See http://www.balihotels.com/candidasa/mimpi.htm for extra information about the Mimpi Dive Resort.

I was recently received an e-mail with following querries from a worldisround reader. I thought I might share them, as well as my answers to better help those planning a trip to Tulamben.

a) What time of the year did you go?

I have been in the summer, in the spring, and in the fall. Remember, as close to the equator as Bali is, there are no typical seasons. There is a wet and dry season exchange, but even that is minimal and one can often be confused with the other. I wouldn/t worry about it much at Tulamben, you usually have good vis and calm seas, though there are the exceptions. Last summer, the seas were quite rough (small waves agains the shore), but this was attributed to an offshore storm. Your best bet for condition predictions is calling or e-mailing the mimpi dive resort.

b) I see that you have a link to the Mimpi Diving Resort - did you stay there? How were the accommodations, food?

The mimpi dive resort is /the/ place to stay in Tulamben. The accomodations are very nice, and the food is in general excellent: typical Indonesian *resort quisine*. I would definetely recomment the mimpi dive resort. The crew is top notch, catering to divers from the most experienced to those just beginning. Their gear is also quite good (though I did once get a depth guage that was a couple feet off). Most importantly, however, they are excellent with overseas bookings.

c) From Denpasar, can you provide me with information on how you got to the resort - did they pick you up or did you have to find your way there?

When you make reservations, you will get all of the information you need. Your transportation all depends on your arrangement with them. Most dive packages include multiple days of diving with 2-3 dives a day, as well as airport pick up and drop off. I would strongly suggest you arrange for the transportation with them, unless you have been to Bali before, and know a reliable charter/car&driver service.

d) Any other thoughts from your trip about things that you/d recommend, avoid, etc?

A good idea is getting the dive bali guide. Michael Siagian and Kal Mueller provide some fantastic photographs to complement the authors/ wonderful and informative descriptions (sorry, can/t remember his name, its on the tip of my tongue) I can/t find the guide listed at Barnes&Noble, nor Amazon, but you should be able to pick one up in the Singapore or Bali airport.

Finally, have a wonderful trip and check the US Embassy travel advisory before you head off or book. Travel insurance is a very very very good thing to have, and there is only one deco chamber on the island of Bali, and that is in Denpassar, so if you get the benz in Tulamben, you/re royally in trouble.