BALI
Bali is probably the most well known of the Indonesian Islands and is famous for it's exotic culture and beautiful scenery.
Bali is considered by most to be one of the most pleasant places to stay in Indonesia for divers and non-divers alike. The Balinese are very warm and welcoming people with a fascinating culture.
In addition to the diving, there is a good selection of land-based day trips to villages, temples. The scenery in the West Bali National Park area is breathtaking. Alternatively there are numerous coastal resorts and villages to explore at leisure. The larger centres are well developed in terms of infrastructure and bars/ night life etc for mass-tourism so choose your location with this in mind if you wish to avoid this aspect of Bali. Probably the best way to see and dive Bali is by spending a few days in or visiting the different dive locations. This will provide the diver with an appreciation of the diving diversity available on Bali. Accommodation can be small cottages/villas, family run hotels or the larger resort hotels. In short, there is accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Diving
The diving is varied with something for everyone- from muck diving, a wreck, classic reefs and pelagic sightings. To experience the variety that Bali has to offer, you will need to either spend a few days in each location and dive the local sites or be prepared to travel further by day boat to distant sites. The viz is variable from site to site and can be as low as 6 metres. Currents wash some dive sites so expect water temperatures to be as low as 25°C. Consider packing that 5mm wet suit. Overall, there are a variety of sites to suit all experience levels.
Notable Dive Sites
Tulamben
Famous for the USS liberty wreck & probably Bali's signature dive. Depths on this wreck are in the 8-29 metre range. Can be dived from the shore. The abundant marine life such as gorgonian fans, corals, big-eye trevally, bump head parrot fish and for the macro photographer there are harlequin ghost pipe fish, tiny octopus and pygmy sea horses. Try a night dive and you may see flashlight fish and cephalopods.
In addition, there are other dive sites close by. Examples are The Coral Garden, The Wall, Batu Kelebit, Batu Niti & Kubu.
Secret Bay
Shallow waters and low visibility may sound like a reason to stay away from this area. This site is fed by currents and is a calm haven for juvenile critters. The conditions are similar to the classic muck diving sites- black sandy seabed. Best dived at dawn, dusk or as a night dive. Expect to see gobies, mandarin fish, scorpion fish and sea urchins.
Menjangan Island
This is a wall diving site. The corals suffered damage courtesy of El Nino in1997-98, followed by a crown of thorns infestation. The shallow corals are slowly recovering, but there are good examples of gorgonians. Go a bit deeper to 40m and you will find garden eels and an old wooden wreck called the Anker.
Nusa Penida
A variety of sites for the more experienced diver. There is the chance to drift dive in good viz.
Expect to see sharks, Mantas, schooling fish. Sun fish (Mola Mola) are often seen during August and September.
Blue corner
Is a wall dive. At 'the corner' the currents pick up and the napoleon wrasse & eagle rays come out to play.
Malibu Point
Is probably the best place to see reef sharks and mantas.
Manta Point
Needs no explanation
Arch Rock
Is just to the west of Manta Point and considered one of the best dive sites in the area
SD, Ped & Sentinel
Good variety of reef fish and possible to see the odd reef shark
Toyapakeh
For impressive corals and big gorgonians
Gamat Bay
Good for photography
Crystal Bay
Home of the bat cave and due to the colder water it is possible to see eagle rays.
Pandangbai
The off-shore reefs are noted for providing a good variety of life.
Favoured sites are Amuk Bay, Mimpang, Tepekong, Biaha and the Blue Lagoon.
Amed
The two local sites are Amed Reef (12-22m)and Amed Wall (10-34m). Good selection of marine life from macro subjects to larger species such as barracuda and blue spotted rays.
Nearby Lipah Bay hosts the wreck of a steel freighter in 6-12m. This wreck is a classic example of a well-stocked artificial reef.
To the east, Gili Selang is an exposed site with currents and suited to the more experienced diver. Possible to see manta rays and dolphins here.
Best time to visit
May to November (dry season)
World Wise
Chose your destination carefully - some of the areas on Bali have well developed night life
and can be noisy- this may not suit families with children
Acknowledgement
Peter Catchpole who provided the photographs of Bali
Indonesia main page
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
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Bali by Darren Dwyer
Bali: Paradise Re-Established by Brian Rayner
Biorocking on Frankenstien Reef
Redfaced in Bali
Fear and Diving in East Bali
Rodale's guide to Indonesia
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