The NEW TRUK STOP HOTEL & TRUK LAGGON DIVE CENTER'S WEB site is almost completed, soon you can explore the wreck sites and facilities on the Net at the fullest. Discover the amazing Wrecks with our partner Truk Lagoon Dive Center... Your expert on wrecks and all technical diving in Chuuk Micronesia the only place on the island with a permanent supply of HELIUM...you just have to bring your Re-Breather we take care of the rest.
See below some excerpts from their new HOME PAGE...
GD

Part of the NEW HOME page...click on the image and go direct to Truk Lagoon Dive Center
http://www.dive-truklagoon.com/main.php

The Truk Stop Hotel & Dive Center is a PADI Resort Facility offering great accommodations plus an excellent, full service dive center for both the recreational and technical diver.
Truk Stop Hotel inventory of rooms include 2 apartments, 4 suites, 6 deluxe ocean view rooms, and 10 standard rooms. The apartments are air conditioned and fully furnished with kitchenette. All suites and rooms are air conditioned, have a balcony, private bath and furnished with a refrigerator plus TV/DVD player.

LOCAL TIME: 03:20:58 pm | May. 05, 2008

The Truk Lagoon Dive Center offers up to 4 dives a day (wreck, reef, shark, night), and our private dock, dive lockers, rinse tanks and shower make diving with us easy and convenient. We have Bauer Compressors and use a Haskel Pump for blending Nitrox and Trimix, and our expatriate PADI certified professional dive staffs take care of the technical and recreational diver with equal care and consideration.

Our Hotel Restaurant serves international, western style and local food daily from 6:00am till 10:00pm and offers inside dining in air conditioned, smoke free comfort or outside on our patio right next to the world famous Truk Lagoon. Enjoy our Wi-Fi broadband internet connection in the restaurant or on the patio – for FREE!

© Gunther Deichmann - the view from your room Balcony at night.
http://www.dive-truklagoon.com/main.php

The Hard Wreck Café & Bar is the favorite hangout for resident expatriates, the traveling businessman, island visitors and local residents and is the place to enjoy a friendly game of pool, your favorite beverage, karaoke with friends, or just rest up for your next dive or business meeting.
Other services available through the hotel include a relaxing, stress busting massage at The Body Shop, fresh breads, cakes and desserts from our Bakery, handicrafts & souvenirs from our Gift Shop, u-drives from our Car Rental fleet, and business services at our well equipped Conference Facilities.

Tags: TRUK LAGOON,, WWII WRECKS,, CHUUK MICRONESIA,, NITROX, OXYGEN, TRIMIX, Tauchen,, Lungenautomat,, TECH DIVING,, Wreck Diving,, HELIUM,, REBREATHER,, TEC DIVING,

Very soon the NEW website from our partner in Chuuk, the Truk lagoon Dive Center and Truk Stop Hotel, is going to be operational and we announce the official launch date.
Those who are not familiar with Chuuk or know better Truk Lagoon, well it is the world famous wreck diving location in the Pacific, a heaven for tech - wreck divers, (complete facilities for Nitrox and Helium, the only one on the island) but there is more, many wrecks are located at depths for any experience level and If you tired of wrecks the you have to check shark island, an easy dive at 18-meters, a great cleaning station where you surrounded by a good number of reef sharks. Truk Lagoon is remote, yes... but not any more... The Truk Stop Hotel is Wi-Fi connected now, free of charge for all their guests, so writing home to your loved ones has become easy from this remote but great diving destination in the Pacific/Micronesia.
Please stay tuned for more updates and the announcement of their new website soon, the new site will feature great maps and location of most of the wrecks with a lot of detail descriptions.
Important Note: we advise you soon on their NEW domain name once the site is up and running, very, very soon...
GD

Very soon up and running.... the New website


The Truk Stop Hotel is a PADI Resort Facility and a member of the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance

offering 4 suites, 6 deluxe ocean view rooms, and 10 standard rooms. All rooms are air conditioned with private balcony, refrigerator, TV/DVD Player and private bath. Guests are invited to use our free wireless broadband internet connection available in the restaurant and on the patio.

Whether you are an Open Water or Tec Diver, the Truk Lagoon Dive Center is equipped and staffed to take care of all your diving needs.

LOCAL TIME: 11:45:20 | Feb. 07, 2008

We offer Nitrox and Trimix, up to 4 dives a day (wreck, reef, shark, night), and our private dock, dive lockers, rinse tanks and shower make diving easy and convenient.

Our Restaurant serves international, western style and local food daily from 6:00am till 10:00pm and offers inside dining in air conditioned, smoke free comfort or outside
on our patio.

The Hard Wreck Cafe & Bar is the favorite hangout for resident expatriates, visitors, as well as local residents and is the place to enjoy a friendly game of pool, your favorite beverage or karaoke with friends while resting up foryour next dive.

Other services available at the hotel include The Body Shop, offering massage plus facial, manicure and pedicure, our Bakery which provides fresh breads and desserts to our restaurant daily, handicrafts and souvenirs from our Gift Shop, plus Car Rentals and Conference Facilities for the business traveler.

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Everything is high-tech at some of our partners in the Philippines and Micronesia, at Sam's Tours Palau (check out the previous Blog) the state of the art Digital Photo Center incorporating a high speed wi-fi connection for the internet and at Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center in Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) Wi-Fi connection is now available for all their guests free of charge. Diving with the Alliance has just gotten a lot better!


© Gunther Deichmann - View from your Balcony at the
Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center, Chuuk Micronesia

A lot is happening at the Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center, Chuuk Micronesia, Chuuk or also known as Truk Lagoon is about an hour and 45 min. flying time from Guam, via Continental Airlines. The world famous place for wreck diving. Our partner Truk Stop Dive Center can take care of all your diving requirements including your tech diving needs, yes they have helium and nitrox too. We have just came back from there and can proudly announce that Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center is now connected free of charge for all their guests via Wi-Fi in the restaurant and on the Patio area, have a real divers breakfast or dinner and check your email.

© Gunther Deichmann - a great breakfast and
Wi-Fi connected at the Hotel

Very soon we announcing the long overdue new website, incorporating all the wreck dive sites with a full description of the wrecks plus a lot more.
But that is not all, if you getting tiered of all these great wrecks take a afternoon dive at Shark Island only a 15min boat-ride from the Dive Center, watch the reef-sharks at the cleaning station in their natural environment at about 18-meters with superb visibility.
Check out the Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center section on the Philippine -Micronesia Alliance Website at: www.alliancediving.com
Your partner in island-hopping, tech diving, wrecks and shark-dives in the Philippines and Micronesia, you can also book direct via our exciting packages or with our expert travel agent Blue Horizons at: http://www.alliancediving.com/horizons.html
GD

Now I am waiting for some reports from our partners who visited the German boat Show in Duesseldorf, let's wait for their feedback when they all return.

Diving, Tauchen und inselhuepfen auf der Duesseldorf
Boot Messe Germany, mit der Allianz in 2008, 19.-27.1. 2008
Wir sprechen auch deutsch, click here

___________________________________

© Gunther Deichmann

The current issue of Fins Magazine is featuring a nice 12 page article on Micronesia, please see below some excerpts from this current issue, you can download the whole article direct from their website at: http://www.finsonline.com/magazine/vol_6_6/ or go to our site in a few days and you find the pdf file under Alliance& the Media at:
http://www.alliancediving.com/media.html

Fins Magazine is also available as a download in the iTunes Store,
just check it out.

Dive or plan your next vacation with the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance in Micronesia or the Pacific, we offer you the very best in marine bio-diversity, wreck diving, wall or real shark dives, explore and have your next adventure with us at any of our partner resorts or dive centers. We like to express our sincere thanks to Fins Magazine for this great and comprehensive article on Micronesia, our partners in Micronesia are Sam's Tours in Palau and Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center in Chuuk or better known as Truk Lagoon.

The region known as Micronesia, meaning tiny islands, is in fact a vast area that includes over eight nation-statesand thousands of islands ranging from uninhabited atolls to overcrowded coral outcrops. Stretching from the Marshall Islands just west of Hawaii to theCaroline Islands east of the Philippines, and from the Marianas Islands to the north and Gilbert Islands to the south, Micronesia has less combined land area than the smallest state in the United States, yet more ocean area than the entire mainland USA. Located north of the equator, Micronesia sits on the fringes of the epicentre of marine biodiversity, making it a tropical diving paradise second to none. For scuba divers, the islands of Palau (or Belau), an independent republic since 1994, and the island states of Yap, Chuuk,Pohnpei and Kosrae, which make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) are of the greatest interest. From
the magnificent mantas of Yap, to the fascinating WWII wrecks of Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) to the schooling sharks of Palau’s renowned Blue Corner, Micronesia ranksamong the world’s top high-voltage dive destinations................ more

Pohnpei is perhaps best known as the site of the ancient ruins of Nan Madol, though in recent years it has also begun to develop a reputation as a great surf spot. Much is still to be learned about the mysterious Nan Madol ruins. Called the Venice of the Pacific, this man-made city with ocean-filled channels once housed a thriving, royal civilization.............

The sleepy islands of Yap (considered the most “traditional” of the territories in the FSM) have managed to let most of the modern world pass by, practicing Micronesia’s most reserved and traditional lifestyle. Many Yapese men still wear traditional bright loincloths and women grass skirts. The people of Yap marry according to custom and still practice traditional handicrafts.............

Although the island has now reverted to using its more traditional name of Chuuk, it’s known to many scuba divers as Truk, a destination world-renowned for its a vast collection of intact WWII Japanese shipwrecks, sunk during Operation Hailstone by aerial attacks launched from US Fast Carrier Attack Groups in 1944..............

Palau, of course needs very little introduction, but read more about Micronesia in the downloadable pdf file at:
http://www.finsonline.com/magazine/vol_6_6/

From the author
www.deichmann-photo.com
“The whole of Micronesia is still relatively unexplored and a sheer paradise, with all its remote atolls and small islands covered with bird rookeries, and islands inhabited by only a dozen or so people.”

GD

_________________________________

The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance is proud to announce that our supporter Fins Magazine is now in iTunes, the whole Magazines are now available as downloads in pdf format, this is great news.
FiNS is now on iTunes! That's hundreds of millions of potential viewers around the world.

http://www.finsonline.com/blog/fins

Truk Stop Hotel & Dive Center is undergoing major renovation at the moment,
but soon you enjoy all these improvements.


Photo: © Gunther Deichmann

The Management of the Truk Stop Hotel & Dive Center is proud to announce that we offer now free wireless internet access to all their customers. Owner Bill Stinnett states “we are in the middle of a massive renovation project and providing free, broadband wireless internet access to our customers is the first step in this improvement process”.

While there are a couple of other places where internet service is available to the traveling visitor, it is a dial-up connection, not broadband, and all of them charge for the service. The Truk Stop Hotel & Dive Center is the only hotel, or business for that matter, in Chuuk that is offering free internet access which it is both wireless and broadband. This service is available in the hotel restaurant and at the hotel patio and has been available only for about two weeks.
This improvement is due in large part because of the new Truk Lagoon Dive Center Manager recently hired by the Stinnett’s. Mr. Chuck Harrell, from South Carolina in the United States, was a hardware, software, and wireless technician for over 20 years before becoming a dive professional. He installed and maintains this service.

Other improvements coming to the Truk Lagoon Dive Center includes a complete renovation of the Dive Facility, new rental equipment, another Bauer Compressor, and an increase in the number of dive boats available to take divers to the World Famous Wrecks of Truk Lagoon.
Improvements coming to the Hotel include a new, 2nd back-up generator and an in-house Physical Therapist who specializes in 7 different types of massage plus manicures and facials.

Our apologies for any inconvenience during the renovation period but soon we are looking better than ever, thank you very much for your understanding.
Please see below some images taken only a few days ago, we will up date you as soon we have more information available to us.

The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance


Dive lockers and Reception area

New Dive shop and recreational area

All Photos: © Gunther Deichmann

DISCOVER THE UNEXPLORED

Chuuk State (formerly Truk Lagoon) is one of four states which comprise the Federated States of Micronesia and its lagoon is home to the greatest concentration of sunken ships anywhere in the world.

Best known as the world’s number one wreck diving destination, Chuuk’s rich and colorful history, its dynamic culture, and the warm hospitality of her people are often overlooked by the diving traveler.

Visitors to Chuuk will discover a living history by exploring life above water as well as below. Take an island tour and visit the old Japanese command center which is now Xavier High School run by Jesuits for Micronesians or explore old Japanese caves and fortifications.

Enjoy a cultural experience by taking the to mix and mingle with local Chuukese who treat visitors more like guests than tourist.


DISCOVER THE CROWN JEWEL OF TRUK

One mile from the international airport and close to stores & shopping, the Truk Stop can’t be beat for convenience, comfort and value. One mile from the international airport and close to stores & shopping, the Truk Stop can’t be beat for convenience, comfort and value. All 23 rooms of this PADI Resort Hotel are modern and spacious with private bathrooms offering hot & cold water The restaurant is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm serving a wide range of western style meals, and the Hard Wreck Café is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favorite beverage after a great day of diving or sightseeing.

Truk Lagoon Dive Center has the staff, resources, equipment & experience to provide for all diver needs, whether you’re a newly certified open water or experienced diver. Our fleet of custom dive boats includes a Pro-42 and all are equipped with DAN 02 & First Aid kits, communications, ice water, snacks & towels for guests.

Boats depart from our private dock each morning for up to 4 dives daily and may include wreck, reef, shark & night dives. The spacious dive lockers, rinse tanks & shower make setting up for dives and washing equipment after daily dives convenient and easy. Nitrox, trimix, and deep diving are available to the qualified diver.


All Photos: © Gunther Deichmann

DIVE THE WRECKS OF TRUK

Over a two day period in February of 1944, U.S. Forces launched Operation Hailstone sinking more than 60 warships that now rest peacefully on the floor of Truk Lagoon – all accessible to the scuba diver. Dropping down into warm, crystal clear water divers become awestruck by the abundance of marine life and are transfixed by the vibrant colors of 60 years of hard and soft coral growth on and around these ghostly artificial reefs. A night dive on the Shinkoku or the Fujikawa is a must and only heightens the beauty of these underwater natural museums.

Truk Lagoon is more than wreck diving if you want to explore our 40 mile wide barrier reef. The professional expatriate and local staff of the Truk Lagoon Dive Center will take you to Shark Island where we guarantee you will observe sharks up close at this cleaning station. A dive on the inside or outside of our reef reveals a wide variety of large and small marine life plus beautiful hard and soft corals as good as anywhere else in the world.


All Photos: © Gunther Deichmann

Check out the latest issue of Fins Magazine.
A 10 page story on Truk Stop Dive Center in Chuuk Micronesia.
To read and see the lot download the pdf file below
or check out the link to Fins Mag.

http://www.finsonline.com/index.php/frontpage/current_issue/vol5.6.html

Within a day or so it will be under media on our Alliance site.
Enjoy and thanks to Fins Magazine for a great job!
Very soon to come Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center!

Click here to Download: Pg30-39_Dest_ChuukWrecks

Hi everybody,

please check out the article below which we have just received
via Google alert.
Maybe you plan your next trip to Micronesia via the Philippines.
The Philippine - Micronesia Alliance can make all your dive dreams a reality.
From macro to all the big stuff including the best wrecks in the world.
Marine bio- diversity at it's best and Operators you can count on.
Check the link and find out more.



Google Web Alert for: GUNTHER DEICHMANN PHOTOGRAPHER
Rojo - divehappy.com
... Chuuk Lagoon from last year written by Bill Stinnett & Gunther Deichmann. ...

Action Asia magazine is celebrating its 100th issue this month,
and is definitely worth buying if you come on holiday to this part
of the world for insights into places you can go trekking, surfing,
kayaking, rafting, cycling and, yep, diving all over Asia. While I was
hunting around on their website, I found this excellent and lengthy
article about Chuuk Lagoon from last year written by Bill Stinnett
& Gunther Deichmann. Bill and Gunther give a comprehensive
rundown of the history of Chuuk Lagoon and how the Japanese
war fleet came to be bombed there by US forces towards the end
of World War II, and then follow it with some evocative descriptions
of why Chuuk is considered the ultimate wreck diving destination.
(See the photo of the submerged Zero fighter for a taste of what
lies beneath the water at Chuuk).

For me, Chuuk is a dream dive destination -
even living in Bangkok, it is still a very remote
and so expensive journey to get out there.
And indeed, if you do go out there, then
you really should stop off at Yap and Palau too
given you’ve spent so much money on the airfare
to get to Micronesia… See TripAdvisor’s air fare
comparisons to Chuuk
for an idea of just how pricey it can be.
I blogged before on how my dad has dived
at Truk Lagoon, fulfilling a lifetime ambition -
there is talk of him coming back to Truk for his
sixtieth birthday, and if he does do that, I really
can’t do anything else
but join him there, can I?

Posted: October 3rd, 2006 under Other Destinations.

Photograph of a beautiful soft coral in Truk Lagoon.
Copyright: gdeichmann.com

The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance
www.alliancediving.com is proud to
announce the beginning of a new age.

We have just setup our blog page and will update
this ona regular basis with information on all the
Alliance Partners, resorts and dive operations
including diving news.

Our Partners in the Philippines: Calypso and Pinjalo
Dive Resort in Boracay, Club Paradise and Dugong
Dive Center in Palawan, Blue Horizons Travel Agency
in Manila.
Our Partners in Micronesia: Sam's Tours in Palau and
Truk Stop Hotel in Chuuk- Truk Lagoon.

We are the experts for Island hopping, manta and
shark dives, family vacation, dugong watching,
dive adventure, underwater photography, wreck diving,
wall diving, travel and tours, bookings, transfers,
air ticketing and offer you some of the best tropical
beaches and islands for your well deserved vacation
in this region.
All of this is supported with outstanding Resorts
and Dive Centers

For more information on the Alliance please check out
the website www.alliancediving.com which is multi-lingual:
English, German and Russian is available
now, Japanese, Chinese and Korean will be available
soon.