Scuba Diving in Bali, Indonesia
Balinese Dive Sites Reached From Hideaway Resorts and Spas
Nov 28, 2007
The best places to dive in Bali are well away from the crowds in hidden corners of this popular Indonesian island.
North West Bali
Right up in the north west corner of Bali lies the friendly coastal village of Pemuteran. A handful of hotels are scattered along the beach. From here, boats take divers on day trips to Menjangen Island. Many of the dives are drift dives and marine life and corals are plentiful. Of note are an eel garden where hundreds of small eels pop their heads out above the sand and, from time to time, a passing turtle or reef shark. Secret Bay (or Gilimanuk Bay) offers shallow muck (critter) diving and is suited to the macro enthusiast and photographers. Marine life includes seahorses, a variety of ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs.
Bali Taman Sari offers pleasant garden cottages and four spacious suites amongst fragrant frangipani and hibiscus trees. The spa offers traditional Indonesian massages at bargain prices with a choice of spice or flower oils. A dive shop is located adjacent to the resort. Werner Lau also operate diving in this area from the Pondok Sari and luxurious Matahari Resort.
North East Bali
To the north east of Bali the most famous Balinese dive site can be found at Tulamben. Here you can dive or snorkel on the wreck of the USAT Liberty which was an American supply ship during the second world war. The total depth is around 30m, so this is usually done as a deep dive followed by a shallower dive around the upper areas of the wreck. Coral has covered the wreck and turned it into a home for over 200 species of fish.
This site (and a dozen or so other dive sites) can be reached from the German run Alam Anda Dive Resort and Spa. A variety of accommodation ranges from simple rooms to the fabulous Lumba Lumba suite with its own pool. The spa offers Indonesian and ayurveda massages in delightful surroundings. Werner Lau operate the diving here; check out their website for excellent descriptions of some of the dive sites in Bali.
Southern Bali
Those looking for an exhilarating diving experience should head for the island of Nusa Lembongan off southeast Bali (reached from Sanur or Pandang Bai). Here the currents can be extremely strong, but there are a couple of major drawcards - the chance to dive with manta rays and Mola Mola (sunfish). Find out about the Mola Mola safaris that are offered from August to October. Accommodation ranges from the small locally owned Pandan Café on Dream Beach to international standard resorts.
As you need to allow at least 24 hours after your last dive before you fly, a final couple of days is well spent in Ubud - the cultural heart of Bali - where there are art galleries, museums, a craft market, dance performances and a fine selection of restaurants. To be within walking distance of most attractions, try to stay somewhere along Monkey Forest Road.
Getting There
International flights arrive at Denpasar airport in the south of Bali. Resorts or hotels will usually organize transfers for you at reasonable cost. Visa requirements are subject to change, so check before you go.
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