PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP @ SAM’S TOURS
LET THE FUN BEGIN....


© Gunther Deichmann - discover the magic of Palau

THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started... just in from Palau; fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours, locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours our Partner in the Philippine Micronesia Alliance.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Childrens education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network.

Good luck to all Kids and adults who
have joined this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good.

Due to this international event we have provided an additional Photo Gallery just click this LINK.

Further more we try to update you in the coming days on all of the activities from one of Natures best kept secrets...PALAU.
Please Note: all Photos in the Gallery and on this Page are © and courtesy by: Sam’s Tours, Nick Martorano, Margo and please forgive me if I have forgotten some one.

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING - FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – Palau:
November 22 – 28, 2009, Koror, Palau

Local Sponsors:
Sam’s Tours
Palau Royal Resort
Sea Passion Hotel
Continental Airlines

International Sponsors:

Sport Diver Magazine
PADI Diving Society
PADI Project Aware
SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics
Sea Life Camera
DAN Divers Alert Network

Click thisLINK & go to the Special created Gallery for more Photos
or Click on the Images.

About Kids Sea Camp: www.kidsseacamp.com

Kids Sea Camp was founded in 2001 by Ms. Margo Peyton, a scuba diver and mother of two children. Kids Sea Camp now visits over 8 countries around the world and is a two time Emmy Award winning prestigious program coveted by top diving destinations. Kids Sea Camps are hosted by PADI 5-Star Dive Centers in exotic destinations that include Bahamas, Bonaire, Belize, Costa Rica, Fiji, Grand Cayman, Galapagos, and now Palau!

Kids Sea Camp is a fun-filled vacation for families who love the ocean and promotes greater awareness of the marine environment with a strong focus on conservation. During Kids Sea Camp, students enjoy multiple educational activities teaching them new and fun things about the oceans in both classroom environment and hands-on programs.

There are approximately twenty families attending Kids Sea Camp Palau, mostly from the United States. All participants will stay at the Palau Royal Resort hotel while educational activities and evening programs will take place at Sea Passion Hotel.

Click thisLINK & go to the Special created Gallery for more Photos
or Click on the Images.

Children will attend daily marine educational programs, based on their age groups, which include learning to snorkel and scuba dive. Dive certified adults and teens will enjoy snorkeling and diving on Palau’s world renowned outer reefs. SEEDS OF PROMISE, a Palau non-profit group, will conduct the educational activities and programs for children. Evenings will be spent together as families with themed entertainment following dinner.

Sam’s Tours is very pleased to have secured this much sought-after event for Palau with over twenty families attending the very first Kids Sea Camp to be held this side of the globe. We are also happy to report that we have secured Kids Sea Camp for Palau again in 2010, and expect more than fifty families to participate in an expanded program.

Kids Sea Camp - Principals & VIPS

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING UPDATED EFFECTIVE 11/22/09 – FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – VIP Attendee List

Margo Peyton: Founder Kids Sea Camp

Margo, who began diving in 1989 and is a PADI Dive Master with thousands of logged dives, founded Kids Sea Camp in 2001. She is also a photographer and an artist who works with local schools providing marine oriented educational presentations. Margo contributes to Oceans for Youth, Ocean Pals, Sea of Tomorrow, Ocean Wishes and many other charities, donating, proceeds, trips and art work for silent Auctions where proceeds go to her favorite charities. She has won two Emmy Awards for her educational programming.

In 2009, Margo was inducted into the prestigious Women Divers Hall of Fame, an international not-for-profit organization established to recognize the elite and outstanding women divers whose achievements have enriched the worldwide scuba diving community. Margo resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after moving from the Cayman Islands.

Ron G. Steven “Rogest”: Marine Artist

Ron Stevens is a renowned marine artist, dive instructor, and North American Group representative for Mike Ball Expeditions Australia. Ron has worked with Kids Sea Camp since 2003, sharing his interests in painting, poetry, song and dance with kids and adults alike. Ron’s work has been featured in many diving and marine environment magazines.
For more information visit: www.rogest.com

Ms. Carolyn Pascal: Publisher, Bonnier Corp www.sportdiver.com
Sport Diver Magazine
Scuba Diving Magazine

Mr. Jerry Beatty Associate Publisher
Dive Training Magazine

Late NEWS from the Dugong Dive Center
in Palawan, Philippines.

Black Pearl from the Dugong Dive Center
in Palawan, Philippines

Our latest new Boat the "Black Pearl" has been launched yesterday and is ready for all your Diving adventures. The “Black Pearl” has a capacity for 16 divers, ideal for groups and adventure excursions in Palawan. Overnight trips to the world famous Coron Wrecks & Apo Reef for 8 divers. Like our other big Boats the Tashina and Karen Claire it has high quality standards and a Compressor on board.
Discover amazing Palawan with the "Black Pearl" operated by the Dugong Dive Center on Club Paradise.

Cool sightings of Dugongs at the House Reef right in front of

Club Paradise the past few days.

The Phone rang only minutes ago...Dirk Fahrenbach from the Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise...Dirk explained...our guests had the time of their life the last two days snorkeling with Dugongs at the House Reef only meters away from their Beach cottages.
These Dugongs had no fear and where swimming with the Guests, even if you're not a Diver you can watch these great Creatures in Palawan.

© Courtesy of Dugong Dive Center

Power Mac Center Philippines & Club Paradise

proudly brings you...
Palawan & beyond...a Photo Workshop in Paradise...December 3 to 7, 2009

You are cordially invited to a 4 nights 5 days exclusive Photo Workshop at Club Paradise Palawan with Gunther Deichmann, international multi-awarded travel photographer and Apple Pro Certified Aperture Trainer. Registration fees includes airfare and accommodation from Manila to Club Paradise Palawan, all meals (full Board) and full hands on with Aperture 2. Discover & Explore a different Palawan with the master!
Please book early this Workshop is for a limited number of participants only! Testimonials from previous international PhotoWorkshop.

Registration and Inquiries contact: gdeichmann@mac.com or Carsten Warnke at Club Paradise carsten@europacific.ph    
0919-2051659 & 0917-5228286. More details will be announced very shortly. 

Explore & Discover Coron & Culion Island plus the amazing african and endemic wildlife on Calauit Island in Northern Palawan.


Paradise is waiting...Club Paradise, Palawan!

For more information and a recent Video on Club Paradise check out the links below:
The Underwater Channel filmed at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center. a very cool Video from this dream destination in Palawan, Philippines. http://www.theunderwaterchannel.tv/clipinfo/4003142

The Underwater Channel presents...

Check out this very cool video from the Underwater Channel filmed at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center.
Very cool Video from this dream destination in Palawan, Philippines.
No more words needed... just watch this cool Video.
http://www.theunderwaterchannel.tv/clipinfo/4003142

Please sign the Thank You Palau in appriciation for the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary, just click on the LINK below or the image.

THANK YOU from around the World!

Go raibh maith agat - Gracias - 谢谢您 - Bedankt - Salamat - merci - Σε ευχαριστώ - terima kasih - Danke -Cảm ơn bạn - ขอบคุณ - ありがとうございました - 謝謝您 - Dankie - شكرا لك - tänan teid - Благодаря - धन्यवाद - grazie - dziękuję - TACK SJÄLV - благодарю - tänan teid - 감사합니다 - obrigado - تشکر از شم - Teşekkürler - א דאנק - Дзякуй - Kiitos - תוֹדָה - köszönöm!


http://www.sharksavers.org/get-involved/sign-these-petitions/608-thank-you-palau.html

For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

For Immediate Release:
 
KOROR, PALAU, 9/28/2009, 7:45 p.m.
 

A Hero’s Welcome for Palau President Johnson Toribiong who
has just arrived back from the United Nations in New York where
he declared the Worlds fist Shark Sanctuary in Palau.

 
Welcome Home and thank you Mr. President!

Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong arrived home moments ago to a hero’s welcome at Koror International Airport, Palau. The founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary, Dermot Keane, Managing Director of Palau dive shop Sam’s Tours, was on hand to greet the President and thanked him for declaring Palau a Shark Sanctuary.
 
The large welcome committee included grateful members of the Palauan community who greeted President Toribiong with flower leis and loud applause upon his arrival. Palauans are understandably proud of their President who declared Palau as a Shark Sanctuary during his recent address to the United Nations, General Assembly, on Friday, September 25, 2009.
 

A warm welcome from Dermot Keane from the Palau Shark Sanctuary to President
Toribiong upon his arrival only a few hours ago at the Palau international Airport.

Despite his long journey from Washington D.C. to Palau, the President was clearly moved by the warm reception and graciously thanked everyone for showing up to welcome him. Palau Shark Sanctuary once again thanks and admires President Toribiong for his landmark declaration of Palau as a Shark Sanctuary.
 
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 with a goal of securing a declaration by Palau that the waters of their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are a Shark Sanctuary.
For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2009 
LATE BREAKING NEWS!

PALAU DECLARES EEZ A SHARK SANCTUARY! 

On Friday, September 25, 2009, H.E. Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, a tiny Pacific Island nation, declared the waters of Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone (230, 000 Sq. Miles / 620,000 Sq. Kms.), as the worlds first officially recognized SHARK SANCTUARY, during a meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in New York.
President Toribiong also called for a global ban on shark-finning and for other nations to follow suit. Through his actions, President Toribiong has placed Palau at the very forefront of worldwide efforts to protect sharks.  
This is a tremendous day for Palau and for worldwide efforts to protect sharks from absolute and unsustainable destruction!
 
Palau Shark Sanctuary deeply commends President Toribiong for his international leadership in world efforts to protect sharks.
 
We are very proud of President Toribiong and of Palau on this momentous occasion.
 
Well done Mr. President!
 
Thank You!
 
Dermot Keane
Palau Shark Sanctuary

Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'

For the latest news on Palau's Shark Sanctuary, a World first, go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8272508.stm

We are proud that Dermot Keane the GM from Sam's Tours is the Founder and driving force behing the Shark Sanctuary in Palau. Sam's Tours very strong supporter of Palau's environment and the protection of Sharks world wide.

Sam's Tours is also a founding member of the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance www.alliancediving.com

We have just picked up this fantastic NEWS from http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html

Environmental NEWS from Palau, a world first towards the conservation and protection of Sharks. We are proud to be associated with the Shark-sanctuary in Palau.

Breaking News and a breakthrough in Conservation
from Palau Micronesia! Palau Does Care!


© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau.
for more images on Palau please visit the PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Marine Life and other Palau images

Palau President Toribiong has announced only a few hours ago at the UN in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY ! This is a milestone in the conservation and preservation of Sharks in Palau, setting an example for the rest of the World. More information and updates as they become available soon.

The original message:
Just been advised that Palau President Johnson Toribiong will announce in 30 minutes at the UN Conference in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY !!!!!!!!!!! 

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau, for more
images on Palau please visit the PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Marine Life and other Palau images

Excerpts from the announcement by President Johnson Toribiong;
As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world."These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.
Other related LINKS:

http://www.palautours.com/

http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html

http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/

http://www.samstours.com/

Did You Know...

Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest one in the Philippines. The Apo Reef Natural Park consists of the three islands.
Apo Reef is the largest among the three islands. Apo Reef Natural Park (check this link for more info on APO Reef)compared to that of Tubbataha National Marine Park has a unique natural phenomenon. Apo Reef has a high diversity of corals and has an island covered with terrestrial vegetation.

© Gunther Deichmann - Apo Reef Philippines...a Scuba Divers Dream
and a heaven for Underwater Photographers.

The Apo Reef Natural Park, with more than 20 dive sites, will truly fascinate you with its magnificent walls and large fish species. The reef plateau will surely impress divers and snorkeler alike.

Only 3 hours by banca from the Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise Apo Reef offers very dramatic drop-offs down to about 400m. The steep walls are well covered with corals, sponges, tunicates, nudibranchs and slugs.
The coral formation at the plateau is magnificent. Green and hawksbill turtles, sharks, Eagle Rays and a multitude of fish including damselfish, butterfly fish, batfish, surgeonfish, snappers, fusiliers and trevallies are common.

We have picked up this story from the Palautours.com Blog post and since our Partner Sam’s Tours is located in Palau we thought we share this with you.

Exclusive Travel Report: Palau or better known as the Pearls of the Pacific. Natures Kaleidoscope below and above the waves.

01/09/09 18:15 Filed in: Palau Articles | International Articles | Environment
Natures Kaleidoscope below and above the waves. Photographs... The Pearls of the Pacific...

Read the complete story and check out the Photos from Palau in Micronesia...the place is awesome. CLICK THIS LINK


© Gunther Deichmann - the Magic of Palau

Where is Club Paradise?


© Courtesy of Club Paradise

A tropical Paradise nestled upon a coral jewel set amidst Palawan’s sparkling turquoise waters. This island resort is a perfect hideaway for those who seek relaxation and like to get away from the hassle and bustle of the Cities. Club Paradise is on Dimakya Island, near Coron Island and part of the Calamian Group of Islands, situated at the Northern tip of Palawan, the Philippine’s last frontier.
The Philippines best kept secret & where nature... is real Nature! The Island is also a protected Marine sanctuary where you can watch Turtle hatchlings returning to the sea.

© Gunther Deichmann - Dive the Wreck
of Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines

The perfect place for all your diving activities, as a matter of fact it is the only place in the Philippines where you can swim or snorkel with Dugongs. But there is so much more for our scuba divers, take for e.g. the House reef with it’s amazing and plentiful marine life right in front of your cottage, and if you into wreck diving…well look no further. Coron Bay is littered with Japanese warships from the World War II, a whole Japanese fleet was sunk here by the American forces during the War. The Dugong Dive Center on the Island can take care of all your requirements, including trips to the world famous APO Reef.

© Gunther Deichmann - “One of the Locals”
Monitor Lizard on Dimakya Island

So, there you have it… now you know where YOUR Paradise is located!

Announcement!

During the next couple of month’s the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance Website and Blog is undergoing some major restructuring, more info will be available soon. If you experiencing some interruption please bear with us, we try to make these changes as smooth as possible, thank you.
Expanding globally, plus some exciting NEWS shortly. Servicing the Diving Industry through out Asia the Pacific and beyond.
Please stay tuned for the latest info @ http://www.alliancediving.com/

or subscribe to our Blog @ http://www.alliancediving.com/blog/
The Editor

Nick Day a Pro. Diver from Puerto Galera, Philippines, is an old friend whom I have dived with many times, he is also is one of the crewmembers that recently discovered the “Forbes” Wreck that sank in 1806 of Borneo, Nick is all smiles now.

Congratulation to Nick and his Team, Nick is the
Chief Diver for PT Nautik Recovery Asia !
(in the Photo Nick is the one wearing a black & red wetsuit)

We picked up this report from the German newspaper Bild.de Unfortunately the text is only in German but have a look at some of the Photos.
1.5 tons of Silver Coins, Gold jewelry, Canons, Crystal and Ming Porcelain valued at over 10 million US Dollars.
Photos and more info from the recent discovered wreck in Borneo.

Below excerpts in German from the article:
„Zuerst sieht alles auf dem Meeresboden nur verkrustet und wertlos aus. Aber wenn du dann den Schatz in den Händen hältst, ist das ein unbeschreiblicher Adrenalinstoß. Man wird Zeuge vergangener Zeiten...“

Martin Wenzels (42) Augen leuchten, wenn er in seinem Dresdner Büro der Immobilienfirma WIP von seinem kostspieligen Hobby erzählt. Der Lebemann (Mercedes CL500, 60-qm-Büro mit Billardtisch und weißen Ledersofas) ist im „Zweitberuf“ Schatztaucher.

Und hat jetzt mit seinem Partner Klaus Keppler (71, gebürtig aus Freiburg) den ganz großen Fang gemacht: Sie fanden das Wrack des Piratenschiffes „Forbes“, das 1806 vor Borneo sank.

Darin: 1,5 Tonnen Silbermünzen, Goldschmuck, Kanonen, Kristall, Ming-Porzellan. Wert der Münzen allein: bis zu 10 Mio. Dollar!
More at BILD.de

I picked up this post from Gunther Deichmann’s Blog pages, an interesting story by Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise in Palawan, Philippines. A great Global Position System GPS by MotionX on your iPhone, check out the details below.

From remote places in the Philippines to Palau in Micronesia the GPS from MotionX on the iPhone
is the perfect dive boat companion.


© Gunther Deichmann - Composite image;
find and mark your dive sites, listening
to your music at the same time.

There are so many applications for the iPhone but this one is super cool! Slick integration allows you not only to find your way but listen to Music direct from the software via iTunes, plus so much more. Read below an article from a very happy Dive Instructor in Palawan Philippines, finding those dive sites again is a breeze now.

A few months ago I introduced my good buddy Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center & Club Paradise to the iPhone and recommended at the same time some cool applications including the GPS from MotionX, with Facebook and Twitter integration.
It is your Global Position System on your iPhone!
After some weeks he strolled into my place again and I ask him, hey how is the iPhone?
…oh buddy, real good and I love the GPS, better than all those expensive ones I have been using on my Boats.
GD

Read below Dirk’s comments:
I am totally amazed how great this software is, the Dugong Dive Center has 3 big dive boats and I have one GPS for each boat from well-known companies. They are complicated to use in particular for my boat Crew.
Then I brought my iPhone, Gunther gave me a crash curse on the iPhone and installed the GPS from Motion X. A few days later during a dive trip my Boat Captain and myself tried it out on my Boat the “Toshina”, we where both amazed.

© Gunther Deichmann - Coron Island Bay, Palawan Philippines

Easy to use, there is no need for studying any manuals. You can go from page to page and the connection to Google maps makes it even more enjoyable looking at the current location.
Like some music in the background? No problems you even have a page with iTunes!
Need a Photo from a waypoint? No problem either, you can find it anytime on your recorded track. (with exact time and location in your logbook)

© Gunther Deichmann - easy to find
those dive sites again.

Finding satellites is very easy and fast, plus the position, speed and signals are very accurate and well displayed, the build in compass works accurate too.
Battery consumption can be a little problem but external battery packs for the iPhone or a charger on the boat can solve those problems easy.
No need for an expensive and complicated GPS, the one from MotionX is doing just fine, the only problem is… I have 3 boats but only one iPhone…at the moment that is, ha, ha.

© Gunther Deichmann - beautiful secluded beaches in Palawan.
Natures Paradise and the last frontier in the Philippines.

Dirk Fahrenbach is the Owner and Dive Instructor from Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise
Palawan Philippines, it is also the only place in the Philippines where you can watch/dive with Dugongs in the wild.
http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

For all the details on this GPS go to your iTunes store or check out the website from MotionX
http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

But that is not all stay connected all the time with MotionX GPS and share with:
Facebook: To enable Facebook posts, log in using the “Connect With Facebook” button on the share setup screen. If you have a Facebook account, enter your login information in the “Connect to Facebook” window that opens. You can logout at any time, again from the share setup page, by touching the Logout button.
Twitter: To enable Twitter posts, log in using the Login button on the share setup screen. If you have a Twitter account, enter your login information in the “Twitter Login” window that opens. You can logout at any time, again from the share setup page, by touching the Logout button.

MotionX Featured in:
Wall Street Journal, New York Times, BusinessWeek, USA Today, iPhone Blogs, Gizmodo, Engadget, Time, Newsweek

This article was published recently by the Business Daily see excerpts below...

Our oceans are more than
fish and ships...

The oceans are suffering.
The main source of food for two billion people, a key element in climate control and a largely untapped reserve of vital resources, they deserve to be managed better.

This is why the United Nations this month celebrated the first ever World Ocean Day, read the complete article @

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Opinion
%20&%20Analysis/-/539548/611562/-/u1r1yyz/-/

Just in... latest NEWS from Palau!

Palau's president says his tiny Pacific island state considered human rights - and not China's reaction - when it agreed to take in 17 Chinese Muslim separatists detained at Guantanamo Bay.
Palau President Johnson Toribiong says his country has agreed to a U.S. request to resettle the detainees out of humanitarian concerns and because their imprisonment is unlawful...
read the complete article and more NEWS LINKS at:
http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

© Gunther Deichmann - was the decision made here?
The Palau Capitol Building

Must read and see...

It has been described as one of the most spectacular wildlife sights anywhere in the world - let alone Britain.In the last week the first basking sharks of the summer have been spotted off the Cornish coast.
As part of their annual migration they are now arriving in their hundreds.But do not be fooled - actually catching more than a fleeting glimpse of these elusive creatures is far harder than you imagine.

Trying to find a basking shark is to go in search of a mystery. We know very little about them, except that at this time of year, and without fail, they come to Cornwall in their hundreds... complete story and Photos @
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8090553.stm

Latest News and info on the Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009!

Please follow the links below for the latest updates on the very first Kids Sea Camp (KSC) to be held in Palau.
Sam's Tours is the host tour operator for Kids Sea Camp Palau with accommodations provided by Palau Royal Resort. The program is limited to 50 persons on this inaugural year.
Kids Sea Camp is an award winning educational program for children and is supported by major sponsors including PADI, SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE, SCUBAPRO and DAN.

KSC is a very important and prestigious event for Palau and one that Sam's Tours should be very proud to have been selected to host. Top dive destinations go to great lengths and compete heavily to be selected as KSC destinations and it is no small feat to have been chosen as a KSC destination. Other KSC host destinations include Grand Bahama, Grand Cayman, Bonaire, Curacao, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Roatan, Fiji, and now finally PALAU!
More information is forthcoming and in the meantime, please visit the URL's below and familiarize yourself with Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009 and start speading the word!

http://www.kidsseacamp.com/
http://kidsseacamp.com/palau/palauhomepage.html
http://kidsseacamp.com/palau/palaudivesams.html
http://kidsseacamp.com/palau/palauresort.html

Dermot Keane,
GM Sam’s Tours Palau

Open for Business 24 hours a day…Dugong Dive Center provides you with your tank fill around the Clock, the only thing you have to do, walk a few meters trough the sand to the waters edge.

© Gunther Deichmann - Pink Squat Lobster

The House Reef of Dimakya Island (home of Club Paradise) has been protected for the past 20 years, an unspoiled wonder of marine life.
Besides the reef you find also a sea grass bed where Dugongs are frequent visitors, and all of this a short walk from your Cottage.
There are also eight resident Green Turtles which feed on the same sea grass bed all year around, not shy and used to Scuba Divers, perfect for Under Water Photographer to get close for the perfect shot.
The sea grass bed is also the perfect place for all your small Marine Critter, like:
Helmut Gurnard Dactyloptena orientalis (commonly know also as the Flying Gurnard), Dragonet, Emperor Shrimp,
Sea moth, Mantis Shrimp, Ghost Pipefish, Mimic Octopus, Frogfish, Stargazer, Snake eels and many different species of Nudibranchs, these are just a few critters you find on your dive on the sea grass bed.

© Gunther Deichmann - Helmut Gurnard Dactyloptena orientalis
(commonly know also as the Flying Gurnard)

The house reef slopes from approx 1 meter to 18 meters and ends in a large sandy area, here you find large numbers of Blue Spotted Stingrays.
The reef itself is home to Sweet lips, Wrasses, Mandarin fish, Cuttle fish, Butterfly, Parrot and many other fish species, another “HOT SPOT” for Underwater Photographers.

© Gunther Deichmann - many different species of Nudibranchs

© Gunther Deichmann - Ghost Pipefish

Other highlights are schools of Jacks, Fusiliers, Rabbit fish, Bat fish and if you lucky you came across a school of Hump head parrot fish.
The house reef has also some nice cleaning stations, attracting Giant Barracudas and other large marine life.
Big numbers of Giant Clams (up to 1.2 meter) you find also in the surrounding area at this truly amazing House Reef at Club Paradise.
Matt Weis from Dive Photo Guide who visited Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center last year run out of storage on his 2 Gig CF Card during one of his dives, a testimony of the amazing variety on this House Reef in Palawan.

The Kids coming to Palau Micronesia…maybe a bit older then the image below, but then it is never to early to find out about the Environment, our Marine life or Scuba Diving.

© Gunther Deichmann - It is never to early...learn how to dive.

We have picked up this post from Sam’s Tours Palau, see below the details.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Late Breaking News! KIDS SEA CAMP coming to Palau!
We’re delighted to report that Sam’s Tours has been selected to host the very first KIDS SEA CAMP (KSC) in Palau slated for this November. Kids Sea Camp is an award-winning educational vacation program for families that love the ocean.
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

Kids Sea Camp is the brain child of Margo Peyton, a scuba diver since 1989. This Scuba mom with husband Tom, two kids of her own, Jen and Robbie, decided it was important for her family to spend time together doing what she loved the most, scuba diving & travel.
Kids Sea Camp is a full week's schedule of events and educational programs that promises great times and learning experiences for families with kids age 4-15. Each week includes 7 nights accommodations, diving, meals, excursions, activities for both adults and kids including, diving, snorkeling and many PADI Specialty courses.
KSC is hosted at PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts around the world which include Cayman Islands, Bonaire, Roatan, Fiji, Curacao, Galapagos and now in PALAU! Sam’s Tours and Palau Royal Resort, a Nikko Hotels International partner http://www.palau-royal-resort.com/ are teamed up to host this exciting event. Space is limited so get in touch with Sam’s Tours right away if you’d like to participate.
Families can spend a week scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, discovering underwater photography, meeting other families and making friends from all around the world. Kids Sea Camp is the perfect family vacation for those that love to scuba!
Sam’s Tours PADI Five Star National Geographic Dive Center is proud to have been selected to host Palau’s very first Kids Sea Camp and we are already in full swing planning an exciting action-packed week of fun in the sun!
For more information on Kids Sea Camp please visit http://kidsseacamp.com/ although details of the Palau Kids Sea may not be posted yet.

For bookings please contact: kids@kidsseacamp.com or e-mail Sam’s Tours Reservations Desk at: reservations@samstours.com
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

Did he run out of Air? No!
He had filled up his 2 Gig memory card...

Excerpts from a recent story on “An Underwater Photographer Guide To Palawan”
By Author: Matt J. Weiss / April 12, 2009 12:00AM CDT
Matt Weiss from DivePhotoGuide visited Club Paradise & Dugong Dive Center last year and filed this very interesting report...

© Gunther Deichmann - Painted Frogfish...recent rumors has it that there is quiet an invasion of Frogfish at present on the Club Paradise House Reef in Palawan, Philippines.

“When Omar signaled me over, I figured he had spotted a frogfish that he had told me about before the dive. However, he was pointing at another sea moth and started taking pictures of the rock behind it, which I thought was strange. I wondered - was he narc’ed? Nope, I was just a rookie and didn’t notice that the rock was actually a beguiling frogfish that was face to face with the sea moth. I tried to get some shots before the sea moth moved on and we headed up to the surface – not because we were cold, bored, out of air, or hitting deco time, but because I had filled up my 2 gig memory card! The first, and so far only time this has happened to me...
...read the complete story from Matt Weiss @
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/an_underwater_photographer_2

TDEX - THAILAND DIVE & TRAVEL EXPO
BANGKOK MAY 2009

The Thailand Dive & Travel Expo finished last weekend, a great show with many exhibitors and activities.

The Crowd...

A modern look at the Canon Photo exhibition

Fins the Media representatives buzzed around recording live interviews and Tony Wu one of the top Underwater photographers in Asia and beyond conducted some cool Underwater Photography Seminars.
As for my part, I helped out where ever I could, shooting behind the scene and had my own seminars on Aperture 2, the leading Photography Software from Apple.
For more information and details on TDEX click this link.

Tony Wu during his Underwater photography Seminars




Gunther Deichmann and Aperture 2


Mean & Aye The Fins Team hard at work with interviews


Tony Wu and David Cheung from Light and Motion (Scuba Singapore)Underwater Housing and lighting equipment at the Dive Supply Booth Bangkok - www.scubacam.com.sg

I am leaving on Thursday for the TDEX Thailand Dive & Travel Expo, I have been invited by the Organizers to conduct some seminars on Aperture 2 the prime editing software for Photographers using Mac.
We have scheduled two seminars on the 16th and 17th of May for more details go to the official website TDEX.
Our good friends from Fins will be the official media representative during this event.
Check out FINS website

If time permits I try and report direct from the show, see below some info on the TDEX in Bangkok.

Official Media Fins

For more detailed info please go to the official TDEX website @
http://www.thailanddiveexpo.com/en/index.php

Thailand is long-time seen as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Each year, there are millions of visitors come exploring its endless beauties by different activities and in different places. Programs of high interest include edutainment tourism to perceive legendary Thai culture and traditions, and natural tourism where travelers can enjoy its beautiful sceneries of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and/or seas.

Known to all globetrotters and dive lovers that both Thailand’s western (The Andaman Sea) and eastern (Gulf of Thailand) seaboards still have very much of their natural underwater resources abundant and intact. Statistics shows over 400,000 divers over the world arrive in Thailand’s southern provinces each year, generating revenue to the country not less than 20 billion in Baht.

As to align with the extensive tourism promotional campaigns announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to highlight quality travelers to the country from new and niche market segments, as well as to create awareness in conserving natural resources especially diving spots around the South, N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co. (NEO), a member of N.C.C. Group – the official concessionaire of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok decided to launch its “Thailand Travel & Dive Expo” or TDEX for the very first time in 2004.

Since then, TDEX has been offering an excellent platform for traveling and diving related business. With its recent program in “Business Matching”, providing industrial operators to meet up with their prospective buyers from around the region, creating the perfect business environmental opportunity for such special industry. TDEX’s major supporting organizations from the beginning include Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand Photo Business Association, PADI Asia Pacific, DAN SEAP, NAUI Asia Pacific, and Wahoo Diving Center.

TDEX has been a success from its debut in 2004 by not only the numbers of exhibitor locally, regionally, and now internationally, but also the numbers of visitor in which the organizer expects to welcome more than 120,000 in 2008, with overall spending around 200 million in Baht, making TDEX the most regional travel and dive expo with the greatest number of visitors in Asia.

TDEX in 2009 will be held during May 14-17 from 11.00 till 20.00 at the nation first ever-built convention center – the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Klong Toei district. Tourism Authority of Thailand.

We have just received some Photos from Dirk Fahrenbach who attended the ADEX Show in Singapore last week. Other Alliance Partners who attended where Asia Divers from Puerto Galera with Allan Nash and Tommy Soderstrom.

Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center and
Club Paradise in Palawan and Allan Nash from Asia Divers with
El Galleon Beach Resort in Puerto Galera

Some of the other participants from the Philippine
DOT Booth


Allan Nash, Dirk Fahrenbach and Tommy Soderstrom
having a relaxing drink after the show

We found this very interesting article at our friends from Dive Photo Guide, amazing how little we know about our precious Oceans and how much is there to be discovered yet.
The Philippine waters still hold a surprise or two, as long we take care of our Marine life...
Read on below and go to Dive Photo Guide for the complete story and Photos.
GD

Rare Megamouth Shark Caught In Philippines

Author: Jason Heller / April 07, 2009 12:00AM CDT Category: Marine Conservation
Megamouth, rare, Shark, Philippines, Donsol
So rare are these sharks that each of them is designated with a number.

Fishermen based in Donsol were trawling for mackerel along the eastern coast of Burias Isle on the morning of 30 March when they caught a strange-looking shark from a depth of approximately 200 meters. WWF’s satellite tagging initiatives have already shown that pelagic filter feeders such as whale sharks and manta rays regularly prowl through the region. It was only a matter of time before something else was discovered.

Megamouth SharkThe shark was brought to Barangay Dancalan in Donsol, Sorsogon for assessment. WWF Donsol Project Manager Elson Aca immediately arrived to assess the haul – and promptly identified it as a megamouth shark... MORE

In support of the Year of the Shark 2009 and the Disturbing NEWS from Palau, see below the latest Blog post by the Palau Shark Sanctuary.
We appeal to everyone... in particular Underwater Photographers to take action, write your comments to the selected parties listed in the Blog excerpts below;

There is this real cool Dive Site called Shark City in Palau, I guess if this Bill gets passed it has to be re-named to:

“No more Shark City - but Ghost City”


© Gunther Deichmann - Underwater Photographer and Shark,
at the Blue Corner in Palau - but for how much longer?

If you CARE... then NOW is the time to voice your opinion,
because if we don’t... images like the one above will be
a thing of the past!

Excerpts from previous Blog post:Tuesday,April, 2, 2009
There are very active negotiations underway between Palau and The Philippines at this very time to enter in to commercial fishing agreements and clearly there are elements of strong political support for the fishing companies as indicated by SB 8-44 and SB 8-50.
The private industry organizations Palau Chamber of Commerce (pcoc@palaunet.com) and Belau Tourism Association (bta@palaunet.com) and the government tourism office Palau Visitors Authority (pva@visit-palau.com) are urging those around the world opposed to shark fishing, shark finning and unsustainable fishing practices to please express their concerns immediately by e-mail to all of the respective organizations.

International Response:Tuesday, April 7, 2009
International Response to Threat to Palau's Sharks!
Just a quick update to thank all of you who have taken the time to submit your comments regarding the proposed legislations to permit commercial shark fishing and promote purse-seining in Palau's EEZ. There is still time to comment, so if you've not already done so, please take the time now and submit your comments. For more information on the issue at hand, please read the post immediately preceding this one.

All messages sent to the Belau Tourism Association bta@palaunet.com and Palau Chamber of Commerce pcoc@palaunet.com have been submitted to the Senate Committee in charge of reviewing these Bills.

By way of clarification, these Bills were submitted by just two of Palau's thirteen Senators and don't necessarily reflect the position of the Administration or other Senators. The Bills will be reviewed in Committee before further action is taken. It is therefore very important that the review committee hears from as many people as possible on the potential damage to Palau's marine environment and tourism industry that passage of these proposed Bills (SB8-44 and SB8-50) may cause.

© Gunther Deichmann - next time you come across an Octopus remember that they have been around for million of years. This image was taken in the Sabang Bay area during a night dive in Puerto Galera Philippines. Check with our Partner Asia Diver to take you out for a night dive, the best time to spot these amazing creatures.

Knowing and understanding Fossils this discovery really amazes me, very rare indeed since Octopuses don’t have any hard shell like Ammonites, Belemnites and other species in the this family group.
Read below excerpts from the science report, for the complete story and Photos go to the LINK below.


Rare Fossil Octopuses Found
By Live Science Staff
posted: 18 March 2009 10:32 am ET

It's hard enough to find fossils of hard things like dinosaur bones. Now scientists have found evidence of 95 million-year-old octopuses, among the rarest and unlikeliest of fossils, complete with ink and suckers.
The body of an octopus is composed almost entirely of muscle and skin. When an octopus dies, it quickly decays and liquefies into a slimy blob. After just a few days there will be nothing left at all. And that assumes that the fresh carcass is not consumed almost immediately by scavengers.
The result is that preservation of an octopus as a fossil is about as unlikely as finding a fossil sneeze, and none of the 200 to 300 species of octopus known today had ever been found in fossilized form, said Dirk Fuchs of the Freie University Berlin, lead author of the report.
Fuchs and his colleagues now have identified three new species of octopuses (Styletoctopus annae, Keuppia hyperbolaris and Keuppia levante) based on five specimens discovered in Cretaceous Period rocks in Lebanon. The specimens, described in the January 2009 issue of the journal Palaeontology, preserve the octopuses' eight arms with traces of muscles and rows of suckers. Even traces of the ink and internal gills are present in some specimens.
"The luck was that the corpse landed untouched on the sea floor," Fuchs told LiveScience. "The sea floor was free of oxygen and therefore free of scavengers. Both the anoxy [absence of oxygen] and a rapid sedimentation rate prevented decay."
Prior to this discovery only a single fossil species was known, and from fewer specimens than octopuses have legs, Fuchs said...
More @ http://www.livescience.com/animals/090318-fossil-octopus.html

Baby Buzz...on a Paradise Island!

It is now the Turtle nesting and hatching season at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center, but not only Turtles…more sightings of Dugongs and a young calf.

Received from Dirk Fahrenbach - all Photos on this Blog post have been taken only two days ago,
thanks for sharing these amazing past few days with us.




© Courtesy of the Dugong Dive Center -
only hatched a few days ago, Hawksbill Turtles at Club Paradise,
Palawan, Philippines

Club Paradise is certainly the place in Palawan, Philippines for nature lovers, where else can you see Dugongs during the Day with the Eco friendly staff at the Dugong Dive Center who’s conducting the Dugong watching. The same day, later in the evening stoll down to the waters edge and watch Turtle Hatchlings making their way into the Ocean.
Unspoiled Nature at its very best!

Dimakya Island, the Home of Club Paradise, is also a Turtle Island…
Every Year Green and Hawksbill Turtles come on shore and lay the eggs just in front of the guest cottages.
The nesting and the hatching is at night, you can walk careful along the beach with a cold beer and watch nature takes its course it doesn’t get any better.

© Courtesy of the Dugong Dive Center - taken measurements
on a newly hatched Hawksbill Turtle.

The Dugong Dive Center Team put up a fence around the nest’s to make sure that monitor lizard and other predators can’t reach the eggs. On the day the hatchlings crawl out of the sand, the staff gives them a helping hand, protecting and safeguarding these young Turtles until they reach the waters edge.. we release about 25% the same night, the remaining ones are then taken to a small pool until the shell get stronger for their release approx. 30 days later in small groups.

© Courtesy of the Dugong Dive Center - Rolf Winkelhausen
from the Dugong Dive Center inspecting some Turtle eggs.

Guiding these small hatchlings to the water is important not only to protect them from would be predators but they can get disorientated due to the lights from the Resort Building.
The Club Paradise House Reef has a small portion with sea grass on either side and this is where the adult green turtles are residents and can be seen on almost every dive. A food source for Turtles and Dugongs alike, right in front of your accommodation, just a stone through away.
Our ecotourism program is “Dugong watching”. Dugongs can be seen in the general area even if they are not at the House Reef at the time. In the last two-month resort guests have seen them several times, a mother dugong and its baby. A Dugong gives birth to a single calf only, it is born approx. 1 m in length during birth, the calf then spends two years with its mother and receives the milk from underneath the flippers.

© Courtesy of the Dugong Dive Center - This amazing shot was taken by Marvin Alvarez from the Dugong Dive Center, a guest ask him to take a few shots while snorkeling, he past the Camera to Marvin who then took the shot for the guest.

Dugongs are vegetarian and need to eat 25 kg of sea grass per day, hence the reason for been regular visitors at the Club Paradise House Reef.
Surveys over the last few years (from ultra light plane and helicopter) spotted between 19 and 24 dugongs in the near vicinity of Club Paradise and in the Bay area.

For our more serious Divers, diving the famous Coron Wrecks or a dive trip to the World famous Apo Reef is a must and should be on any Divers agenda.
Report by Dirk Fahrenbach and GD

Jem Kemp from Blue Horizons Travel reports... his Journey continous in
Palau Micronesia... Diving and Touring the Rock Islands with
Sam’s Tours.

For those who have not yet dived or spent time with Sam’s Tours here is some information on how it all works:
Sam Scott, Dermot Keane and the team have established themselves as one of the regions most highly regarded Dive Operators – check their excellent website for the awards. Sam’s is located on Malakal Island which is connected by a short road bridge to Koror. It is within walking distance of the Palau Royal Resort, West Plaza Hotel and, critically, very near to Kramer’s restaurant and bar!

© Gunther Deichmann - Sam’s Tours Facilities from the air

Sam’s provide a full range of day tour options including diving (of course) but also guided kayaking tours (perhaps the best and lowest impact way to visit the Rock Islands), land tours, Rock Island Tours, snorkelling trips, WW2 history tours, fishing, private sailing etc. Dermot points out that the non-diving trips are increasingly popular as more and more guests appreciate the wide range of above water attractions in and around Palau. There is also the full range of PADI courses available.

The logistics for the day tours are perfectly organised for all clients – guests are collected in the morning at their hotel by Sam’s Tour staff and transferred by road or boat to Sam’s centre. Here they are briefed for the day’s activities by tour guides, dive leaders etc and then head out for adventure. Sam’s have a large compliment of fast modern boats that are ideal for travelling out to the islands and beyond.

© Gunther Deichmann - cruising the amazing Rock islands

During our trip we were lucky enough to have a days diving with Sam’s. In all there were six of us guests on the boat and experience levels ranged from Instructors through to novice. By careful use of different dive sites and locations throughout the day Sam’s provided the best possible day for everyone.

Three of us were lucky enough to dive at Blue Corner and it really is as good as people say. In fact it’s better still! A howling current meant that we held on to the edge of the wall at about 15m deep and watched the marine world go by. For lovers of big stuff this is way cool – countless Grey Reef sharks, a huge school of jacks, an equally big school of barracuda in the deeper blue, Spanish mackerel cruising by and inquisitive Napoleon wrasse ducking between our fins. Plus of course dozens of other species made this a very special dive.
All this on free Nitrox!

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial view of the Blue Hole and Blue Corner

Lunch and surface interval was spent on a beautiful sandy beach with a super lunch provided by Sam’s. Each guest is asked for their choice of food for the day and magically a Bento box full of goodies appears at lunchtime. Our boxes included sushi, prawns, rice and a spicy beef course.

© Gunther Deichmann - Reef Sharks at Blue Corner

The end of the days diving brings us back to Sam’s Tours and a welcome ice cold drink (or two) at their Bottom Time Bar and Grill which overlooks the Rock islands. We were then assisted back to the hotel by a complimentary transfer.

Sam’s Tours facilities include a well stocked dive shop, new equipment rental, lockers, very impressive digital photo centre, free Nitrox for certified divers, the bar and restaurant and of course the very best staff whose attention to detail make for very happy guests from around the world. They also have very clean toilets!

Thanks to Dermot, Adela, Russelle, Jim, Joe and everyone else at Sam’s for making it a memorable day.

Part 2: a trip to Palau by Jem Kemp from Blue Horizons Travel
a partner of the Philippine Micronesia Alliance...

Palau Day 2:

It’s an early start with a full day ahead of us. We are staying at the Palasia Hotel located in the centre of Koror. The room I am in has views across the tree-tops out to the sea, other rooms have town views. The Palasia is one of Palau’s better hotels and has approximately 165 rooms configured around a central open atrium. The hotel is especially popular with Asian tourists (mainly from Taiwan, Japan and Korea) although there were also a number of European divers staying there as well.

Aerial View © Gunther Deichmann - I wonder if Jem had the chance to visit the three Cococnut Island on his recent trip, I guess not... otherwise he might not have returned to Manila. Lets see what he has to report on his next and 3rd day.

Breakfast (and indeed Dinner) was on a buffet basis and although there do appear to be ‘a la carte’ options many of the hotels provide buffets for their meals. Interestingly the dining room was very busy between 07.00am and 08.00am and thereafter pretty much empty. Primarily this is because many people visiting Palau are taking part in daily tour activities such as diving, island tours, kayaking etc. Operators like Sam’s Tours (see more later) collect their guests from the hotels and then assist them back later that day. Very few of the hotels actually have their own dive operator or tour centre in-house and instead the typical model is for the hotels to concentrate on accommodation and for the tours and trips to be provided by external operators. Similarly, very few of the Dive Centres appear have their own accommodation or resorts.

Just a word on tourism in Palau; it’s proximity to the rest of mainland Asia means that it is a popular destination for Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean visitors. There are also a number of arrivals from China. However, diving is the main draw and it is rightly considered to be one of the best diving destinations in the world – this means that there are also steadily increasing numbers of European. Australian, SE Asian and US divers coming to experience the underwater world.

Breakfast at the Palasia was similar to many others – a combination of Western and Asian flavours. We were then met by our guide and Marketing Representative from the PVA – the excellent Mr Kadoi Ruluked – who was to be with us for our trip. Kadoi was a fountain of knowledge and an obvious love of all things Palau related. Our plan today was to see as many of the hotels, resorts and operators as possible during the course of the day. First stop was West Plaza by the Sea.

The West Plaza group own 5 hotels throughout the Koror area and they are very popular with visiting divers. Indeed Sam’s Tours provide some excellent value Diving / Touring packages using West Plaza as the accommodation. West Plaza hotels have basic but clean and efficient rooms, with television, a.c, tea and coffee making facilities etc and are ideal for those on a budget who wish to concentrate their resources on diving and touring. Blue Horizons will provide you with more details of flights, accommodation and diving packages for these hotels.

Next stop was Palau Plantation Resort which has more traditional buildings set in tropical gardens on the side of a small cultivated valley. Definitely popular with the Japanese market the rooms range from simple to high end.

Our final stop prior to lunch was to call into the Palau International Coral Reef Center. The PICRC is located on the water on the south west tip of Koror. It is an autonomous government project and non-profit organisation designed to highlight Palau’s marine bio-diversity and to act as an educational / tourist tool. Of course nothing beats seeing the marine world in its natural habitat but this is an interesting place to visit for an hour or so. There are a number of themed aquariums and a great deal of visitor information is available.
Lunch was spent at the impressive Elilai Restaurant. Elilai is a set on a side of the hill of Ngerkebesang and has stunning views across the sea to the neighbouring islands. It is just 5 – 10 minutes drive from downtown Koror. Owner Takuya Mizokami and his team have prepared an interesting fusion menu and a modern dining space that is open and breezy. This is well worth visiting during a visit to Palau. The highlight of lunch for many was a perfectly fresh piece of tuna lightly fried and served ‘fish and chip style’!
Our afternoon continued with a visit to the Cliffside Hotel. Previously this was a very popular choice with Diving guests but has undergone a number of management changes over the past couple of years and some feedback has been a little negative. Rooms are big and spacious and it is to be hoped that the current management can restore the Hotel’s reputation.

Our final stop of the day was at Sam’s Tours where I met old friends and some new ones (hello Adela and Russelle) for the first time. Sam’s Tours are fellow Philippine-Micronesia Alliance partners and are widely considered to be one of the Best Dive Operators in the Pacific and probably the world. No space here to do them justice so a full report on Sam’s to follow tomorrow.

At day end we returned back to Palasia for a tour of the hotel and facilities (include fitness centre, pool area, bar, restaurant etc) and a very pleasant meal where we joined by Janine Wong (General Manager) and Janice Aguon (Asst Manager - Sales and Marketing).
Finally, after wrestling with the vagaries of wi-fi access, it was time to head off to the room. The next day was a Rock Islands tour day and one which everyone was very much looking forward too….

“A Marine Paradise”... The Dugong Dive Center
Video all 20:18 min. is now available @

http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/video-gallery.html


Click the screenshot and go direct to the Video Gallery

As promised the full version of this truly amazing Video from Dirk Fahrenbach at Dugong Dive Center is now available on their website in the Video Gallery.
We highly recommend using a Broadband/DSL connection, the full lengths of this Video is 20:18 min. approx. 52MB
GD

We have just received this information from our alliance Partner Blue Horizons Travel...

A trip to Palau Micronesia...

Jem Kemp from Alliance partners Blue Horizons Travel and Tours visited Palau last week on a trip organised for Philippines based Travel Industry members. He writes about his experiences and these will appear here over the next few days. His journey started on the auspicious date of Friday 13th March!

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the 70 Islands Palau

Flight CO892 (Continental Airlines) departs from Manila to Koror on Wednesdays and Fridays every week at 22.10pm. Koror is the capital of Palau and the gateway to some of the most stunning above and underwater attractions in the Pacific.

Despite the worries of Friday evening rush hour traffic the road journey from Makati in the centre of Manila just took 30 minutes – aided by a taxi driver who seemed determined to replicate some of the best scenes from Bullitt and other movie car chase greats! Regular travellers will know that Manila International Airport (NAIA) can be a busy affair BUT the airport is quiet at this time as there are not so many evening flights and the check-in was covered in double quick time with no queuing. This left more than two hours to sample the delights of the airport…

Sitting in the (very chilly – bring a sweater) departure lounge gives you ample time to check out fellow passengers and it is an interesting cross selection of international travellers heading to Palau. There were of course the 15 of us on the Familiarization trip organised by Continental Airlines and the Palau Visitors Authority plus a good sprinkling of Western tourists who, judging by their dry cases and Suunto Stingers are heading for the great diving in Palau and perhaps onwards and elsewhere to Micronesia and the Pacific. Then there are lots of Filipinos heading off or returning to Palau for contract work. There are large numbers of people from the Philippines working on the islands in everything from Medicine to Hospitality and Construction. Sometimes it is easy to believe that much of Asia would collapse without the enormous work force of the Philippines deployed throughout the region. Then there are a number of Palauans who have presumably been in Manila for business, shopping or holiday time.

The flight time is just 2hrs and 15 minutes making it a very short hop from Manila out to these still relatively little known islands. The flight leaves on time which is a good thing for those travelling with us from Continental! The pleasant surprise during the flight was that we were served with a hot meal and drinks. By the time we had caught some of the in-flight movie, finished off the food and had a quick doze the flight was beginning its descent.

The flight lands at 01.50am in Koror which is admittedly an unfriendly hour but customs and immigration checks were speedily conducted (note that visas are made available upon arrival in Palau) and we were then met at the Arrivals Hall by representatives of the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) who were to be our guides and hosts for the next five days. Actually, arrival in Koror is pretty much the same for everybody – it is very small airport and easy to access. Upon exiting customs passengers walk into a small arrivals hall and are greeted by representatives of the various Hotels, Dive Centres and Resorts. Our friends from Sam’s Tours were meeting six new European arrivals who had travelled on the same flight as us.

Once gathered together 15 fairly sleepy people jumped on to a bus and headed of to the Palasia Hotel in downtown Koror which was to be our base for the next two nights.
The airport is located on Babeldaob (Big Island) which is linked to Koror Island by a road bridge. The road journey from the airport takes no more than 15 – 20 minutes and would probably be very attractive during the day but the night time means that we only see brief flashes of lights from homes along the route until we reach Koror.

We walk into the hotel where PVA have kindly pre-arranged check in and wander off to our rooms. No real time to take stock of our surroundings and it is nearly 03.00am! Sleep is welcome but short – we are up again in four hours to start a busy day... more from Jem soon on this Blog.

Trilobites... a view into our past.


© Gunther Deichmann from his personal collection.
A fossilized Trilobite

Trilobites are remarkable, hard-shelled, segmented creatures that existed over 300 million years ago in the Earth's ancient seas. They went extinct before dinosaurs even came into existence, and are one of the key signature creatures of the Paleozoic Era, the first era to exhibit a proliferation of the complex life-forms that established the foundation of life as it is today.
These are amongst the oldest arthropods. They were abundant during the Paleozoic era, but died out at the end of it. They are easy identified with their three part bodies. Typically very ornate and very collectable fossils.

Trilobites appear to have been exclusively marine organisms, since the fossilized remains of trilobites are always found in rocks containing fossils of other salt-water animals such as brachiopods, crinoids, and corals. Within the marine paleoenvironment, trilobites were found in a broad range from extremely shallow water to very deep water. Trilobites, like brachiopods, crinoids, and corals, are found on all modern continents, and occupied every ancient ocean from which Paleozoic fossils have been collected. The remnants of trilobites can range from the preserved body to pieces of the exoskeleton, which it sheds in the process known as ecdysis. In addition, the tracks left behind by trilobites living on the sea floor are often preserved as trace fossils.
Like to find out more about these ancient marine creatures go to the LINKS below:
http://www.trilobites.info/trilobite.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilobite

Another Alien afternoon...

I have picked up this Blog Post from our good friend and top Underwater Photographer Tony Wu, I personally have never seen or encounter this one, if any larger it will send shiver down your spine. Now I know where Hollywood gets all those Alien Movie Ideas from, of course from our so precious and little explored oceans.
You have to check this one out… on purpose I have not included the image, I like to keep you in suspense, he, he. See the LINK below.
GD
Excerpts from Tony Wu’s Blog post:
Incidentally, a few nights ago on another night dive, we found and played with a couple of bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois)…
a nocturnal, predatory polychaete worm.
I first sought out and photographed these scary animals about a decade ago in Secret Bay, Bali. We stayed up most of the night, diving in dark, cold waters to observe bobbit behaviour…read more and view the Bobbit Worm @

http://www.tonywublog.com/20090319/fright-night.html

Sharks in peril?

NEWS received from Sam’s Tour’s Blog, posted by Dermot Keane today the 18th of March 2009.

Repeal of Palau's Shark Protection Laws Proposed!

A Bill is now before Palau's OEK (Congress) that if passed would eliminate Palau's strong shark protection laws and actively encourage fishing for sharks and the taking of shark fins.

Senate Bill No. 8-44 seeks "to amend Title 27 of Palau's National Code to allow for the commercial fishing of sharks within Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone, to impose a tax on the export of sharks and tuna-like species, and for other related purposes."
The proposed law is a potentially severe blow to Palau's tourism industry of which scuba diving is the mainstay. Palau gained international recognition in 2004 for passage of landmark legislation that protected sharks, turtles and rays and outlawed the practice of shark-finning. Under Senate Bill 8-44 it is unclear whether shark fishing and or shark-finning is or is not permitted and the ambiguity will make it virtually impossible for law enforcement to successfully prosecute potential violators. Sections of the bill read as follows:
"It is unlawful for any person: to remove the fins of or otherwise intentionally mutilate or injure any such shark"

"It shall be unlawful for any person to have on board a fishing vessel shark fins that total more than five percent of the weight of sharks on board."
Other provisions of the proposed Act call for:
"An appropriate export tax for shark and fish caught pursuant to this Act."

"A minimum monetary or in-kind fish donation that commercial fishing companies shall make to the Belau National Hospital, the Aging Program within the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, or similar governmental agency or private, non-profit organization. These donations shall come from fish or shark caught pursuant to this Act, or revenues generated from those fish or shark."

Members of the Belau Tourism Association, Palau Chamber of Commerce and the Palau Visitors Authority are strongly opposed to passage of this legislation.
Fishing company consortiums from the city of General Santos, Philippines, are pressing hard for rights to fish in Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone and it is widely believed that introduction of this bill is no mere coincidence. Foreign fishing fleets have a well documented track record of violating Palau's environmental laws, poaching Palau's marine resources and violating fishing agreements. This proposed Bill puts the Palau's tourism industry directly at odds with commercial fishing in Palau's waters as the two are simply incompatible.

In 2004 Palau was recognized by shark conservation agency Sharkproject as their Shark Guardian of The Year. Passage of Senate Bill 8-44 will be a sudden and potentially costly about face for Palau that will yield no gain. Palau only stands to lose...lose its fisheries and its dive industry.

I urge you to speak out against this proposed Bill by sending your comments to all of the following organizations who are fighting against Senate Bill 8-44:

Belau Tourism Association: bta@palaunet.com

Palau Chamber of Commerce: pcoc@palaunet.com

Palau Visitors Authority: pva@visit-palau.com

A Marine Paradise... The Dugong Dive Center Video!

This Video has been around for sometime but the full length has never reached the Web, now we have decided to share this truly amazing Underwater Video by Dirk Fahrenbach with you in YouTube.
All the footage taken in Palawan, the majority being at the Club Paradise House Reef, only meters away from you accommodation.
More than 20 minutes of great Marine Life, “Dancing Cuttle Fish”, Turtles, Dugongs and all the Critters you can imagine captured on this truly great Video by Dirk. Unfortunately YouTube allows us only to run 10 min. the full version 20:18 min. will be uploaded shortly on the Video Gallery of Dirk’s Website
@ http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

Click on the screenshot and go to YouTube

The original Video is part of a High End DVD available at Club Paradise (order base) composed of three sequences, edited and sound by Gunther Deichmann using GarageBand, Soundtrack Pro and Royalty released tracks from Sounddogs created on a MacPro.
I am sure once you have seen the Underwater World from this exotic destination you pack your dive gear and book your next trip to Club Paradise and Dive with Dirk at Dugong Dive Center.
Visit YouTube for a preview and the 8:52 min. version @ http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMEJOURNEY
Broadband DSL recommended.
Contacts us @
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html
http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

Just arrived from Palawan, Philippines: Lee Goldman SE Asia Kayak Tours reports from his very recent and very successful trip.

© Lee Goldman - Dugongs in Palawan, Philippines

Hi,
Just got back from a trip and leaving tomorrow for another one...

It is the season for my trips and as usual, many of the alliance partners have come through in helping me with flying colors. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours has made my life so much easier with arranging transfers and hotels while we are here in Manila. Further, their assistance with El Nido Resorts was and will be paramount to the success of my trip. Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center made the trip so incredibly memorable with providing the accommodations and boat service for my guests.
 Of course, I know people want to just have me get to the exciting stuff so right away let’s talk about our amazing encounters with Dugongs near Club Paradise. We had a cow and calf spend 15 minutes with us in the water with an attentive male coming in and out of view.

All Photos by © Lee Goldman - Palawan, Philippines

My guests had permanent smiles on their faces even into the next day over that encounter. And for the divers, we have a couple of Robust Ghost Pipefish or the what appears to be a species of Nembrotha that I found  in separate locations but both in 2 feet of water in El Nido. Two feet of water? Who needs to dive?
Regards,
Lee

This very interesting discovery and article has been brought to my attention by no other than Walter Ty again, thanks for sharing Walter and bringing this to my attention.
GD

“Dracula” fish shows baby teeth

By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News

Scientists have discovered a highly unusual fish with fangs made of bone. Dubbed the "Dracula" fish, the creature is about 17mm (0.7 inches) long and has been found in only one Burmese stream.

The researchers, from London's Natural History Museum (NHM), believe the fish lost its teeth over evolutionary time, but later evolved the bone fangs.
Writing in the Royal Society's journal Proceedings B, they say the males use the fangs to jostle each other - but do not appear to draw blood.

"When you watch them in captivity you can see the males sparring," said NHM's Ralf Britz. I thought 'my God, what is this, they can't be teeth'
Ralf Britz "They display with their lower jaws open incredibly widely, then they nudge each other; but we don't see any wounds."

Dr Britz, who has worked with Burmese wildlife for more than a decade, named the species Danionella dracula in honour of mythology's most eminent fanged predator...read the complete article and check out the photos @

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7935482.stm

Sam Scott & Dermot Keane from Sam’s Tours in Palau and Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center met for a few hour in Manila recently; check out Fins online Blog for more at:
http://www.finsonline.com/category/blog/

A BBC film crew captured some amazing Video footage...
thousands of sharks, dolphins and gannets feast on the sardines.


© Gunther Deichmann - a frisky shark at
Blue Corner in Palau, Micronesia

Fish feast frenzy caught on film
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News

A sardine feeding frenzy has been captured on camera in remarkable detail. A BBC crew filmed thousands of sharks and dolphins, as well as elusive Bryde's whales, feasting on shoals.
The footage also revealed gannets' deft underwater hunting skills as they dived to catch sardines.
Each winter, cool ocean currents drive millions of the small fish northwards along the eastern coast of South Africa.
These immense shoals, squeezed into this narrow cold-water corridor, provide an incredible feeding opportunity for the predators that live in and around these waters, watch the Video and read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7921119.stm

In recent months FINS online has been undergoing
some major renovations...& I mean MAJOR.

A complete NEW Look and Concept...Congratulations to the hard working TEAM at FINS.
Check out the latest News from the Underwater World, spiced up with Videos, Podcasts and Images from all over Asia, including Equipment reviews, Underwater Photography, tech tips, Movies and a lot more.
On their most recent Blog I contributed an article on Aperture 2 using a Mac, a comprehensive introduction to Aperture 2 for our Underwater Photographers.
Check out the NEW FINS ONLINE @ http://www.finsonline.com/category/blog/
& for more tutorials on Aperture 2 go to my Blog at: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html

FiNS Contributor Gunther Deichmann is an Apple Pro Certified Trainer for Aperture 2. If you use a Mac and haven't tried Aperture yet, here are some thoughts from Gunther.
Aperture 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use digital image management system that can track thousands of digital images. This software provides advanced photographers with high-quality image management and adjustment tools, perfectly suited to meet the needs of professional photographers and serious amateurs.
Aperture is the perfect companion in the field, providing you with all the editing tools you need, so that by the time you get back home from a trip, your work is almost done. During down time between destinations or waiting for your next connection at the airport, you can add captions, input keywords, determine ratings and apply some adjustments like straightening and cropping.
If you haven’t tried Aperture, here are a few highlights..read MORE and click the screen shot or the LINK above.

Psychedelic fish 'is new species...
By Lucy Williamson
BBC News, Jakarta

The fish known as Psychedelica
Psychedelica was discovered off Indonesia's Ambon island

A brightly-coloured fish which bounces along the seabed has been hailed as a new species by scientists - who have dubbed it "psychedelica".
Research published in the US scientific journal Copeia says the fish was spotted by scuba divers off the island of Ambon in eastern Indonesia.

© Gunther Deichmann - A Painted and Giant Frog fish from Puerto
Galera, Philippnes, but check out the newly discovered
one from Indonesia, he looks so very cool.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7914121.stm

It belongs to the frogfish family, but its looks are unique even among its peers, the journal reported. The question with this new discovery is how it went unnoticed for so long.
The new psychedelica frogfish is completely covered in swirling concentric stripes - white and blue on a peach background - radiating out from its aqua-coloured eyes...read more and check out the cool Photo of this new species at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7914121.stm

Happy and smiling faces from North America at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center, Palawan, Philippines...

The Department of Tourism (DOT) North America recently visited Club Paradise with many Travel Agencies and Dive Shop Owners from the US.


© Courtesy of Club Paradise

The Activities included: ocular of rooms, island hiking and of course Diving with the Dugong Dive Center.
Club Paradise gave t-shirts from the island crab shop to everybody and invited the group for wine tasting in the Club Paradise's Wine Cellar with Resort manager Loida, plus Dirk and Rolf from the Dugong Dive Center.

© Gunther Deichmann - Cuttle Fish Sepia sp.
at the House Reef at Club Paradise.

I have received this info by our contributor Walter Ty, thanks Walter for pointing this interesting story out to us.

Did You Know?
Fish fossil clue to origin of sex
By Paul Rincon
Science reporter, BBC News

A fossil fish from Australia was one of the earliest known vertebrates to reproduce sexually, a study suggests. Nature journal says the ancient fish was carrying a 5cm-long embryo.
The fertilisation of eggs by sperm outside the mother's body - external fertilisation - is thought to have evolved before sex.
The fossil suggests sexual reproduction - the fertilisation of eggs inside the female's body - evolved sooner than previously thought.

"These (fish) show some of the earliest evidence for internal reproduction," Zerina Johanson, curator of fossil fish at London's Natural History Museum (NHM), told BBC News.
Evidence of reproductive biology is extremely rare in the fossil record
Zerina Johanson, Natural History Museum

"We expected that these early fishes would show a more primitive type of reproduction, where sperm and eggs combine in the water and embryos develop outside the fish."

According to Dr Johanson, the 365 million-year-old specimen shows that "the type of advanced fertilisation, taking place inside the mother, was more common among early fishes than previously thought.

"This discovery is incredibly important because evidence of reproductive biology is extremely rare in the fossil record," she said…read more, watch the Video and view the images: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7909984.stm

This info just came in from Dirk Fahrenbach in Palawan...

DUGONG DIVE CENTER NEWS...

The Dugong Dive Center just opened a new dive shop at the sister resort from Club Paradise!!
El RIO Y MAR ISLAND RESORT is located at the river exit from San Jose in a beautiful and tranquil Bay (Port Caltom), Palawan Philippines.
The Resort has only 18 rooms and a fantastic bar on the end of a peer, the Bar is a great place for sunsets and later at night for star gazing. The peer is also the starting point for a dive at the House Reef. A perfect location for night dives.

There is also brand new equipment at the new Dive Shop for our Divers like; Sherwood, Oceanic and Scuba Pro.

Only a 15 minutes Boat ride to the Japanese shipwreck “Kyokuzan Maru”
Our dive boats “TASHINA” and “KAREN CLAIR” take divers and skin diver to the famous dive sites of APO REEF NATURAL PARK, TARA ISLANDS, CORON BAY and CLUB PARADISE HOUSE REEF. We also offer DUGONG WATCHING in the general area.
www.dugongdivecenter.com

Wow more cool NEWS...

This has just arrived from our Alliance Partner Asia Diver in Puerto Galera thanks Tommy for passing this on, Dermot from Sam’s Tours should get in touch with you, maybe you have the right size for his new born son, see previous Blog.
What I find interesting is the name of these fins.. they called Palau what a cool combination for your next vacation, dive with Asia Divers in Puerto Galera and then with your new fins take a trip to Palau.

New concept of Snorkeling fin on the market, the Palau fin from Cressi, Italy.
Walked away from both the concept of a foot fin that fits direct on your feet or open heel fins that require booties, this new fins is an open heel fins that NOT require booties.
The foot pocket its very soft and with adjustable trap one size fits 3-4 regular foot sizes. This is great news for anyone that renting out fins for snorkeling, instead of 10 different sizes you have only 5 size that fit XXS-XXL. The result is that you need to invest less money to set up the snorkeling rental program as you need on half the number of fins.
This fins will be in the Philippines in mid March at Asia Divers stores and other Cressi dealers. Asia Divers is a member of the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance and the Distributor for Cressi in the Philippines.

Tommy Soderstrom
Director Sales & Travel
PADI Master Instructor & Ice Diver
 
CRESSI-SUB equipment - PADI educational material
BodyGloves - Waterproof - LW Compressors - Trident
Surface Markers - Luxfer cylinders

Baby boom? A New diver was born today...

Congratulations to Dermot Keane and his wife Kaud who gave birth today of a new healthy Baby Boy.
Sorry no Name yet, Dermot Keane the GM from Sam’s Tours is currently in Manila where he received this great news only minutes ago.
Dermot and all the other Alliance Partners attended a mid annual PMA meeting yesterday in Manila at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel...more on the meeting later, now we have to celebrate the good news and new addition to the Keane Family.

From all of us the very best wishes and Congratulations again.

Yesterday 19 02 09 Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center Palawan
and Dermot Keane GM of Sam’s Tours Palau on the way to
the PMA meeting in a Manila Taxi

The happy couple...did Dermot know already or what was he thinking about it.
19 02 09 waiting for Dinner after the PMA meeting


Exposed under the light! Dermot and Dirk, Dermot had of course no idea until today that he became a father again.
Just as well otherwise we would have celebrated until the early hours, it was already early enough.

The PMA Meeting at the Mandarin Oriental International Hotel, Manila

Dermot is leaving later tonight with Continental Airlines for Palau with great anticipation to meet and check out his Son,
he has just run out of the office for an hour or so to buy a wetsuit, snorkel and dive gear for his newborn.
Good Luck Dermot... I know your name is Keane but I am not sure if you find the right size for him, that is even difficult in Manila.
GD

Continental Airlines: Fly from only US$ 495.-to Palau Micronesia from Manila, Philippines until March 2009!
Hurry... & book your flights now for an unforgettable Vacation in Paradise.

Please call Continental Airlines at; 818-8701 or 032 -233-7533 in Cebu City. Or contact our Travel Agent.
For information on Sam’s Tours click this LINK or the Image above.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Success at the
TRAVEL TOUR EXPO Manila 2009...

It came as a big surprise... the ongoing Travel Tour Expo at the new SMX complex next to the Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines.
Great attendance with local and international Tour Operators; Travel Agents, Airlines and so many others.
To name just a few: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Palau Micronesia (PVA) Tourism Authorities where present. Travel Agencies in all shape and sizes offered their deals and bargains, like Continental Airline with the super special to Palau for US$ 495.- for 3 nights including accommodation,(see our previous blog)
“Incredible India” India Tourism had the famous Taj Mahal in super size on display or Macau with a Grand setup.
Even Lufthansa had their own Booth, not to mention all the others like Singapore Air, Thai, Gulf and local airlines like Seair, Philippine Airlines only to mention a few.

Big Crowd at the TTE...

Friday and Saturday saw a record Crowd, and from the feedback and some interviews, I received word that major bookings and inquiries have been made. Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center for e.g., Dirk Fahrenbach confirmed many bookings for accommodation and Diving, at the Palau booth Sam’s Tours received a lot of interest and some early bookings too.
The Tour Operators where buzzing where ever I went...
But not only our participating Alliance Partners had been swamped with bookings, many other tour and resort operators done real well too.

Dirk Fahrenbach and Rolf Winkelhausen, Dugong Dive Center


The crew...Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center, Palawan


Can you spot Dirk and Rolf?
Great Coffee Shop area at the SMX complex


Jenny from Club Paradise with a customer

Continental Airlines Booth.


Sam’s Tours was represented by Adela M. Balangkig
(dark blue shirt) at the Palau Visitors Tour booth, PVA

In short... a fantastic and very successful Travel and Tour Expo, held in the ultra modern SMX Complex, great layout and facilities, super Coffee Shops, fantastic clean Toilets and believe it or not German Bratwurst, just like at the Duesseldorf Boot Show.
My only criticism...the show was not advertised enough, but gathering from the mammoth crowed the word did get out, I found out some 4 weeks ago.
One more Time.... a world Class by any international standard Trade Show, equal to Thailand or Singapore.
Congratulation to the Organizer for a job well done, lets do it again next year with a bit more advertising and the Philippines can be reckon with as a major event holder.
GD

FOR MOR INFO AND PRESS RELEASES GO TO:
http://www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com.ph/
Super Special from Continental Airlines at the Manila 16th TRAVEL TOUR EXPO
Travel Period: January 21-march,2009
Dive Palau! -2 for as low as
US$ 495.- for 3 days...
Palau is only 2.1/2 hours away from Manila.

Including roundtrip economy class airfare to Palau,two (2) nights hotel accommodation,daily hotel breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. For more information and reservation, please call Continental Airlines at; 818-8701 or 032 -233-7533 in Cebu City. Or contact your local Travel Agent.

Palau Visitors Booth (PVA) Darin de Leon from PVA
and representatives from the Tour and Resort Operators.

Palau Visitors Authority participation in the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 in Manila, held at February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Participating Tour Operator from Palau was our Alliance Memeber Sam’s Tours who was represented by Adela. (front) plus many others.
Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise participated also during this years Travel Expo in Manila.

“Coffee Time”Carsten Warncke Club Paradise and
the famous Ralf & Dirk from Dugong Dive Center,
Palawan, Philippines.

The TravelTour Expo was conceptualized by PTAA in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then, the show has evolved into a much awaited annual industry event, covering practically all segments of the travel business.
After its successful move to SMX Convention Center this year, preparations are again underway for the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 which will take place on February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
With the theme “Travel in Style” , the event features two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER MORE IN DEPTHS UPDAYE SHORTLY, DIRECT FROM THE TRAVEL EXPO IN MANILA.

Your Dive Paradise is waiting for YOU!


Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise, Palawan,
the only place for Dugongs in their natural
Environment in the Philippines

This has just arrived from the 2009 Duesseldorf Boot Show in Germany, "One Week with Dugong Dive Center at Vicky’s Guesthouse: Accommodation, Food, Boat and Non Limit Diving, “ONLY 400,- Euro !!!" for info contact Dirk Fahrenbach
at: info@dugongdivecenter.com
Tel numbers: +63 9209519100 and +63 9178669877 and +63 9178533394
or visit Dugong Dive Centers Web Site @ http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

Dirk’s Team "Lynn and Rudy" at the
Philippine DOT Booth Duesseldorf
Boot Show 2009, Germany


A tranquil setting at Vicky’s Guesthouse


© Courtesy of Dugong Dive Center,
Dugongs at the House Reef

 
© Gunther Deichmann - DIVE the WRECKS of Coron Bay, Palawan


© Gunther Deichmann - DIVE the WRECKS of Coron Bay, Palawan

Here is an interesting tip for all our Divers using iPhones or iPod Touch, a cool application for download see below some info from the article...sorry I cant provide you a screenshot due to copyright issues but check out the link below.

Review: Dive Planner for iPhone
Simple tool gives scuba enthusiasts electronic alternative to dive tables
by Rob Griffiths, Macworld.com
Both my wife and I are certified scuba divers... Dive Planner works well, and it’s a heck of lot easier to read and use than any dive table I’ve ever seen.
Sure, dive computers are more powerful, more popular, and used by nearly everyone now. While Dive Planner won’t replace dive computers for complex plans, it works quite well—much better than dive tables—for simple dive calculations, and at $3, it’s quite the bargain.
Dive Planner is compatible with any iPhone or iPod touch running the iPhone 2.0 software update and got a Mouse rating of 4.5

In the past few days we have talked a lot about the killing of Sharks…but remember there are so many other animals out there who need out protection and some of them are even in more need of our help.
It is true sharks getting slaughtered everyday but so do other species swimming in our Oceans or on Land and not to mention the destruction of our Rainforest.
Even myself lost focus for a while, but I have realized that we have to think Global and not only concentrating on just one animal ...only then can we make a change.

Lets change the subject...a wake up call.


© Gunther Deichmann - an everyday view, Poverty and not only in Asia.

Maybe it is this time of the year when Television Channels like Discovery,Trade Shows and others featuring shark related stories but please remember they are not the only ones who need protection.
Tigers, Rhinos, River Dolphins and many others species require our help, an almost impossible task to protect them all. We cant even take care of the events in the Middle East, Africa like Somalia and other places, how can we take care of our wildlife if we have starving children all over the world.
These are the hard facts and realities…we get to see them everyday on our news Channels…lets sit back and THINK for a few moments.
Yes, sharks need our protection but so do many other species, including the starving children on our planet, lets not ignore them.
GD

We have just received this information from the Duesseldorf Boot Show in Germany, attended by the Palau Visitors Authority PVA and other major Operators like Palau Pacific Resort, Sam’s Tours and the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance Members, like Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise and Asia Divers with El Galleon Beach Resort

SUPER NEWS!!!!!!!!!!! China Air just released the following information: FRANKFURT - TAIPEI - KOROR Roundtrip only EU 1,076 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OUTBOUND: Monday:  Depart Frankfurt        11:20   CI062 Tuesday: Arrive Taipei        06:05 Non-stop Depart Taipei       07:00 CI7908 Arrive Koror        12:05   Non-Stop (noon)
RETURN:Tuesday Depart Koror       13:05 CI7907 Arrive Taipei        15:55 Non-stop Depart Taipei       23:55 CI061 Wednesday: Arrive Frankfurt   06:40 Non-stop GENEROUS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Economy:        2 x 23kg each Business:         2 x 32kg each Non overnights. Baggage checked all the way thru. Includes Trainfare to Frankfurt More info:  info@china-airlines.de Tel: 069-297-0580 www.china-airlines.de RESTRICTIONS: Cannot be booked on-line at China Air (yet..not in system) Must call China Air or book through Travel Agent. Must originate in Frankfurt

Finally...

Shark Weeks 2009 is a year long shark education and awareness program offered by Sam's Tours Palau, a PADI 5-Star National Geographic Dive Center and eco-tour operator, in conjunction with Palau Shark Sanctuary a shark conservation organization, in support of the International Year of the Shark 2009.
The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance is proud to have Sam’s Tours as their partner in Micronesia.

Shark Weeks is a One Year Programme initiated by Sam's Tours – where every week is a shark week.

© Gunther Deichmann - Dive with Sharks... NOT Kill the sharks!

Quote : “In the 21st century, shark-finning* is barbaric”
Dr. Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer
Explorer-in-Residence
National Geographic

More on Dr Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer who has just recently visited Sam’s Tours in Palau with Actress Daryl Hannah.

Photo © Dermot Keane - from left: Dr Sylvia Earle, Dermot Keane GM
of Sam’s Tours and Actress Daryl Hannah

Getting together in Manila before leaving for the
Duesseldorf Boot Show 2009 in Germany


from left: Dirk, Dermot and GD

Manila is the hub for the Philippine Micronesia Alliance Partners, Sam Scott, Dermot Keane from Sam’s Tours “snowed” in and they will be once in Germany, ha, ha.
From the Tropics to the bitter cold, but let me assure you these Guys can handle it, veterans of the Duesseldorf Boot Show over many years and talking about Veterans, Dirk Fahrenbach from the Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise joined Sam and Dermot for a few hours here at PMA virtual office.
They arrived late on Wednesday night, stopped by for a few Beers and the next day before taken the flight to Germany spend most of the morning fine tuning a big, big surprise to be announced tomorrow.

Sam making last minute calls to Palau from Manila via Skype

They got their Laptops out connected to or Wi-fi and organized what still had to be organized before leaving for Germany, Sam called Palau on Skype and we fixed a few things on his MacBook Pro including getting iTunes and his iPod ready for the long Journey. Dermot hammered away and did some fine tuning on our big surprise to be announced shortly...in a few hours. Dont you love suspense...
Dirk Fahrenbach after 23 years of attending the Boot Show cant make it this time around due to some other urgent matters but he will be represented by some staff at the Philippine Booth.

A nice reunion in Manila...plus a hint on our surprise tomorrow...
Dermot Keane is holding up the first T-Shirt from the
Palau Shark Sanctuary

I guess you have to stay tuned for our announcement tomorrow and I keep you posted whenever I can on the Boot Show 2009 reporting from our freezing partners. By the way Tommy from Asia Divers our other partner in Puerto Galera will be there too and I am sure they get together for some good German Beer with Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.
The Editor

Philippine-Micronesia Alliance Press release.
NEW Exclusive Continental Airlines rates from
Blue Horizons Travel and Tours

 We have just been provided exclusive promotional rates by Continental Airlines for Palau, Truk and Yap that are valid through to March 31 2010!
 This refelects CO's commitment to encouraging growth on this sector and an understanding that by delivering long term rates it makes it easier for those considering flying to Micronesia to do their planning.
 Rates are subject to change and availability and we advise early booking wherever possible but suggest that anyone interested in securing these seats contact us at any time during the next 12 months to check on schedules, rates and seat availability.

Your browser doesn't support JavaScript or you have disabled JavaScript.

For more information please click on this LINK Blue Horizons Travel LINK below for direct email access.

If you are traveling from Europe, Middle East, Australasia and SE Asia then flying via Manila is the fastest and most economical way to reach Micronesian destinations. Journey time from Manila to Palau is just over 2.5 hours although it does take a little longer to reach Truk.
Our travel partners Blue Horizons provide full ticketing services for these flights and are very happy to assist you with Manila hotels and transfers if you require stopover time in Manila and the Philippines. Better still, combine time at either El Galleon Beach Resort or Club Paradise with your trip to Palau or Truk!
Rates are exceptionally good value:
Manila - Koror (Palau) - Manila return from $555-00 USD inc all taxes
Manila - Truk - Manila return from $579-00 USD inc all taxes
If you wish to visit both Palau and Truk on the same itinerary then that is no problem and promotional fares are valid when combining these two destinations
Manila - Palau - Truk - Manila or vice versa: from $686-00 USD inc all taxes
 
For more details on the above please contact Blue Horizons at: 
sales@scubadivephilippines.com
 or  info@bluehorizons.travel  
 

Press Release from Palau Micronesia...
Koror, Palau January 10, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

I'm happy to announce that my new (and first) website for the Palau Shark Sanctuary is finally launched. While there are still some edits and revisions required, the basic site is up and running. The URL is: http://www.sharksanctuary.com/
Additionally, my BLOG located at: http://www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/ will soon be linked to the new site.

I'm deeply indebted to my good friend, fellow environmentalist and amazing photographer Gunther Deichmann who sponsored and created the site in support of the International Year of the Shark 2009. Gunther was instrumental in helping me get the Shark Sanctuary off the ground back in 2001 and has been and ardent supporter ever since. Many thanks Gunther and Webmaster Arnold Munoz. I sincerely appreciate your support.
Check out Gunther's Blog at: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html

I also owe considerable thanks to Mr. Dennis Camblin of Logo Pacific, Hawaii who has supported me from day one and launched the Palau Shark Sanctuary line of logo clothing which has helped fund my efforts since 2001. Thanks Dennis!
Thanks also to Sam's Tours and Ben Franklin Department Store who are corporate sponsors of Palau Shark Sanctuary and sell Shark Sanctuary logo clothing in support of the efforts to end shark-finning in Palau and elsewhere.
Sam's Tours: http://www.samstours.com
Please pay a visit to http://www.sharksanctuary.com/ and link to: http://www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/ for the latest news on sharks and shark conservation efforts in Palau.

SAVE OUR SHARKS!
http://www.sharksanctuary.com/

Late Breaking NEWS: The Palau Shark Sanctuary is proud to announce their official website.

Protect Palau 's sharks and other marine creatures.

The Palau Shark Sanctuary, Palau 's first shark conservation organization, was founded in November 2001, in response to the reckless slaughter of Palau 's sharks for shark fins, by foreign vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters.
For more information please go to: http://www.sharksanctuary.com/mission.html
Some minor work is still been carried out on this newly launched site, more updates of images, text and a Blog will follow shortly so please stay tuned.

A Pacific fish uses mirrors as well as lenses to help it see in the murky ocean depths, scientists have revealed. The brownsnout spookfish has been known for 120 years, but no live specimen had ever been captured. Last year, one was caught off Tonga, by scientists from Tuebingen University, Germany.
Tests confirmed the fish is the first vertebrate known to have developed mirrors to focus light into its eyes, the team reports in Current Biology.
"In nearly 500 million years of vertebrate evolution, and many thousands of vertebrate species living and dead, this is the only one known to have solved the fundamental optical problem faced by all eyes - how to make an image - using a mirror," said Professor Julian Partridge, of Bristol University, who conducted the tests.
The mirrors must give the fish a great advantage in the deep sea, where the ability to spot even the briefest of lights can be the difference between eating and being eaten
Professor Julian Partridge Bristol University
Spookfish is a name often given to Barreleyes - a group of small, odd-looking deep-sea fish species, found in tropical-to-temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans... read the complete article and see the amazing image of this incredible fish @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7815540.stm

In response to our very recent blog post on...Dr. Susan Lark is proud to announce that she is reformulating her squalane skin care line. The new line will contain squalane sourced from olives rather than sharks.
It is so nice and rewarding to get sometimes a feedback from our blog posts, in this case a very nice and humorous comment from Sam Scott at Sam’s Tours in Palau Micronesia. Sam is a very staunch supporter of our Marine Environment in particular of the preservation and protection of Sharks... and not only in Palau.

“Thanks for the heads up Gunther. Perhaps all us older people should give the new wrinkle crème made with olive oil a try and see if we can turn back the clock;)”
Take care,
Sam
Thanks Sam for sharing this with us and once I get more wrinkles I certainly give it a try...
GD

http://www.year-of-the-shark-2009.org/
SAVE SHARKS FROM
E XTINCTION

Great NEWS for 2009...I have just picked up this article
from our friends at “The Year of the Shark 2009”

Dr. Susan Lark's Squalane Now Made From Olives, Not Sharks
Dr. Susan Lark is proud to announce that she is reformulating her squalane skin care line. The new line will contain squalane sourced from olives rather than sharks.

Potomac, MD (PRWEB) January 5, 2009 -- Dr. Susan Lark is proud to announce that she is reformulating her squalane skin care line. The new line will contain squalane sourced from olives rather than sharks.

The first new product, called Trilane Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Squalane, is currently in development. It will contain 100 percent natural, eco-friendly squalane sourced from olives, which has the same hydrating properties as shark-derived squalane, but without the worry of the overfishing associated with shark squalane. In addition, the new formula will contain natural jojoba esters, a botanically-derived emollient that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness.

http://www.year-of-the-shark-2009.org/
SAVE SHARKS FROM
E XTINCTION

Better late than never… considering that in some parts of the World it has just turned Midnight or 2009.
Happy New Year from Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center in Palawan Philippines,
I have only received these images. I guess being on this Paradise Island things take just a bit longer to reach us.
Party time on the Beach with a spectacular fireworks display is a long standing tradition at Club Paradise…NOW you might say…I wish I could have been there…well there is always next year but make sure you book early.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year from Asia Divers and El Galleon
in Puerto Galera Philippines

The first and last for today Asia Diver has send in their images and as expected everybody is looking red eyes, hugging and kissing at the Point Bar.
A very Happy New Year from Asia Divers in Puerto Galera.
GD