For underwater photographers, truly unexplored places are becoming increasingly rare. Many of the world’s famous dive destinations have already been photographed countless times, making the search for untouched reefs and authentic moments beneath the surface more difficult than ever.
That is exactly what made North Halmahera such a memorable experience for Turkish award-winning underwater photographer and PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor, Bulent Selli.
During his stay at Metita Resort in North Halmahera, Indonesia, Bulent explored vibrant coral reefs, photographed reef sharks and massive schools of fish, and even discovered a dive site that has since been named after him: “Bulent Reef”.
In this interview, he shares his journey as an underwater photographer, his impressions of diving around Metita Island, and why he believes this remote region has the potential to become one of Indonesia’s most exciting destinations for divers and underwater photographers.
Meet Underwater Photographer Bulent Selli
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Could you introduce yourself and share a little about your background as an underwater photographer?
Sure. I’m an underwater photographer and PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor from Türkiye. My passion for the ocean started at a young age, inspired by the Cousteau documentaries I watched as a child.
I began scuba diving in 1996 and co-founded the Underwater Community of Dokuz Eylul University that same year. Although my main profession was in broadcasting, my love for the sea quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for underwater photography.
Over the years, I’ve worked on countless projects, organized workshops and exhibitions, and founded the Imbat Underwater Imaging Center to share this fascination with others.
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What kinds of places or projects have you worked on before coming to Metita?
I’ve photographed underwater in many parts of the world, from the Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea to the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific, and the Pacific Ocean.
Over the years, I’ve had five solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions. I’ve also collaborated with marine biologists on various scientific projects as an underwater photographer, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s fragile ecosystems.
I’ve served as a brand ambassador for companies like Olympus, Divepro, and Marelux. Each destination and project has taught me something unique, but I always look for places that still hold a sense of discovery and Metita definitely fits that description.
Diving and Underwater Photography in North Halmahera
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Metita is still a relatively new dive destination. What surprised you most about the area?
What surprised me most was how untouched and vibrant the underwater ecosystem still is. It’s rare these days to find reefs that feel so alive and healthy. Every dive felt like exploring a place very few people have photographed before.
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What were your first impressions of diving around Metita from a photographer’s perspective?
From the very first dive, I was struck by the diversity of life and the beautiful play of light on the reefs. The topography offers everything from gentle slopes to dramatic drop-offs, a great mix for both wide-angle and macro photography.
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Which dive sites gave you the most memorable photographic opportunities?
Several sites were truly memorable, but the house reef right in front of Metita Island Resort turned out to be one of the highlights for me.
The encounters with reef sharks and the large schools of yellow snappers there were simply spectacular. Watching these scenes unfold just a few fin kicks from the shore was both exciting and rewarding from a photographer’s perspective.
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Were there species or behaviors you captured here that particularly excited you?
Yes, those moments with the reef sharks patrolling the house reef and the dense, synchronized movements of the yellow snappers were unforgettable.
The energy and rhythm of those scenes created perfect opportunities for wide-angle photography, and it was fascinating to capture the harmony of life on such a pristine reef.
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How did the diving conditions affect your work?
Overall, the conditions were very good. Visibility was excellent, and the quality of light was perfect for natural-light photography.
Some dives had mild currents, which actually helped with fish movement and added more life to wide-angle compositions.
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How would you compare diving in North Halmahera to other destinations you’ve photographed?
Metita has a sense of purity that’s becoming harder to find in more popular dive destinations. The reefs are healthy, fish life is abundant, and the diversity reminds me of the best dive sites in Indonesia but with far fewer divers around.
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What underwater highlights stood out to you the most?
The colorful corals, schooling fish, turtles, and reef sharks were definite highlights.
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Do you think this area offers something unique for underwater photographers?
Absolutely. Metita offers a rare combination of pristine reefs, rich biodiversity, and that special sense of discovery that every underwater photographer seeks.
Beyond the magnificent house reef, one of the most remarkable experiences for me was the reef I discovered and named after, where enormous shoals of yellow coral fish float gracefully above vast colonies of Merulina corals.
The play of light on the corals and the movement of the fish created a truly magical scene that perfectly captured the unique photographic potential of this area.
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Did you have a favorite dive site during your stay?
Yes, definitely. During my time here, I had the chance to explore many beautiful sites, but one of them became extra special, a reef that was later named after me.
So without a doubt, my favorite dive site is “Bulent Reef.” It’s an incredible feeling to have a place in the ocean carry your name, especially in such a stunning and vibrant environment.
Staying at Metita Island Resort
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How was your overall experience staying at Metita Island Resort?
It was a wonderful experience. The resort has a calm, natural atmosphere that perfectly complements the diving.
Everything feels well thought-out, from the layout to the food, and it creates the perfect environment to focus on creativity and photography.
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Did the resort and dive team support your needs as an underwater photographer?
Yes, absolutely. The dive team was fantastic, very professional and helpful.
Their knowledge of the sites made a big difference in finding interesting subjects and conditions for photography. The camera facilities and support were also excellent.
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Outside of diving, what did you enjoy most about the resort?
I really enjoyed the tranquility of the island and the sense of connection with nature.
The staff were friendly and attentive, and it was the kind of place where you can truly unwind after a long day of diving and reviewing photos.
Why Underwater Photographers Should Visit Metita
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What would you say to underwater photographers considering a trip to Metita?
I’d tell them to come soon before the rest of the world discovers it.
Metita is a rare combination of unspoiled reefs, rich biodiversity, and excellent resort hospitality. It’s a place where you can still feel like a true explorer.
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Do you think Metita could become a sought-after destination for photographers and divers?
Without a doubt. With its healthy reefs, abundant marine life, and professional dive operation, Metita has all the elements to become one of the most desirable new diving destinations in the region.
It’s a photographer’s dream and a diver’s paradise.
Discover the Untouched Reefs of North Halmahera
As more divers and underwater photographers search for destinations that still feel authentic and unexplored, places like North Halmahera are becoming increasingly special.
For Bulent Selli, Metita was not only a destination filled with vibrant reefs and extraordinary marine life, but also a place that reignited that rare feeling of underwater discovery.
From reef sharks cruising the house reef to the coral landscapes of “Bulent Reef,” his experience highlights what makes this remote corner of Indonesia so unique: healthy reefs, exceptional biodiversity, and the feeling that every dive still holds the possibility of finding something new.
For divers, photographers, and ocean lovers alike, North Halmahera may well be one of Indonesia’s last true hidden gems.
This article is based on an interview conducted with award-winning underwater photographer Bulent Selli, whose firsthand experiences and observations contribute to the authenticity and insights shared throughout the content.
