Final Sunset

As the sun dropped toward the horizon, the ocean softened into long shadows and warm gradients of light. There was no rush in this moment—just open water, fading color, and the steady motion of the sea.

https://youtu.be/2xEJ3e3yY_M

This short clip was filmed handheld during golden hour. The natural movement in the frame reflects surface conditions as day transitions into evening. It’s a simple scene, but one that carries the weight of place and time.

As the final post of the year, Final Sunset is less about documenting a dive or a species and more about closing a chapter. A pause between destinations. A quiet ending before the next journey begins.

Happy New Year.

Between dives in Dauin, I took a break inland to Pulangbato Falls in Valencia. Early morning, no crowds—just the sound of water and red-rock cliffs. The perfect post-dive reset. 🌊🌿

#SurfaceInterval #Dauin #PulangbatoFalls #ScubaDiving #TravelPhilippines
🔗 scubahanknyc.com/2025/09/27/pulangbato-falls-a-post-dive-reset/

Pulangbato Falls: A Post-Dive Reset

Midway through a 2½-week stay in Dauin—after roughly 15 dives—I took a day off to explore inland. The team at Silver Reef Dive Resort arranged a land tour, and one stop was Pulangbato Falls in Valencia. I arrived early—almost no crowds—set a tiny travel tripod, and let the camera roll while the water did its thing.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Mxephdp8HXc

Red-stained rock frames the falls, wrapped in thick green forest—picture-perfect contrast to days of muck diving and Apo Island boat rides.

It’s far enough from Valencia’s center to feel quiet and unhurried, close enough to make it an easy reset between dive days. Follow the flow downstream and you’ll find the hot spring, a natural warm-down before heading back to the coast.

Trip Notes

• Base: Silver Reef Dive Resort (they set up the land tour).
• Timing: Early morning kept the scene calm and the light soft.
• Why mid-trip: I like to take a day off from repetitive scuba diving.
• Pack list: Water shoes, quick-dry towel, small dry bag, bug spray, and cash for local fees.

Filmmaker’s Corner

• Gear: Pocketable travel tripod; Gopro Hero 11
• Camera Settings: 4K, 60fps, EV: -1, (All other setting remained in auto)

#surfaceInterval #waterfalls

Surface Interval – Siladen

As our boat cruised towards the next dive site off the shores of Siladen Island, we experienced a captivating fusion. Local Indonesian music combined with the soothing rhythm of the waves. They drowned out the mechanical hum of the motor. The melodic tunes intertwined seamlessly with the natural symphony, creating a harmonious backdrop for our surface interval.

A surface interval refers to the time spent on the surface between successive scuba dives. It is the period after divers complete a dive when they stay out of the water. This time ensures they can safely begin another dive. The purpose of a surface interval is to allow the body to eliminate excess nitrogen absorbed during the previous dive. This process reduces the risk of decompression sickness.

Thanks to the fantastic team at the Siladen Resort & Spa.

Related Posts

#balalaika #diveStaff #guitar #Indonesia #ScubaDiving #siladenIsland #surfaceInterval

Surface Interval

Scuba diving is only part of the story. The moments in between round out the dive experience—from astrophotography and sunsets to cloudscapes and wildlife sightings. Browse the galleries and see what the surface has to offer.

Want a closer look? Click photos to zoom in, or hit play on any video.

Astrophotography

Once the sun sets, it’s all about the night sky.

Cloudscape Photography

Layers, light, and movement—clouds worth watching between dives.

Wildlife on Land

Encounters with the animals that live topside, from the beach to the bush.

Sunsets

The day’s last light, captured from the shore or the boat.

Surface Interval (noun): The period of time a diver spends at the surface between dives. This interval allows nitrogen absorbed during the previous dive to be expelled from the body, reducing the risk of decompression sickness.

#surfaceinterval #wod #author #books

(This image was crafted by artificial intelligence (AI) through a subscription service 😲😜)