Tidak Apa'pa a mysterious name.
We discovered the TIDAK APA'PA this summer and this thanks to our friends Christian Heylen boss of Pure Diving, an IANTD trainer that we can only recommend and who can always train you in magical places with a smile and professionalism.
TIDAK APA'PA is a small cruise ship in Indonesia, its name means in Papuan "no problem".
Depending on the season, it moves to offer the best possible circuits. These playgrounds, Komodo, Banda Sea et Raja Ampat.
An original Duet:
Ludovic and Ariane are the happy owners of this atypical cruise ship. Unlike many boats, with them it is not the factory. It is all the more pleasant as the destinations for which he offers us to embark, are the Sea of banda et Raja Ampat, during 12 days and entirely in recycler. It must be said that the only idea of diving in these underwater paradises makes you want, but in addition without bubbles, the idea leaves you pensive.
Ludovic is a character with an incredible past. Initially trumpet player, biologist specialized in reptiles and diving, Ludovic is a CCR diver and a very talented underwater photographer. He begins to break into this environment through various competitions which he won the podium. Ariane has a basic training in human resources, she lived for several years in Bali and Komodo. Ariane deals with management and reservations while Ludovic deals more with the material aspect. They also guide the dives, between them they form an excellent complementary team.
The Tida Apa'pa, the boat:
The TIDAK APA'PA is a ship of 20m, on the deck, the front part serves as dive deck and inflation station, there is also 2 large bins for rinsing his equipment.
Also available, for CCR or tek divers, oxygen b50, booster, CCR bottles, deco bottles, lime and helium.
At the center of the boat there is a table around which one spends time and where the meals take place.
On the transom, on two parts, a toilet / shower to share and on the other side the kitchen.
On the first floor a very nice deck with cushions of the style lazy boy to enjoy the scenery and relax.
The lower deck where we find, the beds, a bit of a dormitory style since 4 double berths are shared in this space, on each side 2 berths are separated by a partition, in the middle of the curtains separate the space which is also delimited through a small hallway.
The space may seem small but it is true that this boat is more for a group of friends or a large family who wishes to discover Indonesia. There is a rustic side, but we exchange the comfort of a private cabin against the fact that the boat is almost only for us because the TIDAK APA'PA can only take between 4 and 8 customers.
We are very far from other factory boats that we could cross during our stay, which for some could have up to 20 divers.
The stay:
We embarked in Ambon and after a first day on the excellent dive sites of the corner, we set sail, direction Sea Banda.
This cruise in addition to taking us to fascinating spots, allowed us to make a real parallel between the Banda Sea and Raja Ampat. Although it is very difficult to make a comparison, it seemed to us to have seen more species of fish that we did not encounter in the waters of the Banda Sea.
The Banda Sea:
We sailed for 5 days where we were able to dive on different reefs and islands. It was with great pleasure that we noticed a very high density of fish and we had the chance to see schools of hammers on 2 different sites which are always very punctual, since they come up each time around 17pm to greet us. During this part of the stay we were also able to meet a juvenile barramundi but already of strong size.
From our point of view, the sea of Banda has nothing to envy to Raja Ampat. The dive sites were perhaps even wilder than on the Rajas, which are beginning to be known and therefore more crowded.
Raja Ampat:
Also known under the name of the 4 kings, Raja Ampat is not four small islands, but 4 archipelagos which group together up to 1500 islands. The most famous archipelago remains that of Misool. Made famous by the Misool Resort. Fishing has been prohibited there for several years. There is therefore also a very high density but also a very rich diversity, a unique place due to these specificities. Thanks to this non-fishing the animals have not developed any fear of humans, and we can easily approach them. Sometimes, when taking a photo, you would really want to use your hand to push a fish into the field of vision. Of course this is not the case, but it shows how much confidence reigns!
Even if Misool is a place out of the ordinary the other Archipelagos are just as attractive. Although we could not dive on every island and dive site. We were able to concentrate on the best places that each Archipelago can offer you. With dreamy names like Love Potion, Blue Magic, Sardines Reef, The Passage or Manta Ridge you can rest assured that you will not do boring dives. If you want to see pelagic or macro, your wish should be realized, any diver who leaves disappointed on this subject, can abandon the dive. Because in the space of a few days we met an oceanic manta who stayed with us for 45 min, 5-6 wobbegong sharks, a cruise where we surveyed 5 species of pygmies and a multitude of shrimps and other small invertebrates.
To conclude:
The TIDAK APA'PA is not a cruise that you will find in catalog at a tour operator or tour operator.
It is a complicated product to sell for a travel professional because, not commercial enough, concerning a small volume of divers. This small number of divers is a great asset, as it is easy for a bunch of buddies or a family to charter the entire vessel. There is the possibility to organize a fully Tek or CCR cruise. For CCR divers being alone without a bubble diver is a luxury that can rarely be afforded. When we see the quality of the sites and the possible dives, these are arguments that are weighty.
For divers with their “bubble-free” machines. There is a little extra to pay for a system " all inclusive Which includes lime, bottles and O2. On the TIDAK APA'PA, no problem we can really consider the craziest. Because if you charter the boat you can easily make a tailor-made program (depending on the region and season). It's almost impossible with 15 divers.
To conclude, the TIDAK APA'PA is not made for divers who are used to 5 star hotels. On the 3 destinations it covers in Indonesia: Komodo, Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea. It remains significantly more affordable than any other competitor.
But still offers a quality service, with rates between 1400 and 3080 euros per person. Depending on the circuit and with sites of such quality, it would be a shame not to enjoy it.
Un event is also organized for rebreather divers to discover this time Komodo with the duo.
For a quote, do not hesitate to contact Ariane on: contact@tidakapapa-liveaboard.com.
Please note that she is not always reachable and may take a few days to respond to you.