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It took just over an hour to arrive in Banda Aceh, North Sumatra from K.L. We must say that Banda’s airport service were perhaps the best we have received anywhere in the world. A little slow through passport control, as to be expected with the new Air Asia service. After picking up our bags we head to the carousel, a wooden knee high bench with smiling security guards stood behind. We were are asked if we wanted our bags checked, ‘er not today thanks for asking’. Sliding our bags along the carousel each security guard welcomes us till I get to the end and then ‘Freddy? Your name is Freddy no? Turns out he had mistaken me for a ‘friend’ that passed through a couple of months ago! No doubt he’ll recognise me next time.

We decided to spend the night in Banda Aceh, this town is as pleasant as it was before the Tsunami struck a few years back, great satay and kind of laid back by Indonesian standards. The next morning after some rich Acehnese coffee and a chat with the local policeman we caught the boat to Pulau Weh.

Despite the rain there was once again a buzzing atmosphere in the Lumba Lumba dive centre. This time it’s the house reef that’s causing the excitement, (although the staff have been here for months they still head out with their camera gear at the end of a busy day).

Sarah and I decided to go unguided at first to see how we do, there is a stunning wealth and range of macro life here, Frogfish the size of your finger nail etc. After 90 minutes which seemed like 10 we come up looking pretty pleased with ourselves, Robust Ghost Pipefish, Mantis Shrimp, Octopus, Snake Eels, Eel Catfish and Morays among plenty of others, too much to list.

Turns out this is fairly average and the next day we were led by Tom, who adds Painted and Hairy Frogfish, Waspfish, Sea Moths and a load of Nudibrachs to the list!

For some idea on what it’s like on the deeper reefs check our gallery and Armin and Birgit Trutnau’s images kindly donated by Lumba Lumba. Thanks to all for your contributions.

After just a few short days its time to head off again, next stop Bukit Lawang and one of the few remaining place to see Orng Utans in there natural habitat.

Merry Christmas to one and all, hope you have a good one..

Ben and Sarah