Bali is a tropical island paradise that is far more than just a dive destination. It's one of Asia's most popular tourist resort areas with beautiful scenery and beaches. The south Bali beaches of Kuta and Sanur are also very popular with surfers. From a diving point of view Bali has much to offer, from world class muck diving at Secret Bay to diving with pelagics such as manta rays and mola mola (oceanic sunfish) at Nusa Penida. Bali also has an excellent wreck dive, the USAT Liberty, that can be reached from shore at Tulamben. Bali is also the departure point for many of the liveaboards east to Komodo and Flores as well as the gateway to Lombok and the Gili Islands.
Bali can be dived all year round but the best season is April to December with the best chance of seeing mola mola from June to September. Most dive sites have warm clear water although some sites like Nusa Penida can have very strong currents and much cooler water from deep water upwellings.
The dive sites are spread around the island, mostly on the east and north coasts and although most dive sites are just a short boat ride from shore, a long drive is often required to reach the departure point. To dive all of Bali it's best to stay at a combination of resorts to avoid long journeys to the dive sites.
There are several excellent dive centres on Bali that can arrange diving all over the island, repair and rent equipment and teach all scuba courses. Although diving is not as cheap as some other Asian dive destinations, Bali still offers very good value diving.
|
