Page 19 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Pulah Weh
PULAU WEH

iny Pulau Weh (also known as Sabang) has been drawing travellers
– mostly divers and in-the-know backpackers – for at least a couple
Tof decades now but its charm hasn’t faded: it’s too remote for that. Pulau Weh Dive
Ferrying out to this tiny island is an adventure, and exploring its beaches, Site and Marine
jungle and clear waters, or just chilling in a hammock at your budget Life Highlights
bungalow, are the rewards for travellers who’ve journeyed up through the
turbulent greater mainland below. Snorkelers and divers bubble through the The Canyon is one of Pulau Weh’s most
great walls of swaying sea fans, deep canyons and rock pinnacles, ogling the iconic dive site and if you like interesting
dazzling kaleidoscope of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. topographies then this is a dive site not to
Both figuratively and geographically, Pulau Weh is the cherry on top for be missed. The Canyon features a cave,
swim through archway, wall, slope and
many visitors to Sumatra. of course – lots of fish. The abundance of
gorgonian sea fans are a highlight here
along with schooling barracuda, Napoleon
wrasse and passing reef sharks, eagle and
manta rays. Pantee Peunateung is a sloping
reef to around 25 meters before a vertical
drop off. Stunning topography and at the
deeper levels the wall is covered with
colorful gorgonian sea fans, sharks patrol
the blue and eagle rays pass overhead.
The shallower slope is a great spot for
Conditions critter hunting among the rocks including
From May through to moray eels, octopus, shrimps and lobsters
September is the dry but don’t forget to keep looking out to the
season which brings open ocean or you’ll miss the huge schools
with it comfortable of jacks, trevally, triggerfish and fusiliers.
temperatures of around 28 degrees, This site is action packed and an excellent
rare rainfalls, cleaner water and better representation of diving in Weh!
visibility for diving and snorkeling.
For wreck divers and deep dive enthusiasts
Many of Pulau Weh’s most iconic sites the Sophie Rickmers is a must dive site
are subject to currents which pick around Pulau Weh. The Sophie Rickmers
up around the time of the full moon. was built in 1920 as a cargo steam ship,
While Weh’s currents can make for the Sophie Rickmers was scuttled by her
more challenging diving, remember own German crew in 1940 to avoid being
“no currents – no fish!” captured by the Dutch. Laying upright and in
tact, she sits at around 55 metres with the
For less experienced divers, beginners wheelhouse just below 30 meters (advanced
and those who prefer to make more divers or Tec Divers). This incredible wreck
relaxing dives there are several dive is now completely encrusted in coral,
sites which offer calmer conditions, surrounded by schooling fish and visited by
and most sites, when dived around marble rays, giant groupers, giant trevallies
slack tide, are suitable for all. and when you inspect closely a whole host
of macro life.

34 Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory Sumatera | Natural Beauty and Exceptional Wildlife 35