Malohom Bay - Closed

Sabah Parks has announced that Malohom Bay in Gaya Island is closed until further notice. It is closed due to construction of new resort within the bay.

I am a bit disappointed by this development. I used to snorkel in Malohom Bay at the Hornbill Beach. It is an amazing snorkeling site. The reef was beautiful with lots of marine life and the water was crystal clear.

I do hope that the developer take measures to minimize impact to the reefs and marine life. I will revisit the beach once development is finished and see if the place is still as good as it was before.

Snorkel Bunaken National Marine Park - Siladen

Photo: 100% coverage as far as I can see. By Sal

Another favorite snorkeling destination of mine. The reef was shallow, making it very suitable for snorkeling activity. The current was very strong and there was no way I could swim against it. So I decided to just go with the flow and just drift.

Taking photos was quite tricky while drifting. But after a few tries, I figured out some tricks of my own. When I spot my subject in front of me, I will duck dive and drift with the current, all the while my camera is ready. When I get closer to my subject, I will click as many times as I can manage. If I see something I would like to photograph and its below me when you spotted it, well….. that's a missed opportunity already.

Sal's tip: Most of the photos I take while snorkeling are upside down ;) I find that its easier and this was I reduce damage to the corals.

Siladen was a delightfull surprise for me. You will see on the photos below that this reef is almost 100% corals. Soft corals mostly. The strong current is actually a very nice accessory for soft corals because looking at the soft corals was like looking at a field of grass with soft wind blowing through.

Photo: Serenity. By Sal

Photo: Color of the Reef. By Sal

Upon entering the water, I was able to see that the majority of the corals on this reef are soft corals. But there are some small colonies of hard corals as well. I don't know if the hardies were just starting to grow or maybe the softies are naturally dominant in this reef. There were some very fierce warfare going on in this place.

Photo: A small colony of hard coral trying to fend off the soft coral from smothering it. By Sal

Photo: I sure hope the Giant Clam is ok. By Sal

I'm sure you all noticed by now that most of my photos from Siladen are of marine organisms that do not move. It was not easy to photograph those that can move while I drifted.

Sal's tip: Be careful of stinging corals. Always watch out for them especially when current is strong and you cannot control your speed.

Photo: Stinging Hydrozoan.

For more information on Bunaken National Park and how to get there: Manado Tourist Info

How to Buy Fins

Photo: Open-Heel split fins - be sure to buy booties with these.

Whether you want to play around or dive amidst coral reefs, your fins will increase your ability to move quickly and efficiently through the water. Swim fins are available in a wide variety of styles, colors and designs. Here are some options you should consider when buying you fins. Size and stiffness largely dictates fins efficiency.

1. Open-heel fins or closed-heel fins? Select open-heel fins and booties if you’re going to enter from rocky shores.
Sal’s tip: I use closed-heel fins because most of the time I enter the water from a boat or sandy beaches. It’s a drag to have to carry extra equipment (the booties).

2. Flexible fins are good for beginners. With more practice and exercise, you can build your leg muscle and move on to stiffer fins.

3. Split fins slice through the water to decrease turbulence and increase power.
Sal's tip: I find that this kind of fins decrease chances of leg cramps for me.

4. Power fins have vented slots in the blade of the fins. They redirect water flow more efficiently and provide more thrust for the effort.

Whatever fins you choose to buy the most important thing is comfort. Choose the right fin size for your feet. Different manufacturer may have different sizes. Don’t be shy to try on the fins before you buy them.

Photo: Closed-Heel long fins suitable for snorkeler with strong leg muscle.

Sal’s Tip when Buying Closed-Heel Fins
1. Try on the fin on one foot. Make sure it’s not too tight.
2. Put the foot with the fin on the ground.
3. Try to tiptoe with that foot.
4. If fin comes off, it’s too big for you.

Good luck with finding the right one!!

How to Care for your Fins