Diving Pulau Weh

At the moment of writing, I have been back in my homebase in Belgium for over 6 months and have just come back from another short trip, so what I’m going put down here is nowhere near as extensive as what I have experienced in Pulau Weh. Not knowing what to write due to lack of variety in doings (I did nothing but diving) resulted in constant procrastination, supposedly awaiting inspiration. But finally I have to throw in the towel and narrow it down to the following lines.

Geographically Pulau Weh is one of the northernmost islands in Indonesia, belonging to the province of Aceh. An underwater Walhalla, Pulau Weh is an established name in the diving community. With a rich diversity in marine life and crystal clear water offering a visibility up to 40m, it will make the diving addicts among us mouthwater. I had the feeling that everything was bigger and in abundance. On a normal dive at the housereef you’re guaranteed to spot 20 or so giant sized lionfish and scorpionfish. After a while, you’re likely to ignore these wonderful creatures and make it your goal to find the normal clownfish guarding its anemone.

Some of the best dive spots on Pulau Weh:
•Canyon, home to Black Tip Sharks, Leopard Sharks and massive Napoleon Wrasses among others.
•Batee Tokong is known as Moray Eel territory, where the pretty Honeycomb will be out and about to greet you.
•Arus Bale is where you’ll find yourself going against the most wretched current. A flow so strong, it will rip you off the stone you’re holding on to, with both hands, trying to get your 3 minutes safety stop done.
•Wreck addicts can dive the beautiful Sophie Rickmer at 51m, but for this dive you need to have a rescue diving certificate and have logged at least 70 dives.
•Those who are not able to see Sophie can always dive the Sabang tug at 16m.
•The underwater hot springs is also a 'must do'. The bubbles make you feel like you’re diving in a glass of warm champagne.

We dived with Lumba Lumba, which is until now still one of the best dive shops I know. The shop owners Ton and Marjan have been based on Gapang Beach for over 10 years and have recruited the best divemasters in the area. If ever you find yourself wanting to go to Pulau Weh but don’t really know where to begin, check out their website. It offers a plethora of useful information.

What more can I say about Pulau Weh other than that it was an amazing diving holiday with great friends? I really don’t know, it’s been too long. Go and find out for yourself, I’d say. If you’re a diver, you’ll think it’s paradise. Trust me.

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