Few places combine Bali’s rich and historic culture, stunning natural beauty, fine accommodations, world-class restaurants, reliable transportation and infrastructure while offering at the same time such a dazzling array of marine sports and recreation.
The island’s pristine tropical reefs are internationally known among divers and snorkelers for their diverse marine life, outstanding visibility and spectacular drop-offs. Many of Bali’s more than 60 dive sites are close to shore, so diving here is not only enjoyable but convenient.
If there is any doubt, check out Kuta Beach at high noon when the waves are really on. The presence of hundreds of surf culture shops and accessories shops also attest to the fact that Bali’s surf is equal to the best found anywhere.
The gorgonian-covered walls along the sensational Menjangan reef in the northwest are one of the great dive locales in all of Southeast Asia, while the splendidly isolated coastline around Amed in the island’s far northeast is the premier beginners’ dive locale.
Big fish enthusiasts are drawn to Nusa Penida Island off Bali’s southeast coast or a surreal sunken World War II Liberty ship at Tulamben in the northeast. The wreck, which stretches vertically for over 100 meters, is inhabited by an astonishing 400 species of reef fish. On Bali’s east coast, the bay and surrounding waters of Padangbai offer outstanding dive locales, particularly for species you won’t see anywhere else on the island.
It’s advisable that divers use only professional and reliable dive companies who provide first class instructors and well-maintained equipment, guarantee adequate insurance coverage, and who follow international safety standards. Reputable operators provide gear, tanks, wetsuits, lunch, transport, experienced dive masters and porters to and from the beach.
Many dive outfits not only sell very affordable dive packages, but also offer open water and advanced dive courses. Bali is an excellent place to earn a PADI diving certification which takes only two days.
Diving For Kids
Scuba Duba Doo specializes in teaching children how to dive. Owner Malachy McCourt’s intent is to help kids develop a long-term affinity with the sport by the time they are 12 years old. “When kids become adults,” he says, “and are making recreational decisions, I want them to retain their affinity for scuba diving and pursue it as a passion.”
The whole experience also builds confidence and self-esteem. Scuba Doo’s “Scuba Rangers” form part of a special, elite group of scuba divers, ultimately attaining skills that will amaze themselves and their parents.
In Scuba Doo’s program, kids first develop a good sense around the water which in turn increases their awareness of water safety. The whole staff, even the drivers and secretaries, are trained in CPR and First Aid. The classes are also educational in that the instructors emphasize a sensitivity to the environment.
For any active kid age 8 to 12, learning underwater diving is easier than is generally believed. The kids must have basic swimming skills, be comfortable in the water, and be in good health. In this outfit’s most popular program, kids work their way through five basic levels, receiving rewards for each level completed.
For more information, contact Scuba Duba Doo Dive Center, 367 Jl. Legian Kelod, Kuta, tel. (0361) 761-798; after hours: (0361) 818-353-060, e-mail: diveman@indo.net.id, website: www.divecentrebali.com.
Luxury Living & Diving
This is the class act of Bali diving. The magnificent Alila Manggis (tel. 0363-41015, fax. 0363-41015, website: www.alilahotels.com <http://www.alilahotels.com/» ) lies along a secluded stretch of coast west of Candidasa in Bali’s eastern district of Karangasem. This architecturally striking beachfront hotel boasts comfortable rooms, extensive grounds, stylish swimming pool, an attached spa, unmatched service, a superb gourmet restaurant and an excellent dive partner, Geko Dive.
With a staff of 21 including four dive guides, Geko is based in Padangbai, a fishing village and ferry terminal - the main jumping off point for such famous east coast dive spots as the Blue Lagoon, Nusa Penida, Amed and Tulemben.
Upon arrival, don’t be put off by the busy pier. To the east, rows of colourful outriggers line a sandy beach. Along this delightful waterfront street (Jl. Silayukti) is where the town’s outstanding seafood restaurants and small accommodations are located.
For more information, contact Geko Dive (tel. 0363-41516/41784, fax. 0363-41790, email: gekodive@indosat.net.id). Any specific questions about multiple-day packages ($190-$305, depending upon destination and duration) should be addressed to Steve Wolters.
Adventure Diving
Using Bali as a base from which to venture deeper into the country’s 17,000-plus islands, each company recommended is also able to arrange chartered live-aboard dive excursions.
What avid diver could pass up the opportunity to explore the richest marine habitat on earth spread across the world’s largest archipelagic state? Indonesia boasts one eighth of the world’s total coral reefs and is the epicentre of marine biodiversity. It is the world’s last diving frontier.
Standing in the forefront of operators specializing in diving Indonesia’s fabled Outer Islands is Kararu Dive Voyages who operate a wide-beamed 120-foot vessel constructed along the traditional lines of a local pinisi schooner.
Embarking from Benoa Harbor, this specialized dive vessel is able to accommodate 16 guests and 20 Indonesian crew, two western cruise directors and two Indonesian divemasters, making it the highest staff-per-guest ratio of any liveaboard operating in the area.
Most itineraries are 11 nights and include a first stop around the volcanic island of Sangeang and Gili Banta before arriving in Komodo National Park and its nearby sanctuary islands. The company prides itself on its knowledge of the region.
Kararu tours provide instruction in marine biology, underwater photography, and offer onboard seminars, theme cruises, family cruises, nudibranch cruises as well as exploratory trips – light years away from the daily routine of diving around Bali.
