Lite trip to Pulau Weh

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1. Flew into Penang early this morning. There is a 50% surcharge for the airport taxi between midnight and 06:00. Bus is NOT available.
2. Flight to Banda Aceh is late tomorrow morning, hopefully I should be able to catch the ferry across to the island around 16:00. First time to fly Firefly.
3. HKSAR is one of the few countries(only 4?) other than members of ASEAN can enter Indonesia visa free. A big saving of IDR 500,000.00 .

 

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The taxi fare ( including the 50% surcharge) from the airport to down town Georgetown was MR67.00. I took bus(401E) from Komtar to the airport for MR2.70, massive difference and enough to buy at least 25 Nasi Lemak to fill the stomach.
Flight FY3224 to Banda Aceh is delayed by 30min but I should still have enough time to catch the ferry departs at 16:30.
ATR-72 was not full and I was surprised to receive a small bottle of water, cookies and peanut!! Not a chance from every budget airline fly out from HK. The place is getting ridiculous expensive for flying especially the various surcharges. From 01st Oct, the departure tax will be increased by HK$80.00(US$10.00)!! FK rip off.
The route to Banda Aceh was very scenic as it flew along the coast of Sumatra and cloud was not an issue. Arrived at Banda Aceh, clear immigration and custom.
Do not forget to apply the required custom declaration QR code, available only two days before arrival. You can apply on the spot.
The taxi to the ferry terminal was IDR160,000.00. There is an open air food court about 100m away from the ferry terminal building. Food was OK and inexpensive.
The ticket counter for the fast ferry opened at 14:00 and the fare is IRD100,000.
The waiting room has AC and free WiFi!! The boat departed about 20mins behind schedule and arrived at Sabang without any issue. However, the AC was fierce and I have to put on two extra layers. Approached by a middle aged woman for the transport to Monster Divers at Sabang pier, settled on IDR120,000.00. It was a hilly, long and winding road to Gapang. I have not noticed any obvious sign of development specually for tourist. Checked in at the prearranged guest house(Paman). The AC room is IDR200,000.00 per night. NO frushing toilet and hot water. WiFi and water dispenser is available.
Went over to Monsters which is literally next door to Paman. Diving tomorrow and I am the only diver.
The agreed price for 10 dives with full rental equipment is IRD3.7m. I did bring a old 3mm full suit, thermal vest, long sleeve thermal and booties. My hand carry is just over 6kg.
This island is more suitable to the Aussie, Canuck, European, Kiwi and people with adventurous mind. But definitely not the kind of place that will attract the Yankee.

 

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Two relatively easy dives until current made it slightly difficult especially the second dive.
Seulako drift and Batee Menruron.
Both sites are very close to Gapang Beach.
Nothing unusual but enjoyable.
Lots of small fish but did not notice any predator around.

Only one place was opened for breakfast and the selection was very limited. Few more places were opened for lunch. BTW, Gapang Beach is tiny so do not expect a wide selection of restaurant.

 

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Found another place opened for breakfast. Two rounds of veggie egg sarnie + black tea cost IRD65,000.00.
Two dives:
1. Arus Balee.
This site is well known for the current( in Acehnese it means ba$ta$d current)!!
The worst part was trying to find suitable spot for safety stop which required a lot of hard kicking.
This site is very popular so a bit crowded and the current tends to keep everyone within certain area.

A passing by whaleshark.

2. Stingrays Point
Not a single one but the shallow part is covered by various small outcrop of hard corals.
I have yet to come across significant amount of soft coral so far. Will enquire about it as I still have three more diving days left in this trip.

Rental equipment: Apeks US4 and Cressi Frog fins. I had both items before.