Dive Safari Asia - Sumatra

Dive Safari Asia is pleased to introduce this so far little discovered corner of Indonesia. Their exclusive tour of the region features adrenaline fuelled adventure diving off the coastline of Sumatra, face to face encounters with wild orangutans and a real insight into the way of life of the local community.

Away from the crowds and beyond the tourist facade found in other parts of the world this style of experience will appeal to divers looking to escape the predictability of resort or liveaboard based itineraries. For nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and avid divers looking to get there first, Sumatra will appeal.

Lumba Lumba is located on Gapang Beach, a beautiful spot with white sand which extends halfway around the bay, surrounded by large over hanging trees.

There are 7 newly built duplex cottages spread out behind and next to the diveshop, totaling 11 rooms. Each room is spacious with good spring beds (twin and king size), a wall fan, a nice clean bathroom with western toilet, shower and Indonesian style Mandi (convenient for testing camera housings), a pantry with water kettle, cups and plates, a fridge and rinsing basin, a wide wooden veranda with sliding doors facing the sea/beach. There is also free wireless internet in all the rooms.

In terms of reef topography Pulau Weh has it all, from deep plunging wall sections to enormous granite boulders and shallow fringing reefs – canyons, arches, hot springs, tranquil coral gardens and more.

Drift diving is the norm, particularly at the north western point of the island. This exposed headland represents Indonesia’s most westerly point so called ‘Kilometre Zero’, offering adrenaline fuelled currents where one can fly endlessly over genuinely untouched reefs.

On a typical dive you can expect to see a spectacular mix of Indo – pacific marine life, from ocean giants to surreal macro.

Many sites are characterized by literally fields of Gorgonian fans, fish life is prolific and in big numbers, black and white tip sharks make common sightings, big schools of barracuda and jacks are often seen patrolling the reefs. Macro life is also in abundance - frogfish, waspfish, stargazers, snake eels, lionfish among many others can be seen on the house reef which is just a few short steps from the dive center.

Mantas, whalesharks, threshers and mola mola all make appearances throughout the year.

The Gunung Leuser National Park extension offers the opportunity for guests to travel further into Sumatra to experience face to face encounters with orangutans in their natural habitat. The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the last remaining places in the world which plays host to such an array of flora and fauna. Many species of primate inhabit the park: macaques, Thomas leaf, baboons and orangutans. All of which can be seen on a 1 day trek.

Rhinos, tigers and elephants are also residents of the park although due to their reclusive nature many more days trekking are required for sightings. Other activities we can arrange include white water rafting, exploring local caves and visiting neighboring townships and markets, alternatively you can simply relax by the river with a good book while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Day 1 (arrival day – Saturday)
Meet the Dive Safari Asia team at Kuala Lumpur Airport. You will be transferred to check in to your airport hotel.

Day 2
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to check in for your Air Asia flight direct to Banda Aceh, Sumatra. From there you will be transferred to the port for a 45 minute boat transfer to Pulau Weh. On arrival, check in and orientation.

Day 3 through 9
Enjoy 2 boat dives daily and shore diving between 8am and 8pm. Note that only shore diving is offered on Friday mornings (afternoon boat dive is scheduled) due to local custom.

Day 10
Transfer for an early morning tour of Banda Aceh before departing to Medan by your Garuda Airlines flight. On arrival you will be transferred overland to Bukit Lawang, arriving in the evening.

Day 11
Either relax and rest or choose from a variety of optional excursions today: orangutan feeding platform, bat cave or local markets.

Day 12
Take a jungle trek in search of primates and other wildlife.

Day 13
Optional local excursion in the morning before heading for the airport to board your Air Asia flight direct to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival you will be transferred to your airport hotel for check in.

Day 14
Depart to the US.

05 Mar - 18 Mar
16 Apr - 29 Apr
30 Apr - 13 May
02 Jul - 15 Jul
16 Jul - 29 Jul
10 Sep - 23 Sep
17 Sep - 30 Sep

Additional dates may be added - please check with us.