If you're a scubadiver and you're keen to explore the Anambas dive scene, then you need to know that there are two ways to go about this: the Anambas way, i.e. with an LOB, and the real Anambas way, i.e. by diving the best spots the Anambas archipelago.

My text above is meant only slightly tongue-in-cheek, because there is a bit of truth to it. What do I mean by this? Read on.

Granted, nothing beats the comfort and convenience of diving from a platform that isn't only your means of transport, but your living quarters, your restaurant and your little personal cocoon, all in one.

However, the flipside of the LOOB coin is that you're not located in Anambas at the start of your LOB trip. This means that you do spend quite some quality time traveling from A to B, be it from Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand. Typically, by LOB you don't really get to dive the best sites. There's just not enough time to get to them.

So LOB trips to Anambas tend to flank the Anambas archipelago. The LOB companies in Singapore for instance, usually target Igara Wreck and Malang Biru. Don't get me wrong, these are decent sites, but they're hardly the real Anambas, given that they're located just within the outer edge.

Still, sheer scuba-wise, they're good enough. And, bottom line, the advantages of an LOB are pretty compelling. Basically, LOB diving serves a solid purpose; you get to do some good dives in a relatively short period of time and logistically it involves less hassle. After all, your whole itinerary, rigid though it may be, has been pre-set for you, so you no longer have to do this yourself. Instead, you can enjoy your trip, both above and below the water.

With that being said, if you're not really the type to follow a fixed itinerary and if you prefer diving pristine sites that have remained mostly under the dive community's radar, then doing a bespoke Anambas dive safari is probably more the kind of diving that "is made for you".

I guess it comes down to apples and oranges. Both types of diving have their place in the grand scheme of things. If you prefer a more independent kind of diving, you can get more details from this local dive centre. Is LOB diving more your cup of tea, then just use the form below to get more details on how you can go about this.

Either way, I'm sure the diving will be awesome.

Happy diving!