FREEFLOW DIVING TIMOR-LESTE

A Nudibranch Weekend

2011-08-29T10:37:00.005+09:00

Despite dire warnings of road closures and delays this past weekend the eastern dive sites were easily accessible.
The following pictures were taken at ONE dive site (K41) over two dives. Perhaps the abundance of great 'branchs is due to the lower water temperature? (26 degrees C)

....

Ghost pipefish

2011-07-05T23:42:00.003+09:00

I know it's been a while since I put some pictures up, but I just HAD to post these two. I only saw them because they moved!

Get ready for a LOT of new pictures coming.....

2011-06-24T12:21:00.007+09:00

Greetings everyone.
Its been a while since the last update and lots has been going on at FreeFlow.
Firstly we have a new instructor that most of you have met by now. His name is Adam and he's going to be here for the next year or so dealing with the PADI courses and helping with the diving too. He has been busy building a website for us for the past month or so and we are very pleased to say that it is online at www.freeflowdivingtimorleste.com
Any suggestions/comments please dont hesitate to email us at freeflowdiving@gmail.com

Lastly the rains seem to have stopped and that means that the vis is just getting better and better with 20-30m now a regular occourance even in and around Dili. So if you havn't been diving in a while, or even if you have, come join us and get back into the water.

Recent

2011-03-15T15:51:00.003+09:00

Nothing But Nudi's

2011-02-17T08:48:00.003+09:00

Get Wetter!!

2011-01-31T12:03:00.002+09:00

Good Vis Despite The Rain

2011-01-27T16:45:00.002+09:00

Some Great Recent Diving Despite The Vis.

2011-01-13T14:44:00.003+09:00

It seems that this time of year, with the water temperature slightly down and the visibility not great, really brings out the Nudibranchs. Or maybe its because we look just that little bit harder.

Assistant Instructor

2011-01-10T08:31:00.004+09:00

Here is a picture of Mick, who has been a PADI Assistant Instructor for about 10 years now, diving at K57 the other day. K57 is now divable!! Great vis!! This was his 22nd dive in East Timor and he's going out for 2 more today.

Two Days Diving

2010-12-21T10:29:00.003+09:00

Two Great Ninny's From Marcus

2010-12-08T17:26:00.003+09:00

More local recent diving

2010-12-05T14:26:00.004+09:00

A Nice Days Diving

2010-11-24T13:48:00.003+09:00

A Nice Day Out

2010-11-19T17:28:00.003+09:00

Some More Recent Pictures

2010-11-16T12:03:00.003+09:00

Diving Today, September 30 2010

2010-09-30T18:09:00.003+09:00

A Bit Early, but, The Whales Are Here!!

2010-09-23T09:37:00.002+09:00

Some Recent Images

The Past Two Days

2010-09-07T16:23:00.001+09:00

K57, Marble Rock, Bob's Rock and Secret Garden.

2010-08-31T15:16:00.002+09:00

The Past Two Days

2010-08-25T22:53:00.003+09:00

Some great diving at Tasi Tolu and Pertamina in the past two days:

A 'First' for Timor-Leste

2010-08-25T09:43:00.009+09:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce the graduation of a new PADI DiveMaster.
Lukeno (Luke) Alkatiri was certified by PADI IDC Staff Instructor Alexandra Booth at FreeFlow Diving on August 24th 2010. We believe that Luke is the first East-Timorese PADI professional diver, a significant milestone for a country that is looking to responsible dive tourism to aid its future prosperity.
After a lot of hard work and quite a few laughs Luke, amongst other things, is now qualified to lead guided dives, assist PADI Instructors on various courses and conduct the PADI Discover Local Diving Experience. A PADI DiveMaster is also a qualified Rescue Diver and Emergency First Responder.
It was a joy to work with Luke during his course as he showed great enthusiasm, a terrific sense of humour (he had no choice there) and total professionalism. We would also like to thank Marcus Culley for his invaluable assistance during Luke’s training.

Going over a few last details.

A very early dawn dive.

Left to right: Robeiro, Open Water trainee; Luke, PADI DiveMaster; Nelson, Rescue Diver trainee; Luis, Open Water trainee.

Luke on his first wreck dive.

A real cool underwater dude.

New PADI DiveMaster Luke Alkatiri and PADI IDC Staff Instructor Alexandra (Lara Croft) Booth

Recent Pictures

2010-08-16T09:46:00.002+09:00

Pictures

2010-08-08T16:11:00.001+09:00

Some new pix

2010-07-29T22:06:00.003+09:00

Fame At Last

2010-07-15T18:36:00.000+09:00

Here is a link to "Nudipixel" of a picture I took a couple of months ago:

http://www.nudipixel.net/photo/00026507/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nudipixel+%28Nudi+Pixel+Latest+Photos%29

....

Some Pictures From The Past Few Days Diving

2010-07-14T16:32:00.003+09:00

Before

After

Dili Rock and Tasi Tolu

2010-07-03T13:46:00.001+09:00

....

Night Dive At K41

2010-07-01T08:11:00.003+09:00

We christened this little guy "Colgate". Well, every Hermitcrab has to have a home!

....

K41, June 25th 2010

2010-06-26T08:32:00.003+09:00

Some exoctic images from K41 yesterday.
Was that a mermaid down there or the legendary Dugong? You decide.

....

Dili Marathon, June 20th 2010

2010-06-20T11:37:00.004+09:00

FreeFlow Diving is very proud to have been involved in the first ever
International Dili Marathon.
Here are a few pictures from the day.

....

Tasi Tolu, June 19th 2010

2010-06-20T11:32:00.002+09:00

The nudibranch is called Kentodoris rubescens and is apparently rare. It is also very very big. This one was about 16cm!

....

Dili Rock - Yesterday

2010-06-13T08:55:00.001+09:00

Some images from the past two days

2010-06-08T09:27:00.002+09:00

More Pictures

2010-05-24T22:43:00.001+09:00

Dili Rock and Tasi Tolu

2010-05-20T21:49:00.003+09:00

May 20th 2010 - Happy Independence day!

Bobs Rock - May 15th 2010

2010-05-16T07:09:00.006+09:00

Bobs Rock was the first site I ever dived in Timor-Leste back in 2000 - I loved it then and I still love it now. It is a nudibranch enthusiasts heaven. There is always some little gem to be found here.

....

Too Big For Our Own Fins?

2010-05-12T21:41:00.001+09:00

Maybe this blog has some influence after all.
Please check out the previous blog entry and this document, released today May 12th 2010:

PR Ramos-Horta calls for a halt on an environmentally destructive public works project

Dili, May 12th (PPR) – President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, made a site inspection to a public works project in the Taci Tolu area of the capital of Timor-Leste, Dili, yesterday. The site in question will bring much needed assistance to the local population in water management, especially during the wet season. his year’s late and heavy wet season, which has caused considerable damage to public property, is a prime example of the reasons why rain management across the country is of vital importance.
However this particular project will destroy one of Asia’s best scuba diving sites if it is allowed to go ahead. Currently excess water collected by the project will be diverted directly into the ocean. What makes this site so important is the rarity of what is alive beneath the waves. Many rare and endangered species, such as the dugong, or “sea cow” and the incredibly rare “mimic octopus” are found in this bay, which has attracted scuba enthusiasts from across the globe to visit Timor-Leste.
Direct revenue injected into the local economy by scuba divers visiting this site are estimated to be in excess of USD$ 200,000 per year. The expected fresh water and the associated pollution washed out to sea through the completion of this project will destroy this site completely and forever.
H.E. the President of Timor-Leste personally visited the site and has attempted to halt the public works progress until a satisfactory solution has been decided.
“It is incredible that we, as a nation, could destroy such an important site, which is only a short drive from the Government Palace, out of complacency and lack of planning; the government must protect our natural resources for the future generations - we must be seen as proactive, diligent and sensitive to sites which we may not even understand the value of now”, he said.The President went on to say: “It is imperative that the relevant bodies in government come together and find the correct solution for this challenge. Why would we destroy an area that will provide substantial income to our economy?”
The site concerned has also been identified as a location to be used in the First International Dive Photo Contest of Timor-Leste in October this year. The event will run from the 9th till the 15th of October, 2010 and is a unique 4 day photography competition, which has a lucrative prize pool of USD$ 30,000.
Professional scuba divers and photographers from around the world are being invited to participate by President Ramos-Horta. The objectives of this initiative include showcasing Timor-Leste’s tremendous scuba diving potential and to promote its’ marine-based tourism to the region and beyond. The contest will also serve as a mechanism to provide education on the environment, bio diversity and many marine based opportunities that the pristine waters of Timor can offer the people of Timor-Leste.

For further information contact:
Media Officer for President of the Republic Mr. Joel Pereira on +6707230160
The Dive Photo Contest Director, Sean Borrell on +670 7382208 / borrellsean@hotmail.com
Visit the Dive Photo Contest Website at www.underwatertimorleste.com
www.presidency.tl

Every little helps........

Tasi Tolu, May 09 2010

2010-05-10T09:40:00.005+09:00

All of these pictures were taken on one 50 minute dive at Tasi Tolu. This site has to be one of the premier 'muck' dives in South-East Asia.

PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE

Weedy scorpionfish, Rhinopias frondosa

Unknown Nudibranch

Unknown frogfish

Thorny Seahorse

Leaf scorpionfish Taenianotus triacanthus

Ornate ghost pipefish Solenostomus paradoxus

Mimic octupus Thaumoctopus mimicus

Unfortunately this dive site may not exist in the near future. A storm drain is being dug which empties out right on to the site. So far as we are aware no environmental impact assessement has been carried out as to the effects of this storm drain. Tasi Tolu is also a breeding and feeding ground for Dugong, one of the worls most endangered species. This site is also going to be one of the featured dive sites in the upcoming Timor-Leste Underwater Photo contest. Something needs to be done.

.....

Tasi Tolu, May 4th 2010 - Click on image to enlarge

2010-05-05T09:32:00.005+09:00

A Very Happy Chap

More Pictures

2010-04-27T08:09:00.001+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

.....

Tasi Tolu, April 17, 2010

2010-04-17T15:01:00.001+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

Tasi Tolu, April 16, 2010

2010-04-17T09:29:00.001+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

Waynes World and Bobs Rock

2010-04-09T21:46:00.001+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

Tasi-Tolu, Night Dive

2010-04-09T21:14:00.002+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

The Past Two Days

2010-03-28T16:38:00.002+09:00

Some More Nudibranchs From The Past Two Days

2010-03-28T16:20:00.002+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Dili Rock, March 17th 2010

2010-03-17T12:58:00.003+09:00

Click To Enlarge

Tasi Tolu - Again

2010-03-16T13:20:00.003+09:00

Apologies for the quality of the pictures, but I think these are 3 separate species of seahorse taken yesterday in one dive at Tasi Tolu (they are still there Luke). I wonder if Dave Harasti is looking in and can help me out???

....

Tasi Tolu, March 9th 2010

2010-03-09T18:52:00.002+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

March 7th 2010

2010-03-09T09:07:00.001+09:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

....

Tasi Tolu, Feb 27th 2010

2010-02-28T17:49:00.002+09:00

This is NOT Halimeda. This is Robust Ghost Pipefish (Solenostumus cyanopterus)

Dili Rock, Feb 25th 2010

2010-02-25T14:31:00.002+09:00

Glossodoris cruentus

Giant Moray

....

Feb 15, K41 and Black Rock

2010-02-17T19:50:00.003+09:00

....

Valentine's Day, K41 and Bob's Rock

2010-02-17T19:41:00.002+09:00

....

Tasi Tolu, Feb 12

2010-02-13T09:34:00.001+09:00

Click On Image To Enlarge

It's Own Worst Enemy

2010-02-10T23:52:00.003+09:00

The Barramundi Cod (Cromileptes altivelis) is probably one of the unluckiest fish in the ocean. Bright white, covered in black polka-dots and with a distinctive hump-back (hence it's common name), this fish is NOT good at hiding. Not a particularly deep dweller, the Barramundi is an ideal target for spear fishermen.
If you check out 'Grants Guide' to Fishing, the Aussie anglers bible, you'll find that this particular fish is maybe the tastiest thing you can find in tropical seas. Since I've been diving here in TL, about 6,500 dives now, I've only encountered this fish about 10 times, and at least 5 of those times it was the same fish. It is not considered a rare species but it is "under threat" so I would normally keep the location of the fish secret. I think you don't see it much here because we have so many "spearo's" and it's an easy target.
Here's a picture of one at Dirt Track the other day. Sorry about the quality of the picture but under the circumstances (4 metre vis and a strong current) it was the best I could do. I promise we'll try to make sure that the rest of our pictures will at least be in focus in the future.....

More Pictures

2010-02-09T10:21:00.003+09:00

Risbecia tryoni - Dirt Track

Black-blotched Porcupinefish - Tasi Tolu

Mantis shrimp - K41

Ceratosoma trilobatum - Dirt Track

....

Some pictures

2010-01-28T13:23:00.003+09:00

Glossodoris atromarginata - Tasi Tolu

Chromodoris kuniei - Bobs Rock

Nemtrotha lineolata - Bobs rock

Warty Frogfish - Tasi Tolu

Tasi Tolu - Today 7/1/10

2010-01-07T17:16:00.004+09:00

Paddle-Flap Scorpionfish (Rhinopias eschmeyeri)

Shortfin Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus)

....

Tasi Tolu - again!

2010-01-04T17:50:00.001+09:00

Dili Rock - Yesterday

2010-01-04T13:24:00.002+09:00

New Years Diving

2010-01-04T08:13:00.003+09:00

Tasi Tolu - 23rd December '09

2009-12-24T19:03:00.002+09:00

Four wonderful fish, one dive. I love this site.

....

Tide Tables

2009-11-23T15:13:00.001+09:00

....

Showing Off

2009-11-17T17:24:00.003+09:00

The following pictures are of a Humpback whale cow and calf at Bob's Rock today 17th November 2009. The calf was in a very playful mood and kept on breaching. Mum just swam very close keeping an eye on things. You can see mum under the water close to the calf. She is the very large light blue object! Thanks Urs for the pictures.

My word I love this country!

....

Weekly Highlights - 9th Nov/15th Nov 09

2009-11-16T17:57:00.002+09:00

Dirt Track – A Whaleshark. Fairly small (5 metres). We had just started our safety stop at about 5.5 metres when the sun was blocked out and the Whaleshark swam above us! Giant Trevalley, Dogtooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel and a school of Big-eye Jacks. Two schools of Batfish (Pinnate and Teira). Vis: 30metres plus.

Dili Rock – Exquisite pair of Harlequin Ghost pipefish. The best and most colourful I have yet seen in Timor-Leste. They are still there! Vis: Who cares?

Lone Tree – Thresher shark and 5 Grey reef sharks. Vis: 25metres plus.

Black Rock – Seven turtles (Hawksbills), Huge Barracuda, Dugong. Vis: 20metres.

Tasi Tolu – Usual suspects (Paddleflap Scorpionfish, Weedy Scorpionfish, Seahorses, Frogfish etc) plus on one dive Cuttlefish, Octopus and Squid. As we had just seen 3 out of the 4 Cephalapods we decided to go to Nautilus for a beer to make up the full set. Vis: Very blurred after 3 hours in Nautilus!

K41 – Barracuda, approx 100 squid in a very organized line, Napoleon wrasse, Spotted Eagle ray and a pair of Harlequin Ghost pipefish. Vis: 20metres.

Marble Rock – East and West – School of Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Leaf Scorpionfish and Banded pipefish. Vis: 20metres

Bob’s Rock – Turtles, Leaf Scorpionfish, Squid and a pair of Mandarin fish. Vis: 20metres

That's all folks

....

Tide Tables

2009-11-16T17:36:00.000+09:00

Oh Those Nudibranchs!!!

2009-08-18T01:18:00.001+09:00

Even more!! When Will It End???

2009-08-18T00:41:00.001+09:00

Even More Pix!!!!!

2009-08-18T00:33:00.002+09:00

More Good Pix - Thanks Doug

2009-08-18T00:12:00.002+09:00

Cetacean Hotspot!

2009-06-27T09:02:00.002+09:00

The government of East Timor says it plans to establish a national park to protect a bounty of dolphins and whales — some of them endangered species — recently discovered mingling and feeding off the coast of Asia's youngest country.
But officials say they will need foreign assistance to preserve the area and develop eco-tourism in one of the few places in the world with such numbers and variety of large sea mammals, thanks to its unusual geography and, possibly, to years of relative isolation.
Aerial surveys of the hotspot by scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science recorded "an exceptional diversity and abundance" of dolphins and whales, according to findings recently handed to officials in Dili.
"What you have in East Timor is a period of the year where there really is an incredible diversity of cetacean species, of dolphins in particular, small whales and even large whales," lead scientist Mark Meekan said. "That makes Timor quite unique."
Between April and November, the Australian and Timorese researchers spotted endangered blue whales, sperm whales and sei whales during flights along the island's northern and southern coasts.
Activity peaked in November, when they recorded spinner and spotted dolphins — internationally classified as depleted species — gathered in groups or pods of several hundred and mixing with small whales.
The waters around the mountainous island are squeezed into a narrow, deep sea trench that brings the animals together in vast numbers. More research is needed to learn why they are there and if it is an annual migration route, Meekan said.
The discovery has prompted vows from the Timorese leadership to declare the area a protected national park and develop it for ecotourism. Funding is being sought from the Asian Development Bank, the newly established six-nation Coral Triangle Initiative and other foreign donors, he said.
The marine institute recommended that East Timor promote whale watching and conduct follow-up studies to identify migratory pathways and establish guidelines for protecting species.
Mariano Sabino, the minister for agriculture and fisheries, told The Associated Press in an interview that it has become a priority to implement the recommendations. "It is our moral responsibility to implement them for the affluence of the Timorese people," he said.
Sabino said outside help was essential for the effort, but did not immediately have a firm estimate of how much was needed.
East Timor gained independence in 2002 after four centuries of foreign dominance and a 24-year Indonesian occupation, during which as many 183,000 people were killed, abducted or starved to death.
Tourism had begun to pick up when internal violence flared in 2006, killing dozens and threatening civil war.
The discovery of world-class marine life within a mile (2 kilometers) of East Timor's shores poses an opportunity to help reduce towering unemployment for the country's 1 million people, said Curt Jenner, managing director of the Australian Centre for Whale Research.
"It shows the world that intensely productive areas such as this only exist in a very few and special places on the planet," Jenner said. "If tourism and science can help protect these areas, then that's perfect."

....

People Say The Nicest Things

2009-06-13T15:37:00.004+09:00

"I’ve been diving for 16 years and can honestly say that Timor-Leste offers the most sublime diving…….. Providing pure underwater ecstasy. Very few places in the Indo-West Pacific, or anywhere on Earth, can compare to Timor’s coral reef diversity, ease of diving and untainted beauty. It was difficult to fathom that these were beach dives!...."
Asian Diver Magazine

“"Wayne knows East Timor’s dive sites better than anyone else; his explorations have led to the establishment of many of the sites. He's also an excellent critter finder as he has the knack of finding the rare and unusual……"
Dave Harasti—Sport Diving Magazine

“"I was to find out why East Timor held such appeal while hanging out with two of the country's most knowledgeable divers, Wayne Lovell and Ann Turner of FreeFlow Diving. I had expressed curiosity about East Timor's reef inhabitants via email, so was heartened to find that Wayne…. a nudibranch geek, was an authority on local marine-life habits, bizarre critters and all."
Ethan Daniels — Diver Magazine, UK

“"Not only does East Timor offer unsurpassed diving but you can also snorkel in some great secluded crystal clear bays, rock climb, trek, fish…. the list seemed to go on way beyond the time we had left so we settled for a relaxing day instead….. Well it is a holiday and as Ann and Wayne’s motto says….. “Go with the ‘Flow”!!!!”"
Suzanne Offenberg — DiveLog Australasia

“"The beauty of diving in East Timor is that it is largely unexplored territory. Most (dive sites) are within an hour’s drive of Dili. The FreeFlow dive safari includes transport to and from these sites.”"
Lynn Lee — Asian Wall Street Journal

Dili, East Timor—”"Scuba divers dream of discovering an unspoiled marine paradise, and they need look no further than the pristine waters here…."”
Kayo Matsushita — The Asahi Shimbum, Japan

“"To dive in Timor-Leste can be as simple as a stroll into the sea from the roadside. It can be as exhilarating as a flying drift dive shoulder to shoulder with a school of barracuda….."”
Daniel J. Groshong — Escape Magazine

“"Wayne Lovell from FreeFlow Dive is one of the best underwater operators in the country – and we use him regularly……”"
Professor Karen Edyvane, Principal Scientist (Marine Biodiversity) Department of Natural Resources, Environment & the Arts, NT Government.

"Ms. Turner and Mr. Wayne have been authentic, sincere, and contributed significantly to the development of our nation. They are precisely the type of people that we need to attract and keep in Timor-Leste….”"
H.E. President Jose Ramos Horta.

7 ‘Must Do Things In Dili ‘
“1. "Dive at K41 with FreeFlow Diving”"
Resident Magazine, Northern Territory

....

Shore Diving

2009-06-13T15:33:00.000+09:00

Some Suggestions

Entry
When entering the water it is a good idea to carry your fins with the straps looped over your wrist. This will leave your hands free should you stumble.

Wear your mask around your neck!

Make sure your BCD is inflated.

Put your mask and fins on when in chest deep water.

Watch the surf, not your feet!

Exit
When taking off your fins make sure the water is not too shallow to make standing up difficult.

Watch the surf/waves.

Wear your mask around your neck and your fin straps looped over your wrist.

Use the waves to lift you up and carry you to shallow water.

Buddies help each other. That’s what buddies are for.

Be extra careful of slippery rocks at low tide.

....

Pertamina Jetty

2009-06-13T15:23:00.002+09:00

Some good news for those of us who love to dive the jetty. In the latest issue of ‘Australasia Scuba Diver’, the official publication of the PADI Diving Society, the site has been named as one of ‘Asia Pacific’s most outstanding shore dives.’ Respected diving journalist Ethan Daniels describes the jetty as “one of the least known yet most extraordinary critter dives in the Coral Triangle.” Old news to those of us who have enjoyed this wonderful site over the years and good news for those of you yet to dive it.
Yet all is not sweetness and light. Rumours abound that Pertamina will be moving their terminal to another site and that the jetty will be demolished. We cannot let this happen. FreeFlow Diving have been in contact with the Ministry of Tourism, explaining the importance of the site (dive tourists bring in dollars!) and pointing out the many rare species that exist here. We have had some excellent positive feedback from Tourism who have said they will take the case to various other ministries ie: Infrastructure, Environment etc and that they will not let this happen.
Watch this space!

FreeFlow Diving - Because we care about our dive sites......

ps - dived it this morning and it was as good as ever.

Great Pictures

2009-06-11T08:25:00.004+09:00

In May we were lucky enough to be visited by award winning underwater photographer Doug Anderson. Doug was on his way back to Sydney after
just finishing a 10 day luxury holiday in Bali which he won as a prize in an Australian photography competition. He originally planned to stay in Timor-Leste for 5 days but naturally he extended his visit by 2 weeks, as you do. Doug did more than 20 dives with FreeFlow and on the next two pages are just a
few of the great images he made while in our wonderful country. More great pictures at this link: www.flickr.com/photos/douga

....

Welcome Back

2009-05-05T12:34:00.002+09:00

New DiveMaster Trainee
We are overjoyed to introduce and welcome back PADI DiveMaster trainee Kasia Jagiello. This is Kasias third visit to East Timor after falling in love with the country during our little bit of trouble in 2006/2007 when she was here with her husband Mateusz, who was a volunteer surgeon at Dr. Dan Murphys Bario Pite clinic.
Kasia will be at FreeFlow for at least 6 months undergoing intensive PADI DiveMaster training along with various specialities after which she will move on to her Assistant Instructor training at FreeFlow. She has dived extensively in East Timor, in fact it was very hard to get her OUT of the water during her last stay here, and she already knows most of the dive sites intimately. She has a passion for the underwater world and is constantly adding to her knowledge of the wonderful marine flora and fauna here; she also loves to share this knowledge with other divers.
Kasia is a Polish national, a wonderful cook and she has a wicked sense of humour.
Please drop into FreeFlow at any time to say hello to her and welcome her back to our beautiful country.

....

Welcome

2009-03-24T08:48:00.004+09:00

New PADI Instructor
We would like to introduce and welcome our new PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Vicki Jones.
Vicki, from the U.K., joined us here at FreeFlow in March. She has a wealth of experience in teaching PADI courses and can teach from beginner upto and including Divemaster. She also has 13 teaching specialities under her weightbelt !
She has previous experience of working in PADI Career Development Centres and National Geographic Dive centres in Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Zanzibar & Mexico.
Some of the PADI specialties Vicki can teach are Peak Performance Buoyancy, Digital Underwater Photography, Deep, Navigation, Night & Fish ID. So if you were thinking of adding to your current dive skills or taking your diving to the next level, then contact Vicki at the dive centre to discuss your next dive adventure.

You can contact Vicki on +(670) 723 4615

Vicki Jones, PADI IDC Staff Instructor

....

2009-03-24T08:40:00.002+09:00

FreeFlow Diving have introduced a new monthly diving newsletter. The Newsletter will include special offers, diving news and upcoming events.
If you wish to go on the mailing list for this please send an email to: freeflowdiving@gmail.com and we will gladly add you to the list.

....

What A Country!

2008-12-19T10:42:00.002+09:00

Media Release: 19.12.08
Timor a Global Hotspot for Whales and Dolphins
A recent major scientific field survey has revealed the deep oceans off the fledgling nation of Timor-Leste are proving to be a global hotspot and major migratory corridor for whales and dolphins.
The project is a joint partnership involving the Government of Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), and was the first ocean-going scientific research trip undertaken by researchers from the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste.
AIMS Project Leader Dr Mark Meekan said the survey was the first major boat-based survey of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in Timor-Leste and follows six months of intensive aerial surveys of marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and crocodiles along Timor coasts by NRETAS, AIMS and Timorese researchers.
NRETAS marine biodiversity Principal Scientist Professor Karen Edyvane said the survey recorded more than 1,000 individuals in eight separate pods over a mere 50km stretch of coast in a single day of observations.
"This is among the highest level of cetacean abundance ever recorded," Professor Edyvane said.
"Not only has the trip revealed the amazing cetacean abundance and diversity of Timor-Leste, but it also demonstrates Timor-Leste’s interest in marine science and its strong commitment to protecting and managing its unique marine biodiversity."
Territory and Timorese observers, including NRETAS marine wildlife experts Ray Chatto and Dr Kiki Dethmers, and Timorese researcher Jose Monteiro identified approximately 10 species of cetaceans, including Blue whales, Beaked whales, Short-finned Pilot whales, Melon Headed whales and six species of dolphins including Risso’s dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, Spotted dolphin, Rough-toothed dolphin, Spinner dolphin and the Bottlenose dolphin.
"The dolphins and small whales were literally jumping out of the water all around us – it was hard to know which animal to photograph," Mr Monteiro said.
"It is vital that Timor-Leste continues this important scientific research to gain a better understanding of these magnificent but sensitive creatures and ensure that these cetacean populations are properly protected."
Professor Edyvane said one day in particular, with glass-like sea conditions, pods of over 300-400 individuals were recorded by observers.
"We were all amazed to see such an abundance, diversity and density of cetaceans," she said.
"The seasonal east-west migration of the large whales confirms what several cetologists have long suspected – that the deep oceanic waters off Timor, along the Wetar and Ombai Strait, is a major migratory route between the Pacific and Indian Ocean for marine wildlife."
Unlike many ocean scientific voyages in Australia, the survey in Timor was conducted aboard a traditional 20 metre wooden Indonesian vessel, the Timor Tiger – the first vessel in Timor to be registered for scientific marine research. Café e Floressta Agricultura Pescas Loro Matan Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport Anne Marshall Ph. 8999 4730 www.nt.gov.au/nreta
"The Timor Tiger was a great research vessel for cetacean observations – multi-level, viewing platforms and local Timorese crew and observers that could spot animals at great distances," Professor Edyvane said.
Mr Celestino Barreto de Cunha, Director of Fisheries Management with Timor’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said that the discovery was indeed very exciting for Timor-Leste but it also presented many challenges.
"The Government of Timor-Leste recognises the enormous potential for marine ecotourism along its coast and will proceed very carefully in the development of this industry," Mr Barreto de Cunha said.
"We are committed to ensuring that this marine biodiversity is protected and we will continue to look to Australia to provide good scientific advice on developing a sustainable marine ecotourism industry and in particular, through our unique collaboration with marine researchers from the Northern Territory."
The survey was funded by the Government of Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and are part of an ongoing program of coastal and marine conservation, research, monitoring and training projects being undertaken by Northern Territory and Timor-Leste researchers including NRETAS, AIMS, Charles Darwin University and Timor-Leste MAF scientists, with a view to developing sustainable marine industries and much needed regional employment and economic development.
To view the images of the recent cetacean survey in Timor-Leste go to www.nt.gov.au/marine and select East Timor Whale and Dolphin Survey.
For more information on the Government of Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries go to http://www.maf.gov.tl/

For some great pictures check out the following link:
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/marine/timorsurvey/images.html

K41 Delivers - Again!

2008-10-16T01:11:00.004+09:00

Well, it’s done it again.
After more than 8 years of diving in East Timor, with around 1000 dives at K41 alone I thought I had seen it all at that particular dive site. Once again it’s proved me wrong.

I, and other divers, have seen Dugong, Manta rays, Hammerhead Sharks, Maori wrasse, many and varied flavours of Pipefish, Orca’s, Squid orgies, bait-balls etc etc at K41 but yesterday had to take the biscuit.
Instructor Andrew was out with 2 tourist divers, Bali and Mecah, on their first dive since completing their Open Water course. So there they were, at about 12metres, watching a trumpetfish doing its thing when a large shadow passed over them. Looking up they saw a 3.5metre Whaleshark! The fish circled them 6 times and stayed for around 5 minutes. What a great first dive..
Do Whalesharks travel in groups? Are there more out there? The only way to find out is to get out there and Go Diving!

….

Squid!

2008-09-26T08:09:00.004+09:00

Get to K41 and Bob's Rock NOW for lots of squid in the shallows. It looks like the squid are back for their annual orgy. At K41, slightly west and away from the wall there are in the region of 100 squid lining up waiting to lay eggs. Also at Bob's Rock, in the area of the Garden eels there are another 30 or so doing the same thing.
A couple of lucky divers on Wednesday at Dirt Track, having completed a fantastic dive and doing their safety stop in the shallows were joined by a Dugong for about 5 minutes.

Visibility is 30metres plus at some sites now.

Also, a nice article here about Reef Check in East Timor.

....

K41 and all that

2008-09-21T08:26:00.000+09:00

After quite a few meetings with people from Behau and various official and semi-official organisations regarding diving at K41 it seems we have come to a compromise. So long as Malai do NOT go near the small sacred trees (pictured below) we are more than welcome to use the site. The community will even start selling us cold drinks and maybe even build some low platforms that we can use to set our SCUBA equipment on.
Most of you will have noticed the very small but very visible barricade the community have put on the site. It is not a road block. It is basically a sign asking us to use the original track down to the waters edge. No problem. However, even though the barricade is very visible, yesterday we watched someone use the new (eastern) track. They drove to the barricade, thought about it, and then just drove straight through it. Not a way to win hearts and minds. So please, respect the site and we will be tolerated. End of homily.

....

Thanks Bob

2008-09-14T21:57:00.001+09:00

There has been a recall of regulators for scuba divers. They areTitan DIN 1st stage and Titan/Conshelf DIN scuba adaptors made by AquaLung USA. The recalled regulators have serial numbers lower than6062501 stamped on the side of the body. The recalled adaptors are marked 300 BAR MAX on the side. Overtightening of the DIN retainer during installation can cause it to break, and the regulator can detach from the scuba cylinder, posing a drowning hazard.
Call 877 253 3483 or go to www.aqualung.com or www.cpsc.gov

People Say The Nicest Things

2008-08-30T10:29:00.004+09:00

“Wayne knows East Timor 's divesites better than anyone else; his explorations have led to the establishment of many of the sites. He's also an excellent critter finder as he has the knack of finding the rare and unusual…… an outstanding feature of service is that FreeFlow do not impose a maximum dive time; you can dive as long as your air and computer safely allows or until your camera battery runs out!”
Dave Harasti—Sport Diving Magazine, Australia

“I was to find out why East Timor held such appeal while hanging out with two of the country's most knowledgeable divers, Wayne Lovell and Ann Turner of FreeFlow Diving. I had expressed curiosity about East Timor's reef inhabitants via email, so was heartened to find that Wayne…. a nudibranch geek, was an authority on local marine-life habits, bizarre critters and all.
Ethan Daniels—Diver Magazine, UK

“Not only does East Timor offer unsurpassed diving but you can also snorkel in some great secluded crystal clear bays, rock climb, trek, fish…. the list seemed to go on way beyond the time we had left so we settled for a relaxing day instead….. Well it is a holiday and as Ann and Wayne’s motto says….. “Go with the ‘Flow”!!!!”
Suzanne Offenberg—DiveLog Australasia

The beauty of diving in East Timor is that it is largely unexplored territory. Most (dive sites)are witin an hour’s drive of Dili. The FreeFlow dive safari includes transport to and from these sites.
Lynn Lee—Asian Wall Street Journal

Dili, East Timor—Scuba divers dream of discovering an unspoiled marine paradise, and they need look no further than the pristine waters here….
Kayo Matsushita—The Asahi Shimbum, Japan

I’ve been diving for 16 years and can honestly say that Timor-Leste offers the most sublime diving…….. Providing pure underwater ecstasy. Very few places in the Indo-West Pacific, or anywhere on Earth, can compare to Timor’s coral reef diversity, ease of diving and untainted beauty. It was difficult to fathom that these were beach dives!....
Asian Diver Magazine

To dive in Timor-Leste can be as simple as a stroll into the sea from the roadside. It can be as exhilarating as a flying drift dive shoulder to shoulder with a school of barracuda…..
Daniel J. Groshong—Escape Magazine

.....

K41

2008-08-21T16:49:00.000+09:00

K41 – BEHAU

As most of you will be aware, K41 has had a roadblock built of rocks across the path for some time now. After numerous meetings with the people of the area, attended by,
among others, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, USAID and FreeFlow, the people of the village have let us know that the reason for the roadblock is that we have been violating a sacred site. As many of you will be aware, the 4 little scrubby trees at the water’s edge, about 40metres east of the big shade tree, are in fact sacred. The God of the Wind lives here! The people of the area felt that some Malai were disrespecting this site by parking cars there, sun-baking there and even sometimes using it as a toilet. It has been agreed that a sign will be made, in 4 languages, stating something along the lines of “This is a sacred site, please respect it”, and placed next to the trees. Then the roadblock will come down. In the meantime please respect the area and if you see any Malai parked there or just being there please let them politely know and this problem should go away. Oh, also one of the boys from the area, Manuel, has started to sell soft drinks and beer. He walks down to the dive site with a box full drinks, softies USD 1.00 each. Buy some from him, even if you don’t want it just then.

....

Some Nice Pictures

2008-07-19T11:08:00.005+09:00

All pictures copyright Wyant M Lauterman

July 2nd to July 8th 2008

2008-07-02T14:58:00.003+09:00

HOTELS

2008-06-25T23:29:00.000+09:00

Hotel Esplanada

Click on image to enlarge

2008-06-23T13:50:00.002+09:00

Nudibranchs

2008-05-24T15:33:00.003+09:00

Chromodoris fidelis

Dermatobranchus ornatus

Nembrotha kubaryana

Thecacera spp.

A pair of Nembrotha lineolata mating

CONTACT US AT:

2008-05-15T21:56:00.003+09:00

email: freeflowdiving@gmail.com
phone: +(670) 723 4614
+(670) 723 4615
+(670) 3321187 (Landline)

FreeFlow Diving
POBox 403
Dili,
East Timor

....

About FreeFlow Diving

2008-05-15T21:55:00.006+09:00

FreeFlow Diving is East Timor's first PADI Dive Resort. Established in 2000 we are the longest running dive centre in the country. Founded by British couple Ann Turner and Wayne Lovell, FreeFlow Diving is dedicated to safe diving practices, protection of the underwater environment and diver education.
FreeFlow Diving has trained more than 2000 divers, from 10 year-olds to more mature students (75 years plus). FreeFlow Diving has also trained the marine unit of the Timor Leste Police, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry’s and Fisheries (MAFF) and is currently undergoing a long term project to train up to 30 members of the Department of Tourism towards their Rescue Diver certificate. All FreeFlow Diving instructors are PADI instructors and all of our courses are PADI courses.
We operate a Bauer Mariner 200E compressor with 50 12litre tanks, 15 sets of Aqualung regulators with Suunto gauges and Aqualung BCD's. All FreeFlow Diving staff are First Aid and Oxygen Provider trained. We carry oxygen and first-aid kits on all dive trips.
FreeFlow Diving also advises divers visiting East Timor to get dive insurance with a reputable company ie: Divers Alert Network (DAN).

A 10 Minute Drive From FreeFlow - Today

2008-05-15T21:42:00.001+09:00

Nudibranchs - Click on image to enlarge

2008-05-08T05:55:00.006+09:00

Phyllodesmium longicurrum

Nembrotha kubriana

Glossodoris cruentus