TRUK, MICRONESIA

Year:2003

The ultimate in wreck diving

Season: Year-round diving (optimum: October-June)

Visibility: 20-40 metres

Water temperature: 28-30°C

Seven degrees north of the equator lies the famous Truk (or Chuuk) Lagoon. Truk has long been acknowledged as 'the world's ultimate wreck site' for, amazing as it seems, almost 70 charted wrecks lie inside the lagoon! The calm waters hold the remains of the Japanese fleet that was targeted by Operation Hailstone in February 1944 during World War II. The resulting battles led to the numerous wrecks now found within the lagoon. Some 275 Japanese planes were downed and over 60 ships were sunk! These amazing wrecks, which have been protected from plunder and still contain the remains of those who died in them, are now enrobed in coral. Truk is most certainly a grim reminder of the violence of war but also a tribute to nature's ability to to turn horror and death into beauty and life. Famous wrecks include the 7,000 tons Fujikawa Maru, a large freighter that was transporting aircraft and ammunition, and the 4,800 tons Sankisan Maru with its cargo of lorries and machine guns, but these are just a small sample of the fabulous experiences to be had in this wreck-diver's paradise.

The beautiful Fujikawa Maru is often one of the first wrecks to be explored by divers visiting Truk. Today, only one of its masts pokes out of the water, but below the water the bow and forecastle are still well preserved, as are the bow and stern guns. The bow is heavy with soft corals and seafans while the bow gun is a cleaning station and a home to some large Napoleon Wrasse. The superstructure lies at 15 metres and four Japanese fighter planes can be found in hold No. 2 by swimming through two deck levels. Staggeringly, the control columns and certain other controls are still moveable! It is even possible to climb into the cockpit of some of the planes if great care is taken. This No. 2 hold goes down to a depth of 27 metres. A total of six holds contain a variety of debris and relics, including some live ammunition. No. 4 hold is where a torpedo struck the boat and it is possible to swim through the gaping hole in the vessel's side.

At 42 metes to the bridge, the San Francisco Maru is a very deep dive, but for some divers well worth it. This has been named as one of the best wrecks in Truk in terms of the contents of its holds and the war relics on its deck. No. 1 hold is almost full of live hemispherical beach mines. The spectacular contents of hold No. 2 include three Japanese Ha-Go light tanks, a high velocity anti-aircraft gun and a staff car. Other holds contain torpedoes, the remains of some lorries, and much ammunition. The ship's propeller and rudder have not been explored due to their excessive depth.

At the Sankisan Maru it is 24 metres to the seabed and consequently well within sport divers' limits. This medium-sized freighter now rests upright on a slope. As one descends the shot line to the deck, the cargo immediately appears, for the remains of Toyota and Isuzu trucks lie exposed. The contents of hold No. 1 are a diminishing collection of small arms, some in wooden crates and boxes and some scattered loose. Coral growth all over the deck makes this a very pretty wreck. At 3 metres the foremast and its crosstree make a fascinating safety stop with oysters, sea squirts, tube sponges and lots of damselfish to examine.

Although best known for its wreck diving, Truk has some spectacular reef diving, particularly on the outer walls of the lagoon. The passes and drop-offs in particular boast prolific fish life and some sites have such clear water that it is essential to monitor depth to make sure that you do not descend too far!

TRUK BLUE LAGOON RESORT

Located in a lush tropical setting among tall coconut palms, the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort (the only resort hotel on Moen Island) offers a breathtaking view of the famous Truk Lagoon. This middle-sized hotel offers a reasonable standard of accommodation, but is not luxurious. The hotel's low two storey design, with 56 spacious rooms, blends with the island's tropical atmosphere. The restaurant offers local seafood dishes as well as International and Asian cuisine. A beach bar and cocktail lounge provide the perfect setting for a relaxing drink after diving. Wander through the palm-shaded gardens or take a refreshing swim in the lagoon.

The famous Blue Lagoon Dive Shop, Truk's premier dive centre, is our choice for the finest shore-based diving. Blue Lagoon Dive Shop was owned by the late Kimiuo Aisek, who witnessed the battles as a youth and subsequently charted many of the 'lost' wrecks, and is now run by his son Gradvin. Divers are collected from the dock outside the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort each day by the fast wooden dive boat from Blue Lagoon Dive Shop.

£863 (non-divers: £424)

Includes:

· Airport transfers.

· 8 nights accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort.

· 7 days diving (2 boat dives per day), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Supplement for Nitrox package: £299 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on 7 days).

Supplement for 3 boat dives daily: £276. Supplement for four boat dives daily: £553 (but only £379 for those on Nitrox package, who also receive one free night dive).

Additional Nights: £123 (without diving: £52). Supplement for Nitrox package: £41 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner). Supplement for 4 boat dives rather than 2: £79 (no extra charge for those on Nitrox package).

Single Occupancy Supplement: £40 per night.

Deposit: £100 per person.

Important: Visitors from Europe will need to spend a minimum of 8 nights at Truk in order to fit in with infrequent airline schedules (which mean one can only realistically depart from Truk on Tuesday evening): see Sample Itinerary.

THORFINN

In one week on the famous SS Thorfinn it is possible to explore more than 30 of the 60 magnificent shipwrecks of Japan's Imperial 4th Fleet. Condemned to a watery grave more than 50 years ago by the US naval air attack in Operation Hailstone during World War II, these beautiful wrecks lie within the 822 square mile lagoon. Beyond the wrecks lies the stunning reef wall encrusted with coral and guarded by sharks.

The newly refurbished Thorfinn is the largest and also one of the best-regarded liveaboard vessels in the Pacific, with no less than 21 crew for a maximum of 22-24 passengers. Eleven fully air-conditioned staterooms each have a vanity unit, TV, VCR and large window. Eight staterooms feature queen-sized beds and private bathrooms with head and shower. The remainder have two single beds and shared bathroom facilities. (An additional cabin is pressed into service at peak periods.)The crew of Thorfinn are dedicated to cater to your every need. The salon features a full bar, large ocean aquarium, an entertainment centre with video, large screen TV and a splendid video library. The open air lounge has a sun deck with loungers and a shaded area where one can enjoy a cool drink or a tasty snack between dives or simply enjoy the splendid views from the boat. The eight-seater hot tub on deck is a popular spot to relax after dives!

Once you have set up your gear on the first day the crew will look after it for the rest of the week, leaving you free to enjoy what you have come for ­ so just roll back into the water. Twin-engined aluminium tenders each carry a maximum of 6 divers and a dive guide from the mother ship to the dive sites, so there is plenty of time to explore the wonders of each wreck without any possibility of overcrowding. Underwater photographers have special facilities on board Thorfinn. There is daily E-6 processing, light tables in the salon and cameras and videos for rental. The dive deck has a photography table for storage and servicing photographic equipment and there is a specially stabilized charging station. Separate rinse tanks are designated as camera-exclusive.

Thorfinn is anchored off Weno Harbour on the island of Moen and offers 7 nights packages commencing every Sunday throughout the year. The ship stays at anchor and all diving is by tender. Stays of different durations may be possible but are on request.

A Thorfinn brochure is available from our office on request.

£1337

Includes:

· Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Sundays.

· 7 nights on Thorfinn on a twin/share basis with full board including house wine with dinner.

· Up to 7 days diving (up to 5 dives per day, including night dives), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Supplement for unlimited Nitrox: £207. (Fills are up to 30%.)

Additional Night (on request): £191 (with Nitrox £228).

Additional Week: A £141 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £350

Important: For those wishing to join Thorfinn from Europe, four additional hotel-based nights in Truk will be required unless Thorfinn has space to accommodate you outside the standard Sunday to Sunday package. Otherwise, two nights of hotel accommodation at Truk Blue Lagoon Resort are required before and after the cruise as you will arrive in Truk on Friday morning and depart from Truk on Tuesday evening. See Blue Lagoon Resort entry for room rates. Airport transfers cost £10 return. If desired, additional diving can be arranged with Blue Lagoon Dive Shop.

TRUK AGGRESSOR

The Truk Aggressor is a very comfortable liveaboard that carries a maximum of 18 passengers in eight staterooms with air conditioning and private head and shower. Seven Deluxe Staterooms each have a lower double bed and a single upper bed, while the Quad Stateroom has four single beds. Seven crew members make sure that your diving holiday runs smoothly. Between dives guests can relax on the sundeck (either in or out of the shade) or try the amazing hot tub! The salon has an excellent collection of books, videos and music to enjoy.

The dive deck covers the aft third of the main deck. Large gear lockers double as seats and line the rails and centre. Two tanks are mounted at the back of each locker, so it is easy to don your equipment at your seat or ask for the tank to be taken to the dive platform. A large three-tiered camera table has plenty of space for camera assembly or preparation and separate rinse tanks are kept for cameras and videos. The photography department provides rental cameras and accessories as well as the services of the photo pro if you require a model or expert advice. E-6 processing is provided daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A range of PADI and NAUI speciality courses are offered including Nitrox training and facilities. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental by pre-arrangement.

For after the dive there is a freshwater shower and clean towels awaiting, as well as the chef's freshly prepared snacks to appease the after-dive hunger pangs! Delicious barbecues, American and local dishes are served; breads, biscuits and baked snacks come strait from the oven. Most meals are served buffet-style.

Truk Aggressor operates out of the harbour at Truk Blue Lagoon Resort for 7 nights cruises, departing every Sunday throughout the year.

A Truk Aggressor brochure is available from our office on request.

£1543 in a Quad Stateroom

£1684 in a Deluxe Stateroom

Includes:

· Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Sundays.

· 7 nights cruise on Truk Aggressor on a twin/share or quad/share basis with full board (except dinner on the last night), including non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages

· 5 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Please note: A bed tax, currently US $31.50 per person, will be collected on Sunday before the boat departs from the dock. Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants.

Non-divers: A £141 reduction applies.

Additional Week: A £141 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £600

Important: For those wishing to join the Truk Aggressor from Europe, a minimum of four additional hotel-based nights in Truk will be required. As all Truk Aggressor cruises operate from Sunday to Sunday, two nights of hotel accommodation at Truk Blue Lagoon Resort are required before and after the cruise as you will arrive in Truk on Friday morning and depart from Truk on Tuesday evening. See Blue Lagoon Resort entry for room rates. Airport transfers cost £10 return. If desired, additional diving can be arranged with Blue Lagoon Dive Shop.

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Midday departure on Singapore Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Saturday, Monday or Wednesday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. Continue that evening on Continental Micronesia to Truk via Guam, arriving on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning respectively. The only return flight to Guam that makes even a remotely reasonable connection to Manila and London leaves Truk on Tuesday evening. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday morning on a Singapore Airlines afternoon flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday morning.

Flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£1250 for departures 1 February-31 March (excluding Easter), 1 September-30 November.

£1355 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-30 June (excluding Easter), 1-9 December, 24-31 December.

£1435 for departures at Easter (in March), 1-31 August.

£1540 for departures at Easter (in April), 1-31 July, 10-23 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Manila/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

· Scheduled flights Manila/Guam/Truk/Guam/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Midday departure on Malaysia Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Saturday, Monday or Wednesday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. Continue that evening on Continental Micronesia to Truk via Guam, arriving on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning respectively. The only return flight to Guam that makes even a remotely reasonable connection to Manila and London leaves Truk on Tuesday evening. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday morning on a Malaysia Airlines afternoon flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday morning.

Flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£1255 for departures 1 February-31 March (excluding Easter), 1 September-30 November.

£1360 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-30 June (excluding Easter), 18-31 August, 1-9 December.

£1445 for departures at Easter, 25-31 December.

£1515 for departures 1-17 August.

£1620 for departures 1-31 July, 10-24 December.

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London, Manchester or Manila on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Kuala Lumpur/Manila/Kuala Lumpur/London (Heathrow) by Malaysia Airlines.

· Scheduled flights Manila/Guam/Truk/Guam/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

Business Class Upgrades: These are available on Malaysia Airlines between the UK and Manila at attractive rates. Please contact our office for details.

Overnights in Manila: £42 per night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a comfortable hotel situated close to Manila Airport, on a twin/share basis with breakfast. A single occupancy supplement of £42 per night applies. Please note: Airport/hotel transfers are not included: local taxis are safe and inexpensive.

Sample Itinerary (including 8 nights hotel in Truk)

Day 1 (Saturday): Depart London (Heathrow) in the morning. Day 2 (Sunday): Arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in the morning and Manila in the afternoon. Day 3 (Monday): Arrive Guam and then Truk in the morning. Transfer to Blue Lagoon Resort for 8 nights Truk. Days 4-10 (Tuesday-Monday): 7 days diving at Truk. Day 11 (Tuesday): Depart Truk for Manila via Guam in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Manila. Day 12 (Wednesday): Depart Manila in the morning, arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in afternoon and connect with onward flight in evening. Day 13 (Thursday). Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

Sample Itinerary (including 11 nights hotel/liveaboard in Truk)

Day 1 (Wednesday): Depart London (Heathrow) in the morning. Day 2 (Thursday): Arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in the morning and Manila in the afternoon. Day 3 (Friday): Arrive Guam and then Truk in the morning. Transfer to Truk Blue Lagoon Resort for 2 nights. Day 4 (Saturday): Optional shore-based diving. Day 5 (Sunday): Optional shore-based diving. Transfer in afternoon to Thorfinn or Truk Aggressor for 7 nights. Days 6-11 (Monday-Saturday): Up to 6 days diving from liveaboard. Day 12 (Sunday): Transfer in morning to Truk Blue Lagoon Resort for 2 nights. Optional shore-based diving. Day 13 (Monday): Optional shore-based diving. Day 14 (Tuesday): Depart Truk for Manila via Guam in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Manila. Day 15 (Wednesday): Depart Manila in the morning, arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in afternoon and connect with onward flight in evening. Day 16 (Thursday). Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Southern Thailand entry in this brochure.