Bali is often over looked by divers when it comes to seeking out a new destination, being surrounded by other regions which regularly feature in the diving press such as Raja Ampat, Komodo and Sulawesi we think it’s one of the most underrated dive locations in Asia. Because Bali has so many different dive sites and areas to choose from the trick is to spend longer in the locations that offer the style of diving you like, for example if you like big fish, adrenaline fueled current dives then base yourself in Candidasa or Amed where you’ll get easier access to Nusa Penida and Lembongan Island – these islands off the south eastern coast of Bali take around 45 minutes to reach but offer excellent chances of manta sightings with a well established cleaning station found at Crystal Bay, during the months of May to October there’s a good possibility of seeing Oceanic Sunfish also. We think the best time to visit if September or October when there’s less divers on the sites and still very good chances of seeing the big pelagics.
If muck diving is your thing then Tulamben is definitely a region to spend some time, not only are their numerous black sand slopes that scatter the shorelines around this sleepy Indonesian village (where you’ll no doubt sight plenty of critters and invertebrates) there’s also the Liberty Wreck. Now covered in soft corals and in many ways more like an artificial reef this is a wreck dive which can be accessed directly from the shore. You’ll find all sorts of marine life whilst diving this site and it’s an excellent place for anyone who like to dive with a camera.
When it comes to reef diving we recommend heading to the north western coast, it will 3-4 hours from Tulamben but is surely worth the travel as you’ll pass through more provincial regions of Bali with temples and stunning topside scenery to keep you entertained en route. Menjangan Island on its day offer as good reef diving as you’ll find anywhere in Indonesia, the reefs are quite spectacular here when the conditions are good and the water is clear. Huge gorgonian fans pepper the walls and slopes of this small rocky island just 30 minutes by boat from Bali, whilst fish life isn’t prolific like in Komodo or Raja Ampat the underwater vistas surely make up for this. For more information on diving in Bali visit our Bali Dive Safari page or give us call on 0800 955 0180 or email ben@divesafariasia.com
Sarah gets ready for another shore dive on the Tulamben Wreck
