The Indonesian archipelago lies between the Indian and Pacific Ocean basins. Every day, the most voluminous movement of water on earth pushes through the islands, creating wicked currents and unpredictable seas in an otherwise picturesque tropical environment. Because of this, the waters and reefs are among the most diverse and productive in the tropics. There are over 2500 species of fish and 80 genera of coral around here. Hawai’i, in comparison, has only 40 species of coral. You can probably imagine how Thomas feels living here and working as a scuba instructor…
The best season for diving in Bali is August to November. The water’s clearest, the weather’s consistently perfect, and some cool creatures show up. In addition to the usual assemblage of sea snakes, corals, cute fishes, and crawling things, the world’s chunkiest bony fish arrives to get some much needed preening. The ocean sunfish (or Mola mola, as I like to call it) is an odd fish with two huge fins protruding from its disc shaped body. It eats jellyfish and can be three metres tall and weigh over a tonne. Here, you can dive alongside these things.
I have come face to face with the strangest, most calm fish in the ocean. I am always amazed how beautiful wild creatures seem when you take the time to actually look at them. Once the shock subsides, you begin to appreciate the intricate patterns in its skin and the precise, gentle movements of its body. Seeing six of these big fish at once was one of those moments when it all suddenly comes together and you realize how utterly amazing Reality can be.
Image by www.bittenbysharks.com (c) 2007
