Mount Agung

Posted on December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Mount Agung is Bali’s Most Sacred Mountain

Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) lies in central-eastern Bali and, at 3,148m, is Bali’s highest point by almost 1km – it is even visible in the early mornings from my house in south west Bali. The height of Mt Agung actually affects Bali’s climate: clouds coming from the west drop their rain (unsurprisingly) on the west side of the mountain which is why east Bali is usually dry and barren.

According to Balinese Hindus, the gods created mountains as their thrones meaning Mt Agung, as the highest, is Bali’s most sacred mountain and is therefore the location of Pura Besakih, Bali’s ‘mother’ temple.

Sunrise Rise Trekking on Mount Agung

Sunrise Trekking on Mount Agung is very popular: you leave, with your guide, from a fixed departure point in the early hours so you can be at the top to watch the sunrise.

Mt Agung is an active stratovolcano (built of layered lava), with the most recent major eruption in 1963. Those lava flows missed Besakih Temple by only a few metres in places; that was regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.

The earth tremors of the 1963 Mt Agung eruption were what caused the 120m USAT Liberty Shipwreck to slide off the beach and into the shallows of Tulamben Bay. For that at least, we can be thankful.

The Burning Ring of Fire

Bali is part of ‘The Ring of Fire’ and we therefore have several other dormant volcanoes, eg: Mount Batur – although we do see occasional puffs of smoke.

Book Mt Agung Sunrise Trekking

Click below for more Bali Information:

Bali’s Culture

Microplastics Inside the Coral Tissue

Posted on November 15, 2024November 19, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Microplastics – How do They End Up in the Ocean

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Microplastic are tiny fragments of plastic, usually less than 5 millimeters in size, that originate from textiles, such as microfiber shedding, personal care products or cosmetics, paint, tires, and the fragmentation of larger plastics we use. Like the plastic we are familiar with, microplastics are not biodegradable. The problem now is that they are resilient and ubiquitous. Microplastics have been found in nearly every environment, including animal digestion, and even humans. Due to their tiny size, microplastics spread through things like rainfall, rivers, and direct waste dumping. These particles make their way into our oceans, spreading across marine environments and impacting ecosystems everywhere.

Why are Corals Found with Microplastics

As filter feeders, corals pull in tiny particles from the water, mistaking microplastics for food. Because of their size, microplastics closely resemble natural food sources for coral, making them easy to ingest. Studies have shown that some types of coral might even prefer these plastic particles. Unfortunately, this means microplastics get lodged in coral tissues, often staying there for a long time.

How do Researchers Study Microplastics in Coral

To investigate, scientists collect coral samples and apply special dyes to make any microplastic particles stand out. They also use methods like spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy to locate and identify plastics at the microscopic level, helping to determine how much plastic is really being taken in by coral. In some cases, researchers use a process called acid digestion, where a mild acid dissolves the calcium carbonate skeleton, leaving behind microplastic particles. This method, used by one of our team members, enables a clear analysis of embedded plastics without damaging them.

What Microplastics Mean for Coral and Marine Life

For corals, microplastics are a big concern. These particles can get trapped in coral tissues or on coral surfaces, affecting their health. When corals absorb microplastics, it can lead to physical damage, reduced feeding efficiency, and even increased vulnerability to diseases. Corals rely on tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which help them get energy through photosynthesis. Microplastics can block light, disturbing this process and possibly contributing to coral bleaching.

Marine life that depends on corals for shelter or food can also suffer. Fish, crustaceans, and other creatures might ingest microplastics, which can lead to internal injuries, malnutrition, or chemical contamination, affecting entire marine ecosystems.

Nudibranchs

Posted on November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Nudibranch

When it comes to shapes and colours, the variations found in nudibranchs never ceases to impress underwater photographers – and the rest of us!

There are over 3,000 species of nudibranchs worldwide, with new ones being identified regularly. These fascinating creatures are hermaphrodites, meaning they can mate with any individual of their species. Another intriguing fact is that nudibranchs are carnivorous, with diets that go beyond corals, algae, anemones, and sponges—they may even consume other nudibranchs.

Nudibranchs in Indonesia

To help you get started, here are five fantastic nudibranchs to look out for in Indonesia:

Hypselodoris bullocki – This species, found in Bali, Lembeh, Triton Bay, Wakatobi, and Ambon, is famous for its lavender hue and dark spots. It’s a beautiful find for those who appreciate subtle but striking patterns.

Chromodoris magnifica – As its name suggests, Chromodoris magnifica truly stands out. You can find this bold nudibranch in places like Raja Ampat, Ambon, Halmahera, Lembeh, and Bali. Its eye-catching combination of orange, white, and black makes it a favorite for underwater photographers.

Nembrotha kubaryana – Known for its dramatic blend of black, green, and orange, Nembrotha kubaryana is another species divers love to spot in Wakatobi, Bali, Lembeh, Raja Ampat, and Alor.

Doto greenamyori – This unique species has earned the nickname “Doughnut Doto” because of its shape. Doto greenamyori can be found in Tulamben, Wakatobi, and Misool, often hiding among hydroids and other small organisms.

Thecacera pacifica – With its bright yellow color and black markings, this nudibranch resembles the famous character Pikachu! You can find it in Bali, Triton Bay, and Alor.

Please note: The above are the areas which offer a high chance of seeing these particular nudis. This being Indonesia, you can find the most unexpected species far outside their known range, for example:
– While diving with AMD-B, Dr Richard Smith (Ocean Realm Images) found displaying male McCosker’s flasher wrasses 2,500km east of their previously recorded range
– Okenia liklik nudis in Tulamben Bay, Bali (previously only recorded in Papua New Guinea and Luzon).

There are many other super-rare nudis that are scattered throughout the ocean so, who knows, maybe YOU will be lucky enough to find a new species and contribute to naming it 🙂