Sali Kecil: A Hidden Diving Paradise

Anita Verde & Peter Marshall · Issue 126, May/Jun 2022 · pp. 47–52

Products mentioned: Panasonic GH5, Nauticam housing, Sea and Sea YSD2 strobes, Lumix G X Vario 14-42mm, Nauticam WWL-1, Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 macro lens, Nauticam CMC-1, Olympus TG-4, AOI UWL-04A wide lens

We divers are an opinionated lot, and although we don’t often agree, there’s generally a consensus amongst us that the Asia Pacific region takes first prize when it comes to incredible diving. So when we were deciding where to spend our first international diving vacation post covid; where could be better than somewhere half way between Raja Ampat and the Lembeh Strait? Ok, see if you can guess. Lush volcanic peaks framed by swaying coconut palms, coarse sandy beaches extending to submerged coral gardens, and a mysterious atmosphere like no where else. Where you mistake the sound of a flock of Hornbills for that of a helicopter, and you’d almost swear the water was Gin, it’s that clear. We’re talking about Sali Kecil, a tiny island located in the Strait of Bacan. Ok, be honest, you’ve probably never heard of it, and even if you have you’ve only got a vague idea of where it is. It is not …