Back from Lembeh – First Timer’s Thoughts, Gear Notes, and Photos (as promised!)

[raj_55555]

Hey everyone,

A huge thank-you to all the Scubaboard members who helped me plan this trip — your tips were invaluable. I promised I’d share some photos and thoughts when I got back, so here we go.

1. Gear takeaway for anyone considering getting new gear just for this trip. If you buy one thing, make it the Backscatter MF-2 strobe with the OS-1 snoot.

This little thing is a game-changer — you can shoot close and far, big and small. I’d have missed maybe 10 great shots if I didn’t bring my second strobe, and sure, I’d have missed some blackwater opportunities without it… but honestly, the MF-2 handled those too. But I felt that I had a lot more keepers from snooting in the much than using normal strobes. Could be a limitation in my skills as well.
Downside: battery life is short — one active dive max, even if I switch it off between subjects. So bring spare batteries.

2. Shoutout to Divers Lodge Lembeh.
Although I didn’t end up staying with them, I was originally planning to dive with them and I still think they’re the best bang for your buck. More importantly, communication with Rob was absolutely flawless — quick, clear, and friendly.

3. My stay at NAD-Lembeh was really wonderful
In the end I chose NAD for one reason: they offered blackwater dives. They’re extremely professional — from the food to the rooms to the 2:1 guide ratio, I couldn’t fault anything. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than some other options, but worth every penny. I did splurge on a private guide, but you can absolutely enjoy without one with their 2:1 dive guide ratio.

It will take a while to go through the 10,000 images I came back with, here are about ten of them - about as many as I'm allowed. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[Blackcrusader]

Thanks for sharing your photos. It is one place I have considered to dive at.

 

[raj_55555]

Thank you! And yes, it is a wonderful place to dive at.

Thanks for sharing your photos. It is one place I have considered to dive at.

 

[Jake 10]

How was transportation to/from Lembeh? How was food? How wherer the boat trips or shore dives?

 

[Johnoly]

It will take a while to go through the 10,000 images I came back with

Was there a blister on your shutter finger,,That's alot of pictures to review.
But the Blue Ring Octo picture is really good !! Thanks for writing up the review.

 

[raj_55555]

How was transportation to/from Lembeh? How was food? How wherer the boat trips or shore dives?

It was all seamless. NAD lembeh sent their driver to pick me up from the Manado airport even though it was at 4 am in the morning. A speedboat was waiting for me at the docks when we arrived to take us to the resort. Food was excellent, every day we had a new fancy cuisine, the serving staff were great and open to any allergies or preferences.

All boat dives, boats were purpose built for scuba diving, they have a mature system going by now. The dive guides would pick up your photography equipment from the camera room (as long as you've communicated in advance) and keep all your gear ready in the boat. And you know exactly which boat you're in and the sites you're diving in a day early, they have it all written down in a whiteboard for all to see. Finish two dives in the morning, come back for lunch, an afternoon dive, come back for dinner, followed by a night dive.

I was very impressed by the frequency at which the guides would find unique creatures as well, their spotting skills are amazing.

 

[raj_55555]

Was there a blister on your shutter finger,,That's alot of pictures to review.
But the Blue Ring Octo picture is really good !! Thanks for writing up the review.

haha, yeah, i was averaging 100 photos a dive, there was just that much to shoot. No blisters, but I did get stung by hydroids on my shutter finger. Don't think he was super happy with us!

Thank you for your kind words.

 

[batdiver_82]

Absolutely fantastic shots!!!!! Would love to see more!