Lembeh Strait is a 12 kilometers long stretch of water separating Lembeh Island and the mainland. Bitung is actually the half way point along the shores of Lembeh Strait. This pristine section of water in North Sulawesi is home to many unique sea animals which include the Ambon scorpionfish, mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, as well as other larger species. It is a fantastic dive area for underwater photographers and the diversity of smaller creatures ensures many memorable photo opportunities.
Mention diving in Lembeh to any serious underwater photographer and their eyes come over all misty and distant. Few places on the planet are as varied and give you the chance to see more shy critters such as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimps, skeleton shrimps and innumerable nudibranchs. The fish also include the usual tropical reef suspects but also the more bizarre: Ambon scorpionfish, snake eels, stonefish, sea robins, stargazers, devil fish and even the weedy scorpionfish. There are also beautiful seahorses including pygmies, pegasus, mandarinfish, ghost pipefish and the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.
There are many diving places which claim to be the best and very few get close but it is difficult to imagine a better place in the world for critter hunting. No more than a few breaths go by between one bizarre and exhilarating sight and the next. If you've tired of night dives, then try one here - they are simply fantastic. We don't know of a better place for after dark encounters with extraordinary marine life.
The Resort...
Located on Lembeh Island itself, NAD Lembeh Resort is one of the smaller resorts here, offering comfortable, cozy accommodation and good service. The resort blends seamlessly into a beautiful green backdrop of native flora fronting a small beach and wonderful house reef. All rooms are tastefully designed using all natural local products hand crafted by the resort staff and local artisans from North Sulawesi. Each room is located on the waterfront with a beautiful view through a shaded garden across the strait to the jungles and volcanoes of the mainland.
The Diving...
Mention diving in Lembeh to any serious underwater photographer and their eyes come over all misty and distant. Few places on the planet are as varied and give you the chance to see more shy critters such as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimps, skeleton shrimps and innumerable nudibranchs. The fish also include the usual tropical reef suspects but also the more bizarre: Ambon scorpionfish, snake eels, stonefish, sea robins, stargazers, devil fish and even the weedy scorpionfish. There are also beautiful seahorses including pygmies, pegasus, mandarinfish, ghost pipefish and the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.
There are many diving places which claim to be the best and very few get close but it is difficult to imagine a better place in the world for critter hunting. No more than a few breaths go by between one bizarre and exhilarating sight and the next. If you've tired of night dives, then try one here - they are simply fantastic. We don't know of a better place for after dark encounters with extraordinary marine life.
European plug with two circular metal pins
