TRAVELSPECIAL
Lembeh has coral gardens , but low viz
As a photographer , I find myself strongly drawn towards the diving here as it ’ s really relaxed and there are so many subjects that I ’ m able to spend as long as I want trying to get the perfect image . If you ’ re not a photographer , I recommend picking up a magnifying glass and take it diving with you - trust me , you will thank me !
Helpfully , Lembeh has a 15 divers per site rule , meaning you are never likely to see people from other resorts underwater , affording you a more private experience . If you have a macro subject on your must-see list then tell your guide because it ’ s very likely that they will be able to show it to you , especially if you are staying for a week .
This area isn ’ t really known for its reefs , but there are some beautiful spots with incredibly varied hard and soft corals , especially in the areas closer to the open ocean in the north , which really shouldn ’ t be overlooked . Sites like Angels ’ Window are always worth visiting , particularly if you are a photographer with a yearning to put your wide-angle lens back on .
Northern Sulawesi really is a special place , so much so I have already arranged trips there for the next few years , as I can never get enough of the area . It may be a long journey , but holidaying there and visiting both the Muck and Magic sides of the island is really like having two holidays in one . So really you are getting a two-for-one deal - what can be better than that ?
Essentials
Getting there : You can transit through Jakarta , but the easiest route is via Singapore , and Singapore is the ideal operator , as the second flight into Manado is with its subsidiary airline , Scoot . Flight packages typically start from around £ 900 , but the benchmark is more like £ 1,100 .
Dive and stay : Siladen Boutique Dive Resort , siladen . com Tasik Ria Resort , tasikria . com Dive into Lembeh , diveintolembeh . com
When to go : Traditionally , high season runs from September to November , with low season ( January to February ) having the strongest winds and highest rainfall . But things are changing .
Climate change has evened out the seasons and appears to have stabilised the water temperature , with an average of 27-28 ° C year-round . Once it could be said that many of the critters in Lembeh were seasonal , with frogfish being in the highest numbers around April / May , for instance . But dive guides are now reporting that this is no longer the case . Most animals can be spotted year-round without a particular peak in their numbers .
What to take : Typical tropical clothing , plus plenty of insecticide and sun protection lotion plus hat . You just need basic dive kit , including a 3mm suit for typical water temperatures of 27 ° C . All the centres listed here have good quality hire kit , so if you ’ re struggling for weight allowance you can always hire a BCD and regulator . �
Aerial perspective of the Lembeh Strait
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