Exotic new scuba diving yacht in Indonesia -- NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR.
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NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
North Sulawesi Island
Central Indonesia
SE Asia
This beautiful 4-star Indonesia liveaboard was for years
the TRUK AGGRESSOR in Chuuk, Micronesia.
She has been fully refurbished & recommissioned & is moving to
central Indonesia. Beginning Jan. 14,
'06 the North Sulawesi Aggressor has offered exceptionally well-reviewed seven-day, Saturday-to-Saturday
charters departing from Kungkungan Bay Resort in Northern Sulawesi Island. As Aggressor Fleet & U.S. Dive Travel
partner, veteran Captain Niall Lawlor will guide our preferred clients to
remote sites near Bangka Islands & the Lembeh Strait. The Lembeh Strait is the region of North
Sulawesi's famous "muck dives" – where hundreds of brilliant coral
& fish species abound – offering some of the world’s most visually dazzling
underwater colors. North Sulawesi is a peaceful,
friendly & blessedly remote portion of the large Sulawesi Island region.
(Check the globe; go to SE Asia & locate Indonesia;
then move to the middle of the island chain.
Sulawesi is that vast oddly-shaped island right in the center of the Indonesian
Archipelago, shaped like a wind-swept “Special K” logo tilting to the East. Manado is the main city right near the
northernmost tip of that tipsy “K.”)
Direct flights into Manado from Singapore are available
weekly. We recommend arriving on the
Saturday afternoon Silk Air flight from Singapore, after a relaxing overnight
in Singapore on the way over from North America or Europe. Silk Air is true to its name, one of the
world’s smoothest & most customer-service-efficient airlines. They are a joy to fly. Now back to exotic Sulawesi geography ….
For many years, this safe, predominately Christian sector
of North Sulawesi has treated scuba divers to some of the most specie-rich reef
diving in the world. Well on a par with
remote sectors of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Palau & the Fiji
Islands. There is no civil infighting on
North Sulawesi & foreigners are always welcome. Our agents started diving on North Sulawesi way
back in the summer of 1992, more than 10 years before travel buzz began in
the North American dive community. So we are big-time glad to finally see a
world-class Indonesia live-aboard plying the Lembeh Strait.
We predict in a few short months, the client feedback will
be so positive among our network’s dive shops, dive
clubs & travel centers that North Sulawesi Aggressor will become as hot a
ticket as Palau, Fiji, Cocos Island & the Galapagos Islands. This is the place to be, sunseekers, & precisely
the right time to be there for this new adventure in Indonesia scuba diving. The Indonesian people, gratified by the
generous contributions Americans & Europeans made after that Dec. ’04 tsunami, are
riding a warm new wave of affection for foreign dive vacation travelers. This is a bright new season of prosperity &
hospitality in the North Sulawesi region. And this Indonesia liveaboard is the way to go, sunseekers.
NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR Prices for 2008
Deluxe Stateroom = $2495 per diver. Quad
Cabin = $2295 per diver.
NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR Prices for 2009
Deluxe Stateroom = $2735 per diver. Quad
Cabin = $2535 per diver.
NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR Prices for 2010
Deluxe Stateroom = $2835 per diver. Quad
Cabin = $2635 per diver.
(North Sulawesi Aggressor cruises are Saturday to
Saturday with 5.5 diving days.)
NITROX is available for all properly
certified divers.
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NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR CHARTERS INCLUDE:
• Expert divemaster guides, highly
trained in their island locales.
• Luxury stateroom accommodations
aboard the vessel.
• Unlimited diving (within safe PADI
tables) + compressed air tanks + weights.
• Airport transfers on days of arrival
& departure.
• All meals & snacks, soft-drinks
& local alcoholic beverages.
• The vessel chef is always glad to
accommodate special dietary requests.
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NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR CHARTERS DO NOT INCLUDE:
• International
airfare nor "island hopper" commuter air tickets.
• Travel cancellation insurance, which
is strongly advised for all cruises.
• Equipment rentals, whether scuba,
photo or video.
• Nitrox refills. You must pay extra
for these custom tank fills.
• Premium imported alcoholic drinks,
such as vintage wines, bourbons.
• Scuba certification or specialty
courses. Custom camera
courses.
• Hotel stays or day rooms, for those
vessels that require arrivals 1 day early.
• Dinner on final evening of the
cruise. (Guests eat on the island.)
• Crew tips. We recommend tipping at
least 5-15%, where apropos'.
• Government taxes or park fees (when
applicable) & nominal USDT tariffs.
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SEE IF YOU QUALIFY for SPECIAL CLIENT BENEFITS
on NORTH
SULAWESI AGGRESSOR:
• We offer a $200 discount to all
non-divers.
• We offer a $200 discount to all
clients booking back-to-back charters.
• We offer a $100 discount to all
seniors older than 65, with mailed-in photo ID.
• Leader for a group of 9+ clients
gets free Nitrox refills on most cruises.
• Customized private itineraries are
available on all vessels -- for groups.
• We also offer customized packages
for longer-than-usual cruises, at extra cost.
• Ask us how you can earn free tour
leader packages with group bookings.
• Important reminder: given the steadily escalating costs of petrol worldwide, all Aggressor Fleet liveaboards have a fuel surcharge, except the 2 Galapagos Aggressors & the 2 Fiji Agressors. This fuel surcharge will normally be USD $100 per diver for 7-night cruises. The surcharge will be higher for cruises of longer duration.
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VESSEL DESIGN STATISTICS for NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
Length: 107 feet
Beam: 22 feet
Draft: 7 feet
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Range: 1,800 nautical
miles
Year Built: 1988
Year Refit: 2005
Builder: Seacraft,
Amelia, LA, USA
Staterooms: Eight
Passengers: 18
North Sulawesi Aggressor is
built to U.S. Coast Guard & A.B.S. standards with a full line complement of
safety equipment. Full length skeg &
stabilizers add to guest comfort & safety. This dive ship was tried & true in Truk
for years.
( Please note that much of the following text & all photos on this page
are provided courtesy of our longtime friends at the AGGRESSOR FLEET. Thanks amigos ! )
EQUIPMENT on the NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
* (2) KT19M Cummins engines-1,020 h.p.
* (2) 55 KW generator sets
* (2) 5,000 psi Mako compressor with 3,600 cu. ft. cascade storage systems
* Water maker
* Safety bar with integrated air/enriched air capabilities that can serve up to 8
divers at a time
* O2 generator, bank storage & continuous blending manifold
* Full line of scuba equipment rentals
ADDITIONAL GEAR AVAILABLE ON REQUEST --
* 80 cu. ft air / Nitrox tank for each guest
* Defibrillator, which emits electrical impulses to a heart attack victim
* Single side band radio with link to U.S. Marine Operator
* Weather fax
* 36-mile color radar
* VHF radio
* Magellan 5000 GPS
* Video depth sounder
* Dive support dinghy
* Fire detection system
* Safety plan & regular drills
* First aid kit, DAN Oxygen System
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(1) “Quad” stateroom with four single berths, private head & shower. Quad
is located on the upper deck.
OTHER INDONESIA LIVE-ABOARD AMENITIES:
* Salon with
entertainment center & personal computer station. For a fee, e-mails may be
sent via satellite phone.
* Partially
covered sun deck with wet bar, hot tub, ice machine, bar-b-que grill & chaise
lounges.
* Full-service
galley with freezer & refrigerator storage.
* Large swim
platform with (2) warm, freshwater showers, fin storage & (2) water exit
ladders.
* Dive deck
w/ personal gear lockers for in-place air/Nitrox fills + rinse tanks & 3-tier
camera table w/ low-pressure air hoses.
* Weights,
weight belts, 80-cu. ft. aluminum tanks with standard "K" valves for
use with standard yoke regulators.
* Rental scuba
gear, rental UW cameras & E-6 slide film processing.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR,
one of the PREMIER INDONESIA LIVE-ABOARDS:
1. Where is North Sulawesi Island ?
North Sulawesi is in the northern most part of central
Indonesia. It is just south of the
Philippines in the Southwest Pacific Ocean.
2. What is included in the North Sulawesi Aggressor charter package ?
Accommodations aboard the vessel + diving guides +
compressed air tanks + weights & weight belts + airport transfers from the
Manado Airport to Kungkungan Bay Resort across the Minahasa Peninsula on day of
arrival & departure + meals & snacks + soft beverages, local beer &
wine; these are all included in the package.
3. How many days is the charter & how many dives can I make ?
The North Sulawesi Aggressor charter is seven days, first Saturday
afternoon to final Saturday morning with five & one-half days of Indonesia
scuba diving. Most guests make up to 3-5
dives a day. Diving begins on Sunday
morning & finishes mid-day on Friday when the Aggressor return to her dock
at Kungkungan Bay.
4. When should I arrive in North Sulawesi to meet the live-aboard ?
Please plan to arrive in Manado on the day of your charter,
Saturday.
5. Are any extra taxes or fees not included in the charter price ?
U.S. Citizens are required to obtain an Indonesia Entry
Visa upon arrival at a cost of USD $25 &
USD $10 upon departure. All
other non-USA passengers should check with their local Indonesian Consulate for
entry requirements. Please note: Any tourists
staying longer than 30 days -- regardless of country of origin -- must apply
for a permit from their local Indonesian consulate.
6. Do I need a passport for Indonesia liveaboard trips if I am American ?
YES, & your US passport must have no less than 6 months validity
left on it.
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7. How do I meet North Sulawesi Aggressor on the departure date ?
Guests are encouraged to arrive Saturday afternoon into
Manado on the Silk Air flight that arrives into Manado at 12:55 pm. Upon arrival, a staff member from the
Kungkungan Bay Resort holding a sign with the Aggressor Fleet logo will greet
you. You will be transferred to the KBR
in an air-conditioned bus. The bus ride
takes approximately 50-60 minutes.
8. Where does North Sulawesi Aggressor dock between charters
?
The North Sulawesi Aggressor offers charters departing from
the Kungkungan Bay Resort in the safe & friendly city of Bitung, NE
Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.
9. What’s special about Indonesia scuba diving in the North Sulawesi area ?
The Lembeh Strait & surrounding areas are believed to
offer the world’s most extensive marine biodiversity. The outer reefs are adorned with colorful
soft corals & anthias. North
Sulawesi is world-famous for its “muck” dives, or chock-full-o’-critter dives,
where small, colorful creatures dwell on sandy bottoms. Despite the term “muck diving,” visibility is
superb.
10. What’s the water temperature ? Will I need a wetsuit ?
Yes you are advised to bring a tropical wetsuit,
full-length. You’ll be diving in warm
water that averages 78 – 82 F degrees. Most
men divers are comfortable in a 3 mm suit.
Thin clients & many women divers
report they feel comfier in a 3-5-3 mm wetsuit. It is all a matter of personal taste.
11. What’s the best time of year for Indonesia scuba diving
?
The diving is very good year round; never a really off
season. Wet Season in Indonesia is from November through February however. The weather is less changeable in Lembeh
Strait due to mountainous terrain surrounding the area.
12. What type of land topography can I expect to see in North Sulawesi ?
The topography ranges from volcanic mountains to coconut
plantains to rice paddies. The islands
also have many scenic waterfalls & lush rain forests.
13. Is there dinghy diving from North Sulawesi Aggressor
?
Most of the dives are made from two large skiffs. Some diving is done from the back deck of the
Aggressor.
14. Is there night diving on this Indonesia diving liveaboard
?
Yes. The night
diving is terrific. Hundreds of colorful
critters are bumping all over the place, many of whom you will never see
emerging from their hiding places until well after dark. Night dives in Indonesia are inspiring !
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15. Is it customary to offer a crew gratuity ?
Yes, indeed – customary & a great idea. As in
any service oriented business, gratuities are welcomed & voluntary. From past experience, many guests have
offered gratuities based on the total cost of the charter. Satisfied passengers who believe they have
been provided with a very good service have left generous gratuities of ten
percent (10%) of the charter price. Average tips are in the 5 - 10 percent range. The Captain will have an envelope available
when settling the tabs for on-board services or purchases. Gratuities may be by cash, credit cards,
traveler's checks or personal checks. All
gratuities are shared equally by the crew.
16. What’s planned for Friday evening after we return to port ?
Friday afternoon at approximately 1 – 2 pm, the North
Sulawesi Aggressor returns to dock to load provisions for the following week’s
cruise. This is your opportunity to
join a KBR guided tour of Bitung & visit the local market. This is a special trip for guests & presents
a wonderful photo opportunity & cultural experience. The cost will be minimal & can be paid on
board prior to docking at the resort. This
trip will run approximately 3 hours. Prior
to the departure of the tour, guests will be given the opportunity to tour the Kungkungan
Bay Resort property, as well.
17. Are extended tours offered in the Bitung village area
?
Special tours include a full day trip to Tangkoko Batuangus
Nature Reserve & are home to the Taursius Monkey, the world’s smallest
primate, the black tailless monkeys, Maleo birds, wild pigs, the Bear Cascus
(Marsupial family), the Sulawesi Rousette & the Dog Faced Bats & a
multitude of parrots. These are trips
into nature & the past not to be missed. There is also white water rafting trips for
those with an adventurous soul that can’t get enough of the water. Of course, there are numerous fantastic shore
dives from the Kungkungan Bay Resort, right outside your bungalow. Also available is the tour of Bitung City
& the open market. This trip will
give you a real taste of Indonesian culture & close encounter with the
friendly citizens. The open-air market
presents a great chance for unique photo opportunities.
18. When is check-out time on this Indonesia liveaboard
?
Checkout time is 8:00 a.m. Saturday. All local & International
airlines in Manado recommend you check-in 2 hours prior to departure. The crew
will transfer you to the airport or to a local hotel, if you are planning to
extend your vacation.
19. Where is the nearest recompression chamber – just in case ?
The nearest recompression chamber is in Manado city, about
one hour’s drive west from the vessel moorage at Kungkungan Bay Resort. This DAN-approved facility has a fully
operational recompression chamber.
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The Heads-Up NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
“Know-Before-You-Go” FILE ---
a Must-See Info Kit !
COMMUNICATIONS with VESSEL
The North Sulawesi Aggressor is in
constant
communication with the Kungkungan Bay Resort
(KBR) located in Bitung, Indonesia. In
case of an
emergency, family & friends may contact you by
calling the Kungkungan Bay Resort at 62-438-30300,
and the North Sulawesi Aggressor at 881-631-
073228. There is a charge for
satellite phone calls
and e-mails.
Indonesia is world renowned for its
incredible
underwater bio diversity. There are few places in the
world that offer such unique creatures & is so easily
accessible. As you prepare for your diving adventure
on board the North Sulawesi Aggressor, we extend
our most hearty welcome. The enclosed information
will help you prepare for your trip.
It is important to notify our office
of last minute
changes concerning your airline arrival & departure
times or any changes in your address & telephone
numbers.
ARRIVAL on SULAWESI ISLAND
The North Sulawesi Aggressor offers
charters
departing from the Kungkungan Bay Resort in the
city of Bitung, Indonesia. You are encouraged to
arrive Saturday afternoon into Manado on Silk Air
that arrives into Manado at 12:55pm. Upon arrival, a
staff member from the Kungkungan Bay Resort
holding a sign with the Aggressor Fleet logo will
greet you. You will be transferred to the KBR in an
air-conditioned bus. The bus ride takes approximately
45-60 minutes.
If you arrive earlier in the week
& are staying at a
hotel in Manado, you will need to make your way to
the Manado Airport. Transfers from the Manado
Airport will leave on Saturday at
approximately
1:30pm after the guests traveling on
Silk Air arrive.
We will need to know one week before
your charter
date if you will be meeting the group at the airport in
Manado. This will be the only transfer
provided for
the upcoming charter week on the North Sulawesi
Aggressor.
If you are staying in Bitung at the
Kungkungan Bay
Resort, you will require no transfer
as the North
Sulawesi Aggressor docks right at the
KBR.
Boarding time for everyone is 5:00pm
on Saturday.
PACKING your TRAVEL BAGS
When packing, please limit the weight
& size of
your bags. For international travel, you are usually
allowed 2 bags. Each piece of baggage must not
exceed 70 pounds. You are allowed one carry on bag
not to exceed 20 pounds. Please check with your
domestic & international carrier for baggage
allowance. Don’t forget to use your Aggressor Fleet
luggage tags. They will help the crew identify you.
The VESSEL’s SPACE ALLOTMENTS
The North Sulawesi Aggressor is a
110-foot yacht,
built & powered for comfort, safety & stability
and built to U.S. Coast Guard certification standards.
She is diesel-powered, cruises at 10
knots & has
110-volt power on
board. The North Sulawesi
Aggressor has a beautiful spacious
salon, 50 feet of
sun deck with shading, chaise lounges, hot tub, deck
chairs, bar, grill, & a complete digital photo/video
center.
Accommodations include eight private, air-conditioned
cabins. There are seven double cabins & one “quad”
cabin for four guests. Each stateroom
has extra storage & individual climate controls. The
North Sulawesi Aggressor sleeps 18
guests & six
crew, in privacy & comfort. Diving amenities
include Nitrox & a large dive deck complete with
individual dive lockers & freshwater showers.
MEALS on NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
The menu on board is varied & plentiful,
with a
variety of American feasts, barbecues & local
cuisine. Wake up to fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals
& juices. Lunches are buffet-style, featuring hot
soups, homemade breads, salads & sandwiches
and/or entrees. Dinners are diverse, including
seafood, beef or chicken. Each evening, enjoy fresh
homemade desserts. Please notify our office of
special dietary requests. Feel free to bring your
favorite candy or snack!
BEVERAGES on NORTH SULAWESI AGGRESSOR
Soft drinks, tea, beer, & wine are
complimentary. We suggest picking up
your special brand of liquor from the
Duty-Free shop. Remember, drinking and
diving doesn’t mix. Alcohol consumption mixed with
diving is prohibited. Once you drink alcohol, you
become a non-diver until the next day.
ACCEPTABLE CLOTHING on BOARD
Bathing suits & t-shirts are the
order of the day.
Dress is normally informal in
Indonesia due to the
warm, humid climate & clothing of light fabrics are
recommended. Traveling in highland areas is
noticeably cooler so we recommend a lightweight
jacket. Accepted attire for men is a shirt & long
pants. For ladies, dresses, blouses, & long pants are
appropriate. Shorts, halters or tank tops should only
be worn on the beach. The temperature averages in
the mid 80’s during the day & mid 70’s at night.
For easy luggage storage you should
pack in a soft
duffel bag.
ENTERTAINMENT on this LIVEABOARD
There is a variety of nightly
entertainment including
night diving, fish identification slide shows, dancing,
movies, games & more…. The crew especially
enjoys recent movies, DVD’s, musical CD’s, recent
magazines & books. Feel free to bring along your
