Lembeh Advice

I haven't been to Lembeh for years. In fact I have taken over 100,000 underwater pictures since I was last there. Which is such a shame as I have always loved the place. Anyway, I am off to Lembeh Resort in the next week - anyone going to be there too? Would be nice to meet up.

When I was last there I remember wearing 2x 3mm and was plenty warm enough. One 3mm was not enough. But that was a different season. Anyone there now, been at this time of year May/June or been there recently able to advise on water temps/wetsuit needs. I don't wanna get cold - but I don't want to take unnecessary wetsuit weight.

Also any news on what is about. Heard that there were currently no hairy froggies? A link to a gallery would be great.

Alex

Hi Alex,

I was there at this time two years ago. I wore my 3mm and was fine. The water was 82F.

Hope you find the Hairy Froggies!

Phil

Also any news on what is about. Heard that there were currently no hairy froggies? A link to a gallery would be great.

Alex

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26034596@N08/...57605090891087/

there are a few on here alex, obviously not to your standard, but good for me.

Just home from two weeks at LR. Water temps 83-84 degrees - I was very comfortable in a 5mm suit.

Only one hairy FG - black with short "hair".

Here's a link to my report/pictures.

http://diver.net/bbs/posts002/75165.shtml

Awesome pics! I can't wait to go back...

Thanks for adding to the anticipation. The temperature does drop as you get to July. Last time I was there in early July, it was 73 degrees. Bring a hood. Long dives and little motion made for chills after a few days. I lost 10 pounds in a week, though, even though I was a glutton. I wore a 3mm and a 1 mm underneath.

Thanks for the links...good to add to my excitement for my return in six weeks.

Cheers,

Marli

Alex,

I was there 3 months ago and 3mm, long sleeves vest and a hood was just fine. I would dive in a 5mm if I were you.

I was actually quite disappointed about Lembeh, or let's say I had high expectations and probably... they were too high. On my defense I have to say that it seems that this year there is less stuff too see (according to our guide and resort): less nudies, less frogfish, we didn't see the mimic octopus and just one hairy frog fish.

The unexpected: we did 6 dives on different days starting at 6.00am at Palau Dua and the site in front of it on the Lembeh island. It's not typical muck diving and we saw eagle rays and sharks . I definitely advise that. there are not many divers around that side because Lembeh is not "famous" for reef diving, but it is definitely worth it.

You can see some photos on my site.

Have fun.

alex

I have a XXL 3mm scubapro here if you need to borrow some stuff....

It might be too tight though

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll risk my 3mm. It is only done about 5 dives - so should be pretty warm. I don't like old wetsuits!

Particular thanks to those posting galleries: Stew, Jim and Alex.

I have a XXL 3mm scubapro here if you need to borrow some stuff....

It might be too tight though

That's why I use an Everflex - however much I eat it will just flex, flex, flex!

Alex

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll risk my 3mm. It is only done about 5 dives

 

Alex

i was fine in my 3mm. the only time i felt a bit chilly was the mandarin dive and the night dives. if you need more than a 3mm in 28c i suggest you eat some more bacon sarnies.

Would have thought Bacon Sarnies may be a bit thin on the ground out there?

Paul C

I am off to Lembeh Resort in the next week - anyone going to be there too? Would be nice to meet up.

I'll wave at you from one of the other boats! At Bastianos Lembeh from 7th and Cocotinos the following week. Enjoy the trip!

Aengus

Would have thought Bacon Sarnies may be a bit thin on the ground out there?

 

Paul C

i meant back here, so he could get an extra layer of fat around him.

i meant back here, so he could get an extra layer of fat around him.

I am not sure there is room for an(other) extra layer.

Alex

I am not sure there is room for an(other) extra layer.

 

Alex

i was being polite alex

Would have thought Bacon Sarnies may be a bit thin on the ground out there?

 

Paul C

Manado and Lembeh areas are mainly Christain if thats what you meant about a lack of pork?

As for wetsuits I didn't use one when I was there in January as the water temp was 28c.

Got a wee bit nippy after 80 minutes on the night dives though....

Manado and Lembeh areas are mainly Christain if thats what you meant about a lack of pork?

I recently 'upgraded' from a Sumatran (Muslim) girlfriend to a Balinese (Hindu) girlfriend... Out with the beef and in with the bacon. Breakfast is a much happier time these days.

Steak-night is a no-no though

[/talking rubbish]

I have found that the water is 28 degrees C, right now. Just about everyone is in 3mm. Me too. A few in 5mm, but that is more because "that is the only suit that they brought". I add a hood a night - to keep the bugs outta my ears. Hairy froggies here too.

Alex

Hairy froggies here too.

Alex

What site did you see the hairys at Alex, do you think they just go deeper at certain times of the year and that is why they haven't been seen for so long.

Me being a sceptic thought Jim and Carey had hid them all under their pier.

Can't wait to see your shots, Stew

Mid summer is when it starts getting pretty chilly in the Strait. Many wear 5mil suits. Fortunately, the cooler water brings the Froggies and Rhinos into shallower water and they are easier to find. The biodiversity improvement makes the chillier water well worth it.

The hairys are there!