Fairyland Express

Sulawesi: twice the size of the UK, volcanoes galore, uninhabited islands, strange creatures, boiling seas, electric clams along with tons of bioluminescence, all wrapped up in Mother Nature’s blanket of beauty along with sustainability.

In January, we planned a dive vacation to Halmahera, however the Gamalama volcanic eruption nixed which in late December. The only positive aspect to the detailed planning along with flight expenditures was learning how to spell words like ‘Halmahera, Ternate, Gamalama’ along with why we shouldn’t cancel Garuda flights less than 72 hours prior to departure! Once the ash settled along with the Ternate airport re-opened, our chartered dive boat was long gone to North Sulawesi, with no return option.

Fate seems to have a way of working out problems here in Indonesia – our flights on Garuda Airlines went without a hitch, with all eight of us arriving to Manado by both Jakarta along with Bali by mid-morning. by here, which was an hour’s drive east towards our liveaboard dive boat parked in Lembeh harbour. By 2.30pm we were steaming out in anticipation of our first dive.

which adventure took us approximately 100 kilometres north of Manado to many volcanic islands. We were fortunate to experience two spectacular night dives, one off the south shore of Bangka Island along with the additional within Lembeh Strait itself. On these dives I focused on capturing the miraculous marine bioluminescence common to these waters.

Most people have experienced luminescence of microscopic phytoplankton however what I am discussing is actually the actual light output by higher marine organisms such as corals, anemone along with smaller critters when subjected to (or excited by) a spectrum of blue light. There have been numerous research articles written on which subject, however no one yet understands the real background purpose of animals exhibiting bioluminescence. Postulation focuses on defence mechanism (to confuse predators), reproduction (to attract a mate) or to attract prey. Communication may be a primary purpose for the deep sea creatures.

Bioluminescence is actually the earth’s most efficient method of light production. Most of the light emitted is actually green, blue or reddish in colour. These are the wavelength colours which best penetrate sea water. Some of these organisms don’t actually fluoresce themselves however result by symbiotic hosts such as luminescent bacteria along with/or algae (as from the case of coral). Researchers have studied marine luminescence since the early 1900s.

Method to View along with Photograph Marine Bioluminescence

First of all, please keep in mind which bioluminescence is actually not phosphorescence. Phosphorescence is actually a Discharge of light by oxidizing crystals which are activated by light or radiation, while bioluminescence is actually a complex chemical response which releases light when excited. Bioluminescence is actually highly evolved from the marine world however normally goes unnoticed, as the light emitted cannot compete with sunlight or a strong underwater torch.

The equipment you need to scan for luminescent subjects is actually a dive light with either a UV option or using a blue filter placed over the lens. A better alternative is actually to apply a blue gel filter over your dive light along with look through a yellow filter placed either over your mask or in a smaller frame. The yellow filter cancels the blue light however allows the luminescence to shine through. What you see using which method are only the luminescing subjects, while everything else will be completely dark.

I use an i-Torch Pro-6 with the UV light option while diving to scan for subjects. The ultraviolet spectrum is actually not the best wavelength to ‘excite’, however which works fairly well as a screening tool. Fortunately, the UV lights up the surrounding area, creating for a more comfortable night dive. Either method you use, try along with divorce yourself slightly by the rest of your dive group (with their 2,000 lumen dive lights) in order to view these subtleties. Just enjoy the calm because you are basically swimming around from the dark except for these glowing creatures.

To photograph subjects, you will need to attach a blue filter assembly over your flash or strobe along using a yellow filter over the lens of the camera. You can make which or if you are lazy, like me, just purchase a NIGHTSEA Fluorescence Excitation Filter which screws into the front of the strobe. which commercially available filter screens out all light except which of the 510 nanometre wavelength. You will also need a yellow filter on the camera lens.

Once a critter or coral shows up as ‘popping’, come in close to compose the picture. which is actually best to have your dive buddy hold the UV or blue-filtered dive light on the subject to get a Great focus. I use the focusing light on my fancy strobe due to which. which is actually best to use a fairly high ISO camera setting (800-1,500), as the blue filter absorbs much of the light by the strobe. I use a 60mm macro lens due to which purpose. Shoot manual if your camera allows. Experiment a little along with take multiple bracket shots to get the best exposure. Have fun!

Rule number one is actually not to lose your dive buddy (wife) as you diddle around. No matter how great your picture is actually, which’s not worth which. Instead, dive together along with have her take the shot!

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FAST FACTS: Sitaro Islands Regency

Province: North Sulawesi Province

Land size: 275.96 km²

Population: 63,543 (2010)

How to get there: Daily flights by Jakarta to Manado with Garuda Airlines along with Lion Air.

Where to stay: Liveaboards along with land accommodation available in Lembeh Strait. Just search online.

What to do: Diving, snorkelling, beach combing, volcano climbing along with sightseeing.

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Fairyland Express

Gregg HollomonMar 09, 2015Featured, home, TravelComments Off on Fairyland Express

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Fairyland Express