Welcome to Pulau Weh a tiny remote Island at the very tip of the Northern Coastline of Indonesia (Banda Aceh) where very sadly in 2004 a horrific Tsunami destroyed a vast majority of land, housing and approx. over 167,ooo people lost their lives.
Banda Aceh is now a stronger and more vibrant city, and out of sadness arose good, in that the community has strengthened along with increased tourism. Today we arrive and catch the Fast Ferry over to Pulau Weh to book into our Dive Resort, Lumba Lumba for an 8 night dive stay.
Hit the ground running, and its into our scuba gear for an afternoon shakedown dive to - 'Hot Springs' with (GoPro). Now, I've been to a few sites in different places where volcanic action creates Hot Springs, and believe me I was not ready for what I was about to experience.
Day 2 - brings a full day of diving starting with Batee Tokong & Seulako Caves dive sites. WOW, what a way to start Pulau Weh with enormous Gorgonian Fan gardens, huge colourful coral walls and abundant marine life cohabiting.
On these 2 dives we see - Eagle Ray, Black Tip Reef Shark, many species of Moray Eels, Giant Trevally and many other fish species.
Together with strong down currents we struggle and hold on for dear life as we fight the 'washing machine' style current, and its ever changing direction and strength. But with exhilaration comes adrenaline, adventure and that 'Moment'.
The dive sites continued to be current driven, and caused many issues with cuts, ear soreness, equip loss (others) and I even became victim to a small dose of Skin DCS.
As part of the journey we also hired scooters and explored the Island of its Sites, Culture and Food. As holiday mishaps go, on our adventurous day out we accidentally came across 'Kilometre O' lookout, the most Northern End (tip) of Indonesia.
There is soo much to Banda Aceh and Pulau Weh with it's Culture, Diving, People & Tragic History. So do yourself a favour and experience for yourself another magical part of the world.
In closing, 'Take Every Chance You Get In Life, Because Some Things Only Happen ONCE', & let my stories and experience give you inspiration to create your own Moments.
Another 'Rivetting Moment', to inspire & ignite the traveller in you, to broaden life challenges & experiences!!!