Today was our second day as MantaWatch interns in Labuan Bajo, and we’re still getting to know the new environment and new people.

Like yesterday, we spent the morning in the classroom. We learned about manta rays–their appearance, behaviour, ecology, conservation, and much more. Then we learned about the diving roles and responsibilities we will each have during the month. I found it really interesting to learn about manta identification!

After a very interesting class, we were headed to Bidadari Island to practice more dive skills. Today we did a buoyancy test, and tried to float with our legs crossed like Buddha, controlling our buoyancy just by breathing in and out. We also practiced underwater communication and hand signals. The most exciting moment for me was when Andy asked us to take our fins off and we tried to walk along the sandy sea floor. It was just like walking on the moon!.

After our dive, we packed up all our equipment and put it back into the speedboat. Suddenly Danmo noticed a juvenile blacktip reed shark swimming by! The boys grabbed their masks and tried to catch a glimpse of the shark underwater, but it was gone so fast. Perhaps we will meet our little friend again tomorrow? I hope so.

On the way back home, we took a ton of photos and selfies on the boat 😀

We packed up our dive equipment back in Dive Komodo‘s office, and then went back to our accommodation for a shower. Later on, Andy showed me how to write my very first Intern’s Diary, so that you could read this story.

I still feel that I have a huge lack of knowledge, and i can’t wait to learn more new things about mantas and the other things that I need to know. And I hope that I can keep improving my diving skills as well. I’m looking forward to doing great team work together, as the 2014 MantaWatch Interns!