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Dive Review of Lembeh Resort in
Indonesia/Lembeh Strait

Lembeh Resort, May, 2012,

by Adam Hartnett, MA, US (Reviewer Reviewer 3 reports). Report 6583.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling 3 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments I think everyone knows that Lembeh Strait is pretty much the critter capital of the world. The only creatures I wanted to see and missed out on were: Blue Ring Octopus, Wonderpus, and Rhinopias Paddle Flap. I guess I have a good excuse to go back to Lembeh. Everything is fairly small though I saw a huge king mackerel on one dive which was a surpise. I have heard of whale shark sightings as well in the Strait.


Lembeh Resort and its diveshop critters@lembeh is excellent. I didn't have any complaints. The only two warnings I would have for people are the following: 1)You may have a steep walk, which I didn't mind, to get to your room but the resort has a questionnaire you need to fill out before arrival so they would put someone in their 60's in a lower location. 2)There are a lot of strange insects too (millipedes, centipedes, rhinocerous beetles)but not many mosquitos! For me it was a good chance to take extra topside pictures.

Surprises

1)Shore diving is available regardless of what your travel agent will tell you. After doing 3- 70 minute boat dives you tended to not want to dive the rest of the day. Being 1 degree North of the equator, Sunset is always around 5 ish too so night dives are often early.
2) Lembeh Strait is actually very scenic. I was expecting a big polluted trash pit but personally I saw more of that in Bunaken Area on the other side of Sulawesi.
3) There are some nice reefs even in heart of the strait as well!
4) Some animals such as Rhinopias Paddle-Flap are seasonal - they like the colder water that comes up in August or so
5) Visibility was better than expected. Most dives were 50' plus
6) Prices for drinks are very reasonable (3 dollars for bitang beer etc)
7) The resort typically does 1-tank boat dives throughout the day (all short rides under 15 minutes) but will do a special 3-tank trip for a large group.


I recommend going to Lembeh Resort and staying longer for the 5-days that I did!!!
Websites Lembeh Resort   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Kona, Florida Keys, BVI's, Bonaire, Mayan Riviera,
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy Seas calm
Water Temp 78-83°F / 26-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 2
Water Visibility 30-60 Ft/ 9-18 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Recreational Limits - should be back on boat with 500 psi.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities 5 stars
UW Photo Comments I'm a novice but it is clear that these guys cater to UWP's. Dedicated photoroom. Air tank setup with airgun to blow dry your housings. Plenty of outlets. Photo experts on site etc.

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Subscriber's Comments

By Laura A. Sonnenmark in VA, US at Jun 11, 2012 14:30 EST  
Thanks for a nice report--I found the "surprises" section very helpful. We are there for two full weeks at Christmas and are counting down the days! I'm not sure what animals are available/not available during that season, but it sure sounds like there is plenty to see and do.
By irene dabanian in WA, US at Jul 25, 2012 00:12 EST  
thanks. going next week for 6 nights and 11 dives
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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