5/31-8/13/09-Trip Report: Budget Diving Adventure in SE Asia!

[kathydee]

Arriving in Gapang - was met by a small village and little "resort" nestled in the lush remote jungle.

Local muslim families

And a very basic dive boat (BTW - they did add a few more motors before dives)

The coast line was quite remote and beautiful:

 

[kathydee]

As I said before - lots of the diving in this place was deco diving. It seemed single tank air dives down to 140-155 ft were the norm - which given the closest chamber was something like 14 hours away & there was very limited surface boat coverage & unpredictable currents - didn't sit well with me so after a few boat dives I stuck with the shallower, safter muck dives !

Met a fantastic vetran Swiss CMAST diver and we partnered for 60-130 minute critter spotting dives in the shallows which were fun! Max just sent me a bunch of pictures & said I can post some here!

Here are some of the deeper, more dramatic dive pictures. Often down at depths of 125-145ft the sea fans and amazing canyons were beautiful - I only snuck a peek from around 100ft - but it was truly amazing.

 

[kathydee]

It turned out you don't need to dive to 145 ft in Pulau Weh to see beauty. $7 tanks and 30ft dives scores you plenty of underwater entertainment . Vis on the house reef varied from 30-80ft depending on tide and waves.

Check out these critters - this nudi is laying eggs!

A stone fish

I was told that this shrimp is quite rare - not sure what kind? Anyone know? -

Here is one of wisnu's friends - yes I said hi ;-)

A ghost pipe fish

I already miss the frog fish ;-)

 

[kathydee]

Wow Max! This shot is beautiful!

 

[kathydee]

C-ya!

 

[kathydee]

Wow. Just read the whole thread in one sitting (work has been slow) and I am just amazed.
You're sense of adventure is envious!

Thanks pacificgal! Hope to see you around MoCal!

...go dive

Thanks Ben but I not sure you have a dry suit that would fit me - good news is that everything should be back for diving next weekend!

Hey Ben,

Great news! All the pieces came back together & tomorrow FINALLY I get to dive our local waters. Quite strange to get back into the drysuit today, but I am so excited to be back with my buddies !

And really psyched to learn how to use all this sporty gear better - FINALLY!

Kathy...

You are going into the Do.. It ..Rong Forum?

LOL!

Jim what are you doing lurking in there. Be careful, the enthusiam is contageous

 

[claudine]

Kathy...simply amazing diving adventure you had there! thanks for sharing!

 

[NJ to FLA]

:dropmouth: Those are some AWESOME pictures!! Impressive.