Diving and Fishing Trip

There are many ‘diving centre’ around the island of Bali. One of them is ENA DIVE CENTER. Started over 22 years ago, with about 15 staff and friends, Ena Partha organized his business in his father’s house in Sanur near his present operation. He borrowed dive equipment from friends in Java and rented local boats for diving trips and ocean fishing. “Pioneering” is not quite adequate to describe his activities. This was entreprenuring at its best, especially in Bali 11 years ago.

Within ten months of opening his dive company, Ena owned three boats, all locally made by Bali craftsmen to his designs. He obtained some necessary financial support to expand from divers he met in Hong Kong, Japan and the United States. In each situation, Ena repaid the loans within six months of the assistance. After these years, all remain good friends.
Today, ENA DIVE CENTER operates with six boats configured for diving or fishing. The boats are so well maintained and “spotless” that a meal can be served on the floor of any. He owns all of his equipment from air compressors/tanks/6 vans/2 trucks and a support SUV; a modern office building which support dive training, equipment repairs and rentals and initial briefings pre water activities. He employs a staff of about 55, including 3 PADI Instructors who are multilingual. Nitrox is now available at 32 or 40% mixtures to give divers a choice in the air mixes they wish to use in dives. He has a new boat #7, the “7 Angels” about to launch in February.
In 1998, ENA DIVE CENTER was awarded the prestigious 5 Star center by PADI Australia who checks the operation on a very frequent basis. At about the same time, Ena along with a Japanese friend acquired a resort hotel in Tulamben, Bali close to the WW II wreck of the S.S. Liberty only 20 meters or so from the beach. A PADI Gold Palm Resort 5 Star Certification closely followed in December, 1998.
I find Ena to be a most humble and a gracious person and is honest in his dealings in private and in business. Ena is definitely a man who has made his dream come true. He established a local dive operator volunteer reef clean up activity one day each month to help keep debris away from reef and fish damages. He is a strong supporter of the “Save the Sea” project and carries this message on all of his media items. This ecology concern plays directly with his support of “Project Aware”. Ena Fishing activities encourage the “Catch and Release” program to not kill the fish caught.
Enjoy the water sports BUT PROTECT the reefs and fishes!!! Ena has developed a new water recreation and education program; a “REEF WALK” on the Sanur beaches at low tides to educate Bali people; especially the school ages, and tourists. (No need to know how to swim to participate). The Bali Tourism sector is considering assisting Ena in this education by supporting a school program on weekends to teach reef ecology and how to save the reefs for future generations.
The sea provides Ena and his family with a wonderful life. Now he endeavors to return gifts to the sea in ways to promote a healthier ocean. (BTN/*)