Bangka Island water temperatures?

[mountainsean]

Headed to Bangka in a week and hoping for some current info on water temps. I've heard 27-30C most of the time, but that it can drop to 25-26C in June-August. If it's the former I'll probably bring the 3/2mm, if it's the latter, the 5/4mm (I dive cold).

Thanks,
Sean

 

[Wingy]

Personally I have always used a 3mm but on night dives or longer dives will often put a lavacore vest under my 3mm..have never felt the need for more and I do feel the cold too.

 

[Searcaigh]

Two years ago I used a 5mm in Lembeh and was plenty warm, last year I used a 3mm + Lava Core Hooded vest, this year will be a 3mm Fourth Element Proteus if it arrives on time + a hood.

Temperature is all relative

 

[AlMitch]

A 1mm full suit has been fine for me in Bangka (was there in April, July & Oct) and in Lembeh. So I'd say a 3mm full suit should be more than enough, but that is me. To quote Searcaigh above "Temperature is all relative".

 

[murexdive]

Greetings from Bangka mountainsean,

Hope this reaches you before departure. You are correct and temperatures can drop during June-August, however, yesterday the average water temperature was 28C or 82F around Bangka. Things could change but I was diving in an old 3/2 and was fine. A few times there was a small drop in temperature during a tidal exchange, as currents bring in nutrient rich waters from the deep, but this past week these were small drops in temperature and for short periods of time.

If you are traveling to Manado on Garuda, make sure you tell them you have dive equipment, they allow excess baggage for this. Safe travels. Enjoy Bangka, it's a magical place!