Indonesia | April 1-28 2023 |
The decision to do PADI Divemaster Training (DMT) in Komodo was a good one. I had been looking into doing the program for some time, asking around and checking out dive locales I had visited in SE Asia in the past year. While a major goal was to get the certification, I sought to do it in a place where diving would be optimal. And Komodo National Park (KNP) and Scuba Junkie Komodo (SJK) were the perfect choices.
SJK is a small resort in an isolated location, not close to amenities, with basic accommodation (for DMTs), spotty internet, and limited F&B choices (a rotating weekly menu, beer available) - the onus is on diving, 100%. SJK pitches itself as closest to many of the Komodo NP dive sites (which may or may not be true given other shops use fast boats and SJK uses bigger slower boats).
My DMT group consisted of a French Corsican based in Scotland, an Aussie, and a Singaporean - a solid mob that got along well from day 1. Initially, the accommodation struck me (like a baseball bat), just how "rustic" it was - an open hut, shared with an assigned roommate, communal bathroom facilities, no hot water. It was back to camp living like I hadn't experienced in about 30 years (note that non-DMT paying guests have access to decent cottage rooms with AC, etc). Luckily, I was paired with Shawn from Singapore and we got along really well (and he didn't snore). Regardless, accommodation was a moot point as it was typically lights out by about 9:00 pm and up at 5:00 am nearly every day.
Likewise, I was also quickly struck by the incredible quality of the diving. No doubt, Komodo is one of the world's best dive locations and one of the most challenging given it's strong currents. The sea life is incredible, with regular Manta sightings, as well as sharks, dolphins, large fish of many types, coral gardens, etc. The pics below were taken when I was guiding a free-diving customer and we ended up in a Manta feeding area, where they kept swimming in circles by us again and again.
The DMT course was a great experience, really hands-on learning and diving skill development. It's a lot of work! The days started and ended with "tankie-time"- loading/unloading the boats with tanks and gear and setting up equipment for the guest divers. We were in the water about 85% of the time, supporting DMs and instructors, doing training and projects, some fun dives. There is a theory component for the DMT and it's fairly tough, especially physics, but I got through it with about 90% average score; my classmates did better. There was not a lot of time to study and practise skills, but us DMTs managed to read up on the e-learning app and prep on the 2-hour boat rides each way to the dive sites.
As anywhere, the people you are with can make or break an experience. As mentioned I had a great DMT cohort. But SJK also delivered well with great personality, whether it was unique and interesting guests (a surprising number of Canadians!), cool and supportive instructors and divemasters, and amazing resort staff (as always in Indonesia, the people are amazing).
During the 28-days, we only had a couple of days off. I took the boat into LBJ each time, for pizza and gear acquisition (but mainly for pizza). Once the 28-days were up and the DMT program done, I picked up my scooter and rolled on to La Cuccina at 10:30 am - first lunch customer of the day (and yes, it was pizza and beer).
Thinking about doing the DMT at Komodo? Here are a few pointers and considerations, ce moi:
Location: while SJK is a great choice and worked for me, I could also see the merits of having done the course from LBJ (Blue Marlin, say) which gives a person more social/dining/accom choices and overall freedom.
Dive gear: because I ride in on a scooter, I didn't carry my own gear. While SJK was good and I was able to use the same stuff the whole time, it was not a major issue; but I would have preferred to have my own gear, and it's a good idea to use your own stuff anyways if you plan to go pro.
Pre-study: definitely get your hands on the e-learning in advance and cover as much or all of it if you can before starting the course; likewise make sure to read up on what the DMT course entails, and start to review the skills (Marcel at Sari Cottage in Koh Tao offers great Youtube videos, is a legend).
Food: the limited food choices and predictable menu at SKJ get old pretty fast; it helps if you bring your own alternates, like instant oatmeal and coffee for bfast, and snacks like fruit, junk food, etc.
LBJ dining: I ate dinner every night at La Cuccina (breakfast once too), and every meal was Napoli pizza and Bintang; I highly recommend it :)
Getting to LBJ: obviously flying is the main and logical choice to get to LBJ, but if you had time and the gumption, riding a scooter from Bali is a viable, adventourous and fun way to get there and back, and you can tour Flores.
Touring Flores: after my DMT, I did a couple of weeks touring Flores on above mentioned scooter - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Visa: look into getting a VoA 60-day in your own country at the embassy before traveling, if possible; I got a 60-day VoA online, and it turned out to be non-extendable (alas, 30-day VoA online is extendable and cost Rp 500,000; 60-day is non-extendable and costs Rp 1,500,000 - go figure, clearly one of those things unique to Indonesia...)
Questions? Hit me up, happy to assist.
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