There is no such thing as sea monster and if there is, they are probably other divers that does not dive safely which may cause other divers in their trip to suffer!

Lots of people ask questions about sharks. Like any animal, if you do not agitate them, they are fine. There is a saying that the difference between a diver and a non diver is that non divers run away when they see shark, while divers chase them! I actually find it fascinating to encounter these sharks. Usually, they are very timid and afraid when they hear our bubbles, and they swim away. I would actually consider myself lucky if I get to see a shark when I dive!

Sharks in Indonesia that I often encounter are tame ones like the black tip and white tip; I haven’t had an encounter with bull or tiger sharks yet. However, try to avoid wearing any shiny jewelry because sharks or other fish like barracuda might think that it is their food (they might think that it is a little fish that they can eat) and don’t agitate them. And…don’t kill anything because sharks do chase blood.

Regarding your fear, I can only say that it is the fear of unknown. Once you dive and see how fascinating it is, you will forget about it.

See you underwater.

It’s lovely to read about your wonderful diving experience.
My parents dove a lot (by a lot means maybe 3-4 times a year, not that often compared to you and your diving buddies hehehe) when we were still living in Indonesia. Whenever we went to Bali or pulau seribu, they’d drag my wimpy 9 year-old ass and made me snorkel with them.
Fishes and corals are very pretty indeed, but only on shallow water. I got so scared once we swam further and the grounds are no longer in sight. the sea monsters and sharks would emerge to attack, I’m tellin ya!

my question: the next time I pulang kampung, I’d like to try this diving thing ur so in love with, however, i still have that sea monster fear rooted in me. How do I combat that?

Do you have any fear swimming along sharks and other biting carnivore creatures?

@Anita: I just came back from Bali and talked to a Canadian Snorkeler who admitted that Indonesia is the best place underwater. You should discover diving when you visit home!

@Kunthi: planning to organize all female diver safari next year…interested?

@Dharmawan (founder of Deep Indonesia): I share your vision on education and salute for Deep Indonesia. Preserving the environment starts from pasing information; Deep Indonesia is one of the vehicle for that purpose (and this is what I’m doing in my little blog!). There must be more that divers and sea lovers can contribute to the environment. As Hammerhead addressed, we cannot just take without giving back. I believe the ocean should be managed more professionally; it is our diamond and jewels!

It is true, we are the Ambassador of Environment. Ambassador of the Sea, to be precise.