Ambon is a part of the Maluku region in eastern Indonesia and is now a well established macro critter and muck diving destination. However, I spent two years managing Maluku Divers Resort so had the amazing opportunity to explore Ambon’s lesser known wide-angle potential.

Jetties have always attracted my attention photographically and Ambon’s were no exception. Ironically, when diving below the old wooden fishing boats moored along them, you often encounter vast schools of oxeye scad, silversides, batfish and big eyes which are obvious great subjects. A 137m (450ft) long wreck also lies in the bay, adding to the diversity of wide-angle opportunities. The wreck of The Duke of Sparta has lain in the bay for over 50 years, but is very intact and has a amazing amount of hard and soft corals along with abundant fish life.

The south coast of Ambon island also conceals a couple of wide-angle gems including chimney caves and gigantic archways interspersed with ancient sea fans, barrel sponges and corals. In this area, one of the most interesting locations to shoot wide angle images is not even in the sea! There is a river full of large fresh water eels that flows through a small village called Larike. The eels have been there for a very long time and have been fed on scraps and leftovers from the villagers. The water is only ankle to knee deep so its a great place to create unique images.

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