UKDIVING TRAVELSPECIAL
much more selective about which species I would bother shooting . One of my favourite shots was of a coconut octopus using a plastic cup to hide in . It was a clear plastic cup , which may not have looked pretty , but did highlight the fact that the Lembeh Strait is far from a pristine environment .
We were secluded from the outside world while in the resort , but all the same
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Blue-ringed octopus : you wouldn ’ t like him when he ’ s angry
we were not far from a population centre and its attendant litter . We saw litter on pretty much all the dives , and those who know the area will express little surprise . I took comfort from the fact that there was a thriving population of remarkable marine creatures that had adapted to a changing world and was even thriving in this strangest of habitats . �
Coconut octopus shelters in a discarded plastic cup
Essentials
GETTING THERE : Fly from London Heathrow to Manado in northern Sulawesi , where a vehicle can be arranged to take you to the Lembeh Strait . Flight prices start at around £ 800 return and are routed via Singapore or Jakarta . From Manado , it ’ s a 90-minute journey by car and boat to get you to Lembeh Island .
THE RESORT : NAD Lembeh is a small , owner-operated dive resort located in a private bay on Lembeh Island . It has rooms with sea view , very few steps and a floating jetty . Its USP is to offer a 2:1 guest to guide ratio with 15 full time guides all proficient in photography . The dive boats are fast skiffs equipped with toilets that will get you to the dive sites from 5-20 minutes .
WHAT TO TAKE : It ’ s a typical south east Asian tropical climate , so bring the usual selection of tee shirts and sun protection . For diving , bring a full length wetsuit to protect you from invisible stingers in the water , or accidental contact with the seabed . Protect your ears as by rinsing with fresh water after every dive , and wearing a light hood – Lycra hoods provide a layer of protection over your ears . Bring a metal rod to help stabilise yourself over the volcanic sand , but not to harass the marine life .
WHEN TO GO : Diving is possible yearround , with the warmest temperatures ( 28-29 ° C ) from October to March . The cooler period is July and August ( 25-26 ° C ) but you often get the most critters at this time . The best viz is typically October to December , and the lowest in January and February , the rainy season .