs.

These difficult to reach dive sites are now beginning to open up to divers - and the intrepid travelers who make it this far will not be disappointed.

In north-west Lombok, the Indonesian island to the east of Bali, are three idyllic islands known collectively as the Gili Islands.

These small islands, as well as being beautiful above water, also offer a visual feast below the waves, with plenty of turtles & other great marine animals.

The islands, which have no cars and a very relaxed way of life, have become the most popular spot in Indonesia to learn to dive.

Just off the northern-eastern tip of Sulawesi, between Bunaken & Lembeh, lies the islands of Bangka & Sangihe.

These volcanic islands are less renowned for diving than Lembeh or Bunaken nearby, but are equally fascinating.

The volcanic nature of the area has led to some very unusual dive sites, including the chance to dive an active volcano and a dive site in a sunken village.

The Banda Sea is a deep sea ringed by islands in eastern Indonesia. Right in the middle of the sea are the Banda Islands, while Ambon lies to the north.

While they may seem incredibly remote, they were once world famous as the Spice Islands, where nutmeg & mace - much sought after in those days - were grown & fought over by colonial powers.

Alor lies to the east of Flores & north of Timor Island. Divers who venture this far will be rewarded with exceptional diving away from the crowds.

The area is characterised by two main forms of diving - current swept dives with a high chance to find pelagics; and world-class muck diving.