Lite trip to Pulau Weh

[Centrals]

@dumpsterpurrs
Roti canai is still only MR1.25 while with telur is 2.50 in Penang. My daily routine breakfast in Malaysia or even in Koh Lipe.
I did not have fond memory of Ramaden in Langkawi and Tioman regarding on food during day time but will prepare to face it at Banda Aceh and Pulau Weh.
On the other hand I might take your advice and go back to Pulau Weh during the dry season. Mosquito is a very good incentive to stay away. Dengue fever is on the rise everywhere in SE Asia. In HK most cases are imported but Aedes mosquito is present locally so anything is possible.I always pack insect repellent whenever I travel in SE Asia.

Did not see any large grouper but massive moray eels are very common indeed.

 

[Searcaigh]

I might be relocating to Penang at the end of the year so Pulau Weh has been on my radar for a while.

Thanks @Centrals for your trip report and interesting details.

 

[Centrals]

I might be relocating to Penang at the end of the year so Pulau Weh has been on my radar for a while.

Thanks @Centrals for your trip report and interesting details.

It is just a stone throw from Penang.
Lumbalumba would be a better choice and nitrox is available.

I always wonder if it is possible to travel from Penang to Koh Lipe within the same day either via Langkawi or Hat Yai by public transport?

 

[dumpsterpurrs]

I might be relocating to Penang at the end of the year so Pulau Weh has been on my radar for a while.

Perhentian, Weh, and Lipe in the summer and the Andaman Sea in the winter would be nice!

 

[WAI SHING LUNG]

Hi, I also plan to go to Pulau Weh in early Oct. How's the weather at that time?
And any dive resort /operator is recommended? I would like to find a dive operator that is good for underwater photographer

 

[Centrals]

Hi, I also plan to go to Pulau Weh in early Oct. How's the weather at that time?
And any dive resort /operator is recommended? I would like to find a dive operator that is good for underwater photographer

Most operators are based on two beaches: Gapang and Iboih.
There are only three operators on Gapang and only 3-4 places for food.
Iboih is much larger and have bigger selection on accommodation, dive operator and restaurant.

 

[Searcaigh]

I always wonder if it is possible to travel from Penang to Koh Lipe within the same day either via Langkawi or Hat Yai by public transport?

Ferry from Penang then ferry to Koh Lipe should be possible. I have not checked the timings so at worst it might mean a night in Langkawi.

 

[WAI SHING LUNG]

Most operators are based on two beaches: Gapang and Iboih.
There are only three operators on Gapang and only 3-4 places for food.
Iboih is much larger and have bigger selection on accommodation, dive operator and restaurant.

Thanks for your information. I have shortlisted 2 dive operators, but both in Gapang.
How is the water temperature and visibility in early Oct? Pulau weh is located in Ansaman Sea, so , can i expect it is similar to Similan? It is start of dry season?

 

[WAI SHING LUNG]

Ferry from Penang then ferry to Koh Lipe should be possible. I have not checked the timings so at worst it might mean a night in Langkawi.

The last ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is departed at 1630 in high season. But please be remind it is different pier from Langkawi to Koh lipe

 

[dumpsterpurrs]

Thanks for your information. I have shortlisted 2 dive operators, but both in Gapang.
How is the water temperature and visibility in early Oct? Pulau weh is located in Ansaman Sea, so , can i expect it is similar to Similan? It is start of dry season?

Early Oct is fine, decent viz, kinda toward the late part of the season but pretty much rightttt after the peakest period so still super nice. It's the same season as Bali, opposite of Similan. Water temp is consistently around 28-29* year round. Thermoclines go down to 25-27* and usually on the higher side, not awful.

In Gapang, Lumba2 > Monster > Bubble. They all have websites.
Iboih dive shops are locally owned and not the best with websites. They're all listed on Google map. Try to WhatsApp them, but not necessary anyway. They all take walk-ins and can arrange dives within a few hours. Or DM me and I can give you my local contacts on Weh for booking.
I vastly prefer Iboih, but the beach is considerably worse. There's a new dive resort north of Iboih with a great beach.