Page 97 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Weda Bay (Halmahera)

Conditions
Weda Bay’s annual water
temperature ranges from Weda Bay hosts numerous open sea
28 – 30 degrees Celcius atoll reefs which can be kilometers from
and visibility from 15 land; sites are located using GPS - these
meters after rainfall to sudden eruptions of coral reef surrounded
40+ meters. Some diving operations by turquoise water are like small oasis’ in
close from June until September for the the big blue!
monsoon season so check in advance if
planning to travel around this time. The diving in Weda Bay is very much an
exclusive experience, not a single other
Dive sites are suitable for all levels, from dive boat on the horizon. Dive sites range
WEDA BAy shallow sandy, coral gardens through to in depth from shallow sand bars like Pasir
deep sea mounts and open ocean atolls –
Putih to walls such as Gorango which
(Halmahera) there is something here for everyone from plummet to almost a kilometer in depth.
beginners to the most seasoned of divers.

almahera is predominantly rain forest, and upon first sight the enormity Dive Site and Marine Life Highlights of Weda Bay
of which is difficult to comprehend; steep mountainous peaks and ridges
Hcarpeted in deep green, textured with folds and creases and seemingly Weda Bay offers just The outside walls of the atoll reef offer
never ending. Weda Bay is the large bay on the south east of Halmahera about every diving a breathtaking display of color, diversity
which opens up into the Halmahera Sea. Outside of Ternate and Sofifi most topography imaginable of coral species and the sheer volume of
people in Halmahera live in small coastal fishing villages and fish and farm including immense walls, coral is difficult to match. The reef scape
shallow white sand reefs,
for subsistence. Mining companies are major employers in many regions caverns, black sand muck diving, slopes is a candy box patchwork of brain corals,
plates, tables and stone corals competing
and bring work to areas otherwise without employment opportunities. Some and deep sea mounts. This pristine fiercely for space on the reef. Branching
mining companies are replanting areas of forest once work is completed but and relatively unexplored area boasts out like outstretched fingers from the
unfortunately illegal logging is still an issue in places. some of the easiest and most diverse wall are vast gorgonians in a variety of
diving in Indonesia - and with further colors, sea fans, whips and tubers. The
exploration anything is possible here! wall itself offers small ledges, overhangs,
The main airport in Halmahera is Ternate. In Ternate the population is Marine diversity is not only limited to areas of inversion and towards the north
From Ternate a 30 minute speedboat predominantly Muslim however outside topography – the range of coral species of the reef there is selection of caverns
crossing to Sofifi is required and a 4 of the city religion is mixed; Christian and found at any one site is nothing short of which start from 15 meters and extend
hour drive through breathtaking primary Muslim. Visitors should try and dress staggering. down to around 25 meters – these huge
rainforest to reach the edge of Weda Bay. conservatively with ladies keeping their hollows with cathedral like ceilings offer
shoulders covered out of respect for local Elmoo’s Reef is a unique open sea atoll shady recesses and swim throughs for
Transport around Halmahera is by both traditions. reef which offers phenomenal walls juvenile bat fish, sweetlips and larger reef
sea and road, in more remote areas of world class hard corals, incredible predators such as giant trevally and large
the road conditions vary from excellent English is taught in schools but with so visibility and simply staggering groupers.
through to rough tracks requiring few tourists it is not frequently practiced - topography. One minute you are cruising
four-wheel drive vehicles. The land of knowing a few Indonesian phrases can be through vast deep blue ocean and Whilst the reef is literally teeming with
Halmahera is rich and fertile; the main invaluable – and a lot of fun to try out with the next an oasis of bright blue reef coral to around 25 meters the most
agricultural crops include coconuts, the locals! appears as if out of nowhere – it’s a truly abundant fish life is within the top 15
bananas, sweet potato, sago, nutmeg and breathtaking arrival! meters. Small schools of juvenile fusiliers,
cassava.

190 Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory 191