PPaappuuaa // RRaajjaa AAmmppaatt Papua (Raja Ampat) Indonesia has been one of our all-time favorite dive destinations since we travelled there in 2009. Abundant schools of fish – both large & small – are ever present among the brilliantly colored hard and soft corals which comprise the reef structure of this magnificent destination. Our February 2020 Adventure will take us back the heart of this fantastic place with Papua Explorers’ eco-friendly, land-based resort. 16 of our travelers will occupy 8 of the 14 secluded, over-the-water bungalows featuring private lanais (with lounge chairs and hammocks) and your very own entrance into the water. Only steps away from your bungalow is the open-air dining area boasting a generous selection of spirits, local beer & soft drinks as well as 2 temperature controlled wine coolers (yes, out in the middle of the jungle!) stocked to the brim with wines from around the world. While breakfast includes eggs to order, croissants, pastries & toast, lunch & dinner feature rice, fresh local fish, vegetables, beef and/or chicken prepared in a mixture of Indonesian & Western cuisine. The food is delicious and plentiful!

2

The diving is arguably some of the best on the planet. Strange creatures such as the Wobbegong shark, blue ringed octopus, cuttlefish, mandarin fish and anemone crabs can be found on the house reef night dive. During our 3 boat dives each day, you will experience unique take-aways, as each dive site holds a specific highlight. From schools of bumphead parrotfish, black-tip sharks and barracuda, to thousands of schooling fusiliers, jacks, grunts, Moorish idols, and spadefish – this area has it all! Some of the major diving highlights include three

different manta dives, two dives to interact with large groups of friendly Oriental Sweetlips, and a day trip to dive the exhilarating “Passage” – a virtual river flowing across the island from one sea to the other, separating the northern part of the landmass from the south! With a shallow bottom of approximately 40 feet and walls teeming with colorful life, this dive is one not to be missed! Although the diving is definitely world class, roughly 40% of the guests who visit this area are snorkelers and bird watchers. The resort has structured programs to

accommodate these interests, so it’s not just about diving; nearly ½ of the guests are non-divers! Despite being an eco-friendly resort on the edge of the rain forest, the rooms and all public areas are spotless. Special care is taken to ensure cleanliness is a top priority. Just as important, is guest comfort and satisfaction. The staff goes to great lengths to accommodate the guests’ every need. Turndown service is provided nightly to all guests as is complimentary laundry service and enriched air nitrox for divers. The staff is on-

hand for everything and even assists the night divers in preparing for their dives.

3

Upon reaching the surface at the end of your night dive, a crew is patiently waiting at the surface to help remove, disassemble & wash your gear – it’s all part of their amazing service! Aside from your mask, snorkel & fins, you will not need to touch your gear the entire time (unless you’re wearing it) – it’s all taken care of by the resort staff! So join us for an unforgettable adventure... Begin each morning awakening to the gentle sounds of the jungle – and end each day with a relaxing sunset and the satisfaction you have enjoyed your experience to the fullest…

All underwater photos courtesy of Greg Sherman

4

PPaappuuaa // RRaajjaa AAmmppaatt February 12th – 19th, 2020

$ 2,675* / person, dbl occ ($ 1,985* / Non-Diver, dbl occ)

All Round-Trip Airport Transfers aboard Private Charter Coach & Boat 2 Nights Accommodations in Jakarta 7 Nights Overwater Accommodations at Papua Explorers’ Resort 6 Days of 3-Tank Boat Dives per Day Unlimited Shore & Night Diving on House Reef Complimentary Enriched Air Nitrox Tanks All Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks, Coffee, Soft Drinks, Tea & Water Complimentary Laundry Service & Nightly Turndown Service Tanks & Weights All Hotel Taxes, Service Charges & Fees as Noted Discounted Rates on Private PADI Specialty Courses Pre-Trip & Post-Trip Parties with Refreshments Souvenir Video & Trip Photos

5

If you would like to continue your adventure, we are offering the following extension...

CCaammbbooddiiaa && TThhaaiillaanndd

Although these are “add-ons” to our Raja Ampat Adventures, our land excursions in Thailand & Cambodia promise to be one of the most interesting travel experiences of your life!

CCaammbbooddiiaa Our first day will begin in Siem Reap – a resort town in northwestern Cambodia. This city is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th – 15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Upon our arrival, we will head to the Shinta Mani Shack hotel to unpack and relax in our poolview rooms

which will be our homes for the next 4 nights.

6

The Angkor Archeological Park is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, if not the world. Stretching over some 400 square kilometers including forested area, the park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals

of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. We could spend weeks exploring these ruins, but on this day tour, we will have a chance to see just the highlights.

After meeting with our English-speaking guide, we will begin our first day in Cambodia visiting the South Gate of AAnnggkkoorr

TThhoomm where we can take an optional 1 km

walk along the wall to a hidden temple. Then

we will visit the temples of Bayon, Baphoun,

the Terrace of Elephants, The Leper King,

and Preah Khan before we take a break for lunch at the Marum restaurant, which is

known for its healthy and delicious offerings of local & international cuisine.

After lunch, we will visit the fabulous jungle

temple of Ta Phrom and then to the main

temple: AAnnggkkoorr WWaatt. Constructed in the early 12th century then,

two centuries later mysteriously abandoned

by the Khmer civilization, Angkor Wat is one

of mankind’s greatest achievements and is

the main reason tourists visit Cambodia.

The intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat are fascinating and demonstrate the

skill of the Khmer builders. We will spend the rest of our tour at this temple and close

with an unforgettable sunset on the quiet east side of Angkor Wat or at Pre Rup temple

before heading back to our hotel for the evening.

7

Our second full day in Cambodia begins with

breakfast at our hotel and then a very

interesting and unusual tour. We will meet our

guide at our hotel and transfer to a bike shop

where our ccyycclliinngg** will take us along the

riverside, through a variety of urban and village

roads to visit trained landmine detecting rats –

nicknamed, ““HHeerrooRRaattss””.. These are bomb-

finding rats that are saving lives by using their

‘super senses’ to sniff out the past and help

create a safe future for rural areas.

After learning about their interesting work,

we'll return to the bikes as we ride through

small dirt lanes and explore the ever-

changing landscape of Siem Reap. We will arrive at ““RReeHHaasshh TTrraasshh””, a social

enterprise which is turning plastic waste into

beautiful products through an artistic and

imaginative approach to recycling. If time

allows, we will have a chance to weave our

own ‘take-home’ plastic bags. ReHash Trash,

in addition to its recycling initiatives, is a social

business of parent NGO Green Gecko which

works with former street children and their families, including the Gecko Moms who are

now renewing their lives and earning an essential income through their work at ReHash.

After an inspiring visit, it's time to walk nearby

for some locally brewed beverages. Siem

Reap has no better option to visit than the

team at Sombai, a socially responsible

business producing 11 unique local flavors of

iinnffuusseedd rriiccee wwiinnee. All their products are

8

hand-crafted with unmatched attention to detail, right down to hand painted bottles. Then

we ride back to town to have lunch at a local restaurant. *Cycling distance approx.

20kms (12½ miles).

Later in the afternoon, we will make our way

outside of Siem Reap and into the lovely

surrounding countryside. Rolling at a leisurely

pace, we will journey to KKoommpphheeiimm VViillllaaggee.

During our ride through small villages, rice

fields, vegetable orchards and some

traditional Khmer houses, our guide will show

us how local people live. The ride should take

no longer than 2 hours as we stop for photos and take our time to appreciate the relaxing

countryside, friendly locals, and beautiful

scenery.

Next, we get to do some cooking! The

ccooookkiinngg ccllaasssseess are fun, informative, fully

hands-on, and include individual work

stations. We will learn to make such delicacies

as Fresh Chicken Spring Rolls / Beef Kroueng

and Chaek Chheung (Bananas cooked with palm sugar and coconut), in a beautifully

restored traditional Khmer house surrounded by endless rice fields and sugar palm trees.

Classes will also include a visit to a local family to learn about cooking in a traditional

household, food customs and superstitions.

Day 3 in Cambodia will begin with breakfast

at our hotel and then a 1-hour drive to visit to

Kbal Spean which lies 50 kilometers

northeast of Siem Reap. The original River of

a Thousand Lingams, KKbbaall SSppeeaann is an

intricately carved riverbed deep in the

foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Lingams

9

are phallic representations sacred to

Brahmanism as symbols of fertility, and

hundreds of them are carved into the rock.

We will also see several carvings of gods and

animals above the small waterfall. Lunch will

be served at a local restaurant once we reach

the top of the hill.

After lunch, we will return to BBaanntteeaayy SSrreeii, loosely translated as "Citadel of Women." It

houses some of the finest and best-preserved examples of classical Khmer bas-relief.

The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it

a fairyland ambiance. Next, we’ll head to Preah Dak and finish at Takeo temple and

Banteay Samre – each impressive in their own right and significant in their individuality.

We then head back to the hotel to enjoy our evening of leisure.

Our final day in Cambodia will once again

begin with a hearty breakfast at our hotel

before we embark on a 1-hour drive from

Siem Reap to spend the morning at the

““FFllooaattiinngg VViillllaaggee”” of Mechrey on the Tonle

Sap Lake. During our drive, we will stop at

Ampil Peam to stroll through this traditional

village where locals live much as they have for centuries. We will also have an

opportunity to ride a traditional ooxx ccaarrtt though

the rice fields.

Upon our arrival in Mechrey, we will board a

local-style boat and explore the area including

the nearby FFllooooddeedd FFoorreesstt. Our guide will

explain the biodiversity in this area and discuss

the importance of the lake for the livelihood of

thousands of locals. Tonle Sap, meaning “Great Lake” is in fact a combined lake and

river system declared a UNESCO biosphere, recognizing its great importance to the

10

surrounding eco-system. We will learn about how its flow changes direction twice a year,

depending on the season. We will then be transferred back to our hotel to gather our

belongings and then to the airport for our afternoon flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

TThhaaiillaanndd Thailand has so very much to offer, it was difficult to choose which of this magnificent country’s highlights to visit in such a short time. Because of this, we have opted to expose you to only two of Thailand’s most interesting and beautiful cities: Chiang Mai and Bangkok. As your hosts, we want to give those who travel with us complete value for every dollar spent. This way, it's much more than just a dive trip; it's a true vacation and an adventure that will last your lifetime.

Upon our arrival to Chiang Mai Airport, we will meet our English-speaking guide and travel by air-conditioned coach to the OOrrcchhiidd && JJaaddee

FFaaccttoorryy. Here, we will be able to view

hundreds of beautiful orchids and have an opportunity to witness the process of transforming raw jade into stunning works of art and jewelry. After our visit, we will check into our rooms at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel with the remainder of the day on our own where we can visit Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Although now a modern

center of commerce, this market is, in fact, the legacy of the original Yunnanese (Chinese) trading caravans which stopped here along the ancient trade route between China and the Burmese coast. There is a fine array of traditional, contemporary, and tribal crafts on display at the market.

11

After a delicious buffet breakfast, our next morning will begin with us traveling for a 50-minute drive through scenic agricultural areas before arriving to the KKaannttaa EElleepphhaanntt

SSaannccttuuaarryy. After we learn a little about the

elephants, we will change into our “uniforms” and be given bananas and sugar cane to feed them. We will be able to walk with our guide

through the Sanctuary and touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the free-roaming elephants at our leisure while learning more about their lifestyle and behaviors. After meeting all of the elephants, we’re going to “get muddy” with them as we apply a healthy cosmetic mud treatment to their skin. Next, we get to walk with the elephants to a nearby river & join them in the water for a refreshing bath by swimming with and helping them bathe by brushing the elephants as they wade through and play in the water. Once the elephants are clean, we can take some final photos with them before changing back into our dry clothes. We will then be treated to some seasonal fresh fruit before we

drive to Maetaman and enjoy bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang River. Lunch at a local restaurant is next and then a trip to the Chinghai Celadon Factory and Government-controlled Gems Gallery before returning to our hotel with the evening on our own.

After an early breakfast, we will be picked up at 7:30am and transferred via air-conditioned coach to the peaceful LLiissuu LLooddggee in northern Thailand. Named after the

hill tribe village called “Lisu”, Lisu Lodge is an eco-friendly hill tribe lodge in Chiang Mai.

12

After a brief orientation to the lodge (complete with welcome drink), we will start our exciting day with an easy 13 kilometers (8 miles) of cycling to Muang Guert. Along the way, we will stop at a Tea Plantation to relax and enjoy the magnificent landscape where we will be led by an experienced guide

who will introduce us to the process of growing and harvesting tea, as well as vegetation propagation to produce tea seedlings at the nursery. We will also learn the proper method of how to pluck tea leaves and enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed tea.

We will then continue cycling to the RRaaffttiinngg

SSttaattiioonn where we’ll enjoy a healthy picnic lunch

on the banks of the Mae Taeng River before embarking on 45 minutes of white water rafting to a traditional Thai country village. On our way

back to the Lisu Lodge (by truck), we’ll stop at the traditional Akha Village for a chat with the shaman (spirit doctor).

Upon our arrival to the Lodge, we can rest, relax or participate in the following:

Rice Paddies – Walk with our guide through rice paddies where we learn how the villagers grow rice without the use of pesticide and insecticide. Besides strolling through the green or golden carpet of the paddy fields (depending on the season) we will learn about and

participate in the various stages of rice cultivation in northern Thai style.

13

Himmapaan nursery – Learn about the flora of northern Thailand and how they restore the forest ecosystem at a tree nursery of the Himmapaan Foundation whose goal is to support and implement environmental and social projects by working with local communities in areas affected by tourism.

Vegetable garden – Visit the vegetable garden where they produce organic fertilizer from leftover organic waste and grow a variety of vegetables and fruits that are used in several dishes served at Lisu Lodge.

Our final day in Chiang Mai will feature an amazing trip to the RRooyyaall WWiinntteerr PPaallaaccee

where the Thai king stays with his family during certain times of the year. It was built in 1961 to accommodate the royal family during state visits to Chiang Mai and its landscaped gardens are beautifully

decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. There is also a guesthouse for receiving foreign dignitaries. It is built in the mountains overlooking Chiang Mai to take advantage of the cool mountain air. The rose gardens are particularly famous (Suan Suwaree), with temperate plants grown here that are not commonly found in Thailand.

We will then continue to what is probably Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark—WWaatt

PPrraatthhaatt DDooii SSuutthheepp. The temple is located at

the summit of the 1,676 meter-high Doi Suthep Mountain, which towers over the city. Climb the 300-step staircase, flanked by nagas (serpent-like deities), or take the cable car up. The cool air and spectacular views make the trip worth the effort.

We will then be transferred to the Chiang Mai Airport for our flight to Bangkok.

14

After our short flight from Chiang Mai, our aircraft will touch down in Bangkok where we will be immediately shuttled to the elegant PPaarrkk

PPllaazzaa SSuukkhhuummvviitt HHootteell and then have the

remainder of the afternoon to rest & relax before we head out to “A Taste of Chinatown” where we will sample multiple varieties of delicious Thai and Chinese cuisine in Bangkok's

200-year-old China Town district. Hailed as the “highlight of Bangkok” for many people, and “one of the greatest tours ever experienced in a foreign country”, this outing will take us to many food places where we will try all sorts of

great Thai food and have an opportunity to eat in restaurants we could never find on our own. We’ll complete the evening having a drink in an open-air bar while enjoying the sights and sounds of China Town. After a sumptuous buffet breakfast at our hotel, our first full day will begin with a tour of the WWaatt PPoo ((‘‘TTeemmppllee ooff tthhee RReecclliinniinngg BBuuddddhhaa’’)), which is the largest and oldest temple

in Bangkok – famous for the 43 meter long reclining Buddha.

15

We will visit Lak Muang, Bangkok’s city pillar, before heading to the famous GGrraanndd

PPaallaaccee which includes the TTeemmppllee ooff tthhee

EEmmeerraalldd BBuuddddhhaa – one of Thailand’s holiest

treasures. This palace, built in 1782, was formerly the official home of the Kings of Siam and was constructed in traditional Thai

style architecture. The statues, paintings, gold and jewels each tell a story and are, in a large part, overwhelming. Pictures and books just can't begin to describe this country - it is an amazing experience to be standing amidst all of the history and beauty. Later, we will enjoy lunch

at a riverside restaurant before boarding a

longtail boat to explore the klongs – Bangkok’s

maze of canals and waterways to see parts of

Thai traditional life which have all but disappeared from most of Bangkok. Before

returning to our hotel, we will end the day with a visit to WWaatt AArruunn (the Temple of Dawn)

which is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River & one of the most stunning spiritual temples in Thailand. Once back at the hotel, we can either wind down and relax

or explore incredible deals at the famous Bangkok NNiigghhtt MMaarrkkeett!!

Our next morning will begin with an amazing

breakfast at our hotel before we embark on a

half-day 'Bangkok Old Town Discovery Walk'.

Visitors often see Bangkok as an enormous

modern metropolis, full of expressways, massive department stores and skyscrapers. But

there is a more hidden side, which clearly shows the origins of a people who still believe

in traditions from years gone by.

16

This morning, we will embark on a special

walking tour to explore the hidden sights of

the Old Town of Bangkok. From the Giant

Swing via the prison park, we’ll wander

through small alleys, encounter wooden

houses, guardian spirit signs, ffrreesshh mmaarrkkeettss

and more. At the city pillar and amulet market,

we will learn more about ancient Thai superstitions. Our tour ends with a local lunch at a

riverside restaurant before returning to our hotel.

The rest of the afternoon will be free “at leisure” to allow time for last-minute shopping at

the mall near the hotel or relaxing. As another option, your hosts will lead an

excursion to the famous (and inexpensive)

government-controlled GGeemmss GGaalllleerryy. Here,

you can negotiate (subtly) to get the very best

deals for

authentic

gems and

valuable pieces of jewelry. If you’re not planning to

buy, it’s an optical overload to see such artistic beauty

and value all in one place for shockingly low prices.

We’ll round out the rest of our final evening with a quiet

dinner and relaxing traditional TThhaaii mmaassssaaggee before

turning in and resting up for the trip home.

17

CCaammbbooddiiaa // TThhaaiillaanndd AAddvveennttuurree February 21st – March 2nd, 2020

$ 2,295* / person, dbl occ

All Round-Trip Airport Transfers aboard Private Charter Coach Domestic Airfare: Siem Reap to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok 10 nights’ accommodations at various hotels in Cambodia, Chiang Mai & Bangkok All Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as described All Tour Entrance Fees Services of English-Speaking Guide & A/C Coach on Excursions as described All Hotel Taxes, Service Charges & VAT

* NOTE: Although our liveaboard rates are guaranteed 1 year in advance of this trip, fuel surcharges and taxes may be adjusted due to government fees, as these are outside of our control and beyond our current, best estimates for this service. Cruise and / or airline prices (if listed or included) may be adjusted due to government fees, fuel surcharges and taxes, as these are outside of our control and beyond our current, best estimates for this service. Cruise and / or airline schedule changes may affect rates to the extent the change requires additional lodging. We will do our best to minimize any adjustment and inconvenience this may cause our travelers. TL Sea Travel shall not be responsible for providing a roommate for any traveler in order to secure double or quad occupancy rates.

18

All prices quoted are based on US Cash / Check. We do accept Visa & MasterCard although a 4% surcharge will be assessed.

Roundtrip international & Domestic airfare estimates are as follows from Seattle:

o $2,300 For both resort and land segments o $1,400 Resort only (International & Indonesian Domestic Air) o $1,030 Land only (SEA to Cambodia, Bangkok to SEA)

Above Prices Do Not Include:

Round-Trip International Airfare Indonesia Entry Visa ($35) Thailand Tourist Visa ($31) Cambodia Entry Visa ($36) Applicable Port & Park Fees (Raja Ampat National Park Fee $85) Alcohol or Additional Soft Drinks (other than specified) Laundry Service Internet Access Charges Additional Services & Enhancements Diver Insurance (required) Travel Insurance (required) Equipment Rentals Meals, Snacks & Beverages (other than specified) Services (other than specified) Tips & Gratuities Items of a Personal Nature Overweight or Extra Baggage Costs Supplements / Optional Tours & Services / Extensions Other Expenses Visa upon Arrival or Departure Tax

19

Our 20th Anniversary Adventure includes so much in terms of spectacular diving, excitement and culture, it will be a

trip not soon forgotten! Come celebrate with us to enjoy the trip of your life!

EExxppeerriieennccee LLuuxxuurryy iinn tthhee RRaaiinnffoorreesstt……

……JJooiinn UUss!!

If you are interested in traveling with us to Papua Raja Ampat, please reserve your space with a non-refundable commitment of $750

If you are interested in joining us for the Add-On to Cambodia & Thailand, please reserve your space with a non-refundable commitment of $350

For more information, please contact the Dive Center at (206) 824-4100