My husband and I didn’t have an vaccinations, but we are all up to date with what is required in Australia (we live in WA also). We made sure to cover up at dawn and dusk for mozzies, and used spray as well. We also slept with a mosquito net. You are going to a beautiful part of the world, enjoy!

I did use this boat but have heard good things about it

Best look at travel advice sites however my experience is anytime We were there in January and it was fine , one spell of rain in 20 days. Rain is short lived and will not spoil your holiday

I went there also with a liveaboard Manta Mae, it was amazing, the ship and the crew. We were nights sailing and during the day diving or doing other activities. The best one for landscape was Waiag, also Mioskon and Pianemo. Arborek Island is nice, they have over there many european young volunteers for protecting the Mantas. I can tell you the spots I’ve dived reading from my log book: Mioskon, Yeben Chanel, Yeben Besar, Waiag Rocks, Mellissa and another place with many Mantas. The marine life is diverse, in Yeben Chanel were huge amounts of fish, many bumphead Parrotfish, in Mioskon I’ ve seen sharks, the worse dive was in Yeben Besar. The other spots I didnt write down. Raja Ampar was great but the most amazing diving I ‘ve done in Palau, Micronesia. I hope I’ve helped a little.

we went in April. We did strike 1 storm where it was really rough, but ran from it, and were in sheltered waters after about 4 hours. There are so many islands, the boat can tuck behind to be out of the weather. Except for the storm, we didn't really have any rough seas.

If you have your own gear, I would take it. You don't know what the rental gear will be like. That being said, you can definitely rent if it's easier. They will have everything you need.

We used Garuda with extra baggage allowance

I used Lion Air, it was the cheapest one but probably not the save one according the latest news

Arborek and Misool