The Cleavage - Sumatra

The Cleavage is one of those sites that always leaves us smiling, especially if you catch it right. Heading southeast, the reef drops to about 30 metres, where you’ll find some truly impressive coral formations interspersed with stretches of sand. We’ve spent entire dives just cruising along here, watching black-blotched wrasse dart through the staghorn thickets. Our favourite part, though, is the shallow coral garden to the south. It’s glorious on a calm day, bathed in sunlight, the water so warm it feels like a bath. You’ll spot Clark’s anemonefish peeking out from their homes and often a common dragonet or two shuffling across the sandy patches. Be mindful of the tide; strong currents can really kick up a fuss here, obscuring that lovely visibility. We always suggest aiming for slack tide if you want to fully appreciate the details. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, letting you soak in the colours and the sheer abundance of life.

Location

Sumatra, Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Coordinates

-5.620301, 106.555790

Type

reef

Marine Protected Area: Kepulauan Seribu