In Indonesia For a Year

[Quero]

Quero, I'd like to head North to Weh, and get my Open Water with either Rupiah Tirta or LumbaLumba. From what I've read there are a lot of deep dives, but there is more than enough to keep a beginner interested . I'd like to see a bit of it all: macro, coral, and pelagics, etc - any recommendation for specifics sites? I'll be doing five extra dives while I'm there.

I personally like diving with the guys at Rubiah Tirta, but I think Lumba-Lumba might be better for you on this trip because the shore diving from in front of the resort is quite good and perfect for beginners. So my advice for dive sites for you would be 1) Gapang Beach house reef 2) Coral gardens at Pulau Rubiah. Avoid Arus Balee (too much current for a newbie), The Canyon (deep) and other sites over on that side (west) of Weh. I really love diving at Weh, and I expect you will too.

 

[JimmyJetHead]

Thanks for the advice Quero - I'll be sure to check the sites out. Any reason you think Lumba Lumba would better for me outside of being closer to easy dives? I ask because Rupiah was cheaper for the certification and additional dives.

 

[Quero]

Thanks for the advice Quero - I'll be sure to check the sites out. Any reason you think Lumba Lumba would better for me outside of being closer to easy dives? I ask because Rupiah was cheaper for the certification and additional dives.

Honestly, it's just logistical, and that's all. Let me preface--when I go to Weh, I dive with Rubiah Tirta. I like the owner, I like his sons, I have a great time diving with them. Their instructor and I both did the same IDC, so we have that in common, too. The thing is, though, that when you're doing a class, you want to be right there for classroom stuff, and at Rubiah Tirta, the clean and comfortable accommodations are a bit of a hike away--there are certainly places to stay that aren't too terribly far, but I wouldn't want to walk it in the dark after a meal or a classroom session. Lumba2, on the other hand, has its own bungalows, so there's a big convenience factor. Both beaches have house reefs, but the house reef at Iboih is further from shore, so a longer swim. The house reef at Gapang is right there. So you've got another convenience factor. I know Lumba2 is pricier, and you pay for the convenience, I suppose, but when you're doing a course, little stressors can make a difference to your enjoyment of the experience.