by Miguel Garrido
UN-DIVED! I’m not sure if it’s an actual
word but it perfectly describes Timor-Leste. When I set off late September with
nine other divers from Snorkel Safari Brisbane, I wasn’t quite sure what to
expect. They came far and wide from all walks of life and we couldn’t have had
a more diverse group and so many different personalities. What shocked me the
most is that it worked! Everyone had an amazing time both in and out of the
water and I was amazed at how well and how easily everyone got along.
Over the week we experienced some of the
most pristine reefs I had ever seen. The corals were so colourful and vibrant;
it was stunning. No broken coral from
where a diver had swam too close and kicked over plate coral, no patches of
dead or bleached stag horn coral from where open water divers have knelt to
complete skills, no paths of destruction from dragging anchor chains, just the
colours of the reef and it’s marine life; and plenty of both.
Dive sites were distinct and diverse and
the best part was that they were within 20m of the shoreline. It was easy
diving! Simply kit up on the beach, walk down into the water and your there.
Instant dive site!
We dived twice a day and were usually back
at the resort with the majority of the afternoon free to laze by the pool, get
massages, or explore the town. It was
everything that we needed from a holiday and more. We even had plenty of spare time to go
exploring and walk up one of the mountains to see the Jesus statue, take in the
local markets, visit the president’s house and an old jail (not at the same
time), and (for a few) check out some local cock-fighting.
It was an amazing week and I want to thank all
the guys that came with me and made the trip what it was. It was truly unique and I wont forget Timor
anytime soon. I would happily dive with any and all of you again in a
heartbeat, even either of the two doctors, on the condition they promise to
refrain from pushing any red shiny buttons, despite how enticing they may
appear.
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