Dive Indonesia

Amed: The Quiet Paradise In Bali

Amed refers to a long strip of fishing village in Eastern Bali. Once a remote area, now Amed is being developed as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in this island. In 2003, telephone lines were installed and it took until four years to build a bridge over a section of the main road regularly washed away during the heavy rain.

To reach this place, you can go by taxi from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It takes two hour and the taxi service cost you Rp. 400.000,- from the airport. Alternatively, you can take the direct shuttle bus from Candidasa and Lovina, thanks to the improved road condition. If you are in the Gili Islands in Lombok, Amed Sea Express offers pick-up service in the three Gilis (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno). Read More

Diving Center in Luwuk

Luwuk is located in eastern part of Sulawesi and nowadays it is acting as the common route tourists’ use to when they want to visit Togian Island. If you wish to visit Luwuk, you can take a flight from Manado or Jakarta. Many travelers who visit Luwuk wish to enjoy diving sites in Banggai Island. This place is like other diving sites in Sulawesi, holds underwater beauty with much to discover. There are hundreds of island in Banggai Island complex and most of them is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Other than beautiful island there is also an endangered fish species in here which is the Cardinal fish, you can consider yourself lucky if you are able to see them. Read More

Bira: The Quiet Paradise

Bira (or Tanjung Bira)may not sound as the popular tourist destination in Indonesia. Even not all Indonesians know where this amazing village is located. Bira is a village in South Sulawesi, around 190 km from the province’s capital, Makassar. This village in Bulukumba Regency is well known for its long history of maritime heritage. Besides its boat-building tradition, this place attracts visitors with its fascinating white-sand beach (Bira Beach). However, Bira is completely different as it is quiet, not as crowded as Bali. No wonder Bira is one of the best hideouts for those who prefer tranquility. Read More

Where to dive in Sanur

Besides Kuta, Sanur is one of Bali’s most desirable tourist spots. Known as a beach town, it never stops appealing visitors, mainly middle-aged and older families from Europe. It is more expensive than Kuta but more affordable than Seminyak. The best thing about Sanur is you can feel relaxed amid the abundance of accommodation and restaurant.

To get to Sanur, there are some alternatives. If you want to go there directly from Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can go by taxi and it takes 20 minutes. Besides that, you can choose shuttle bus or bemo from the north and south as well as from Tegal terminal in Denpasar.  Additionally, if you are from Nusa Lembongan, you can go by boat that arrives at the end of Jalan Hang Tuah. Read More

Bangka Island :The Island That Never Stops Fascinating You

Eastern part of Indonesia is a place you must visit if you want to experience the real beauty of Indonesia.Its unspoilt natural beauty, richness in land and sea biodiversity never stops attracting visitors from all over the world. Bangka Island is an island that poses natural beauty of Indonesia’s Eastern part. Located off the coast of North Sulawesi, Bangka is actually a group of island consisting Bangka Island itself, Gangga and Talise. This area is one of the best dive destinations that attracts divers from all over the globe. Almost all of sea creatures can be found here, from Napoleon fish to white and black tip reef sharks;  even you can see whales or dolphins sometimes. On the land, there are various exotic mammals and birds such as the tarsius and the maleo birds. Read More

Gili Meno: What You Need To Know About This Little Paradise

The popularity of the Gilis Islands in Lombok, Indonesia has been widely known around the world. Those islands are dubbed as one of the world’s best paradise for divers. Gili Trawangan is the largets island and now it is becoming a busy diving destination that never sleeps. However, the two siblings, Gili Air and Gili Meno are equally beautiful dive spots that you cannot simply miss.

Gili Meno is the smallest of all three gilis. This island is also the most quiet and is as not as busy as Gili Trawangan. No wonder Gili Meno is considered the best place for those who want to stay away from the city life. You can get to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air first (by boat) before continuing your trip to Gili Meno by Hopping Boat in the early morning. The boat regularly departs twice a day daily around ­9:00 – 10:00 AM and 14:00 – 15:00 PM.

No need to worry about electricity as electricity supply is now available in this tiny paradise. Make sure you prepare your cash as there is no banks on the Gilis (but there is now one ATM machine on Gili Trawangan).  It is advisable to bring your important medication kits just in case as no doctors are available on the island. Despite being the least visited, Gili Meno actually has much to offer you. There is a bird sanctuary set up by an Australian businessman living in Bali. Lots of tropical birds are seen here, from the colorful parrots to macaws.

As The Gilis are famous as the world’s top dive spots, diving center is common on the islands. One of the diving center in Gili Meno is Blue Marlin. This center is available on the other two Gilis as well as the neighbouring beautiful Senggigi beach.

This center offers diving courses, handled by their certified instructors. For PADI Discover Scuba Diving, the price is only Rp. 650.000,-. Other courses are PADI Open Water Course (Rp. 3.700.000,-), Scuba Diver Course (Rp. 2.900.000,-) and many more. You will enjoy the diving experience as the instrucstors there are really professional and prioritize divers’ safety and comfort. In addition to a wide variety of diving course, there are also specialized courses you can choose, from deep diver, night diver to peak performance buoyancy course.

Blue Marlin Gili Meno is one of the most recommended diving centers in Gili Meno. The service is friendly, personalized and the center really makes sure that every diver who want to take course gets attention from instructors. The center is also equipped with multilingual guides. Many tourists expressed their satisfaction on the world’s largest traveling site.

For your information, prices for food and accommodation are a bit more expensive on Gili Meno than the rest of the Gilis. However, you still can find cheaper places to sleep and the prices for bungalows are negotibale outside of peak season (July, August and December).

So, are you ready to have the best diving experience there with the best diving center in Gili Meno? Pack your luggage and book your trip right away.

Labuan Bajo: The Unknown Paradise

When it comes to talking about dive destinations in Indonesia, most of us will mention Raja Ampat (Papua), Bunaken (North Sulawesi) or the tranquil group of islands known as The Gilis (especially the famous Gili Trawangan) in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. However, have you ever heard the name of  Labuan Bajo?

If you have ever heard Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara, so Labuan Bajo, once known as a small fishing town, is actually the most vital points for trips to the famous Komodo Island and Rinca Island, the main home to the giant Komodo dragons.  Near  Labuan Bajo, you can find Seraya Island, an island that offers a great diving and snorkeling opportunity that cannot be missed.

You can reach this place from Denpasar by plane as there are some national airlines that provide daily flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. Alternatively, you can get there by bus or by boat. If you prefer reaching this diving destination by ferry, there are some operators, from private to government-owned operator PELNI (from Makassar or Lombok) There are two ships  that depart for Labuan Bajo every 2 weeks. The best thing is all the tour boats offer the same program of diving, trekking, snorkeling and komodo tour.

For divers, of course you can find some great diving centers in Labuan Bajo. Here are some of them.

• Reesfseekers Dive Center

Dubbed as the most famous diving center in Labuan Bajo. This center offers a lot to divers, from taking you to explore the great dive sites to providing further training to improve your diving skills. There are lots of tempting dive sites that suit your need in Komodo National Park, and of course, they are incredibly wonderful sites. The prices are considered affordable, Rp. 800.000,- for 2 dives. Besides its warm and personalized service, this center also gives lectures on Indonesia’s rich marine life.

• Dive Komodo

Another top diving center in Labuan Bajo that takes you discover the untouched dive sites in Komodo Island. There are various tour packages you can choose, ranging from a single day trip to special packages including 6 to 10 dives as well as a trip to watch the giant Komodo. One or two days is not enough to explore everything!

There is also dive packages that includes accommodation, thanks to the partnership with Puri Sari Resort. The five nights package is the most recommended package as it includes three days of diving, or if you want an extended package, just send them an email. Keep in mind, the more you dive, the cheaper you get. Sounds more than just good, right?

• Bajo Dive Club

This dive center is located in north-west coast of Flores and established in 1991. There are lots of things to do, from taking excursion trips to 50 wonderful dive spots to taking  a dive course with their PADI certified instructors. The prices are still affordable, ranging from Rp. 800.000,- for one dive day to Rp. 3.450.000,- for five days package (10 dives).

There are also packages that include ticket for Komodo National Park and safaris for divers and snorkelers (Komodo National Park ticket is excluded).

Keep in mind that most of the dive sites are located within the borders of the Komodo National Park, which are taken care by an environmental organization since 1995. You can participate in preserving this World Heritage by buying ticket for the Komodo National Park.

The Fascinating Pulisan: What to do there

Eastern part of Indonesia, such as Sulawesi, Papua and so on have been widely known as the real, unspoiled natural beauty of Indonesia. For divers, East Indonesia is somewhat the last paradise on Earth. Bunaken has been dubbed as the jewelry of Indonesia. Its wonderful marine life attracts divers from all over the world. However, if you are between Bunaken and Lembeh Straits, you will find one of the most wonderful paradises for divers (as well as non divers). The heaven is called Pulisan.

If you want to reach Pulisan, you can get there from the capital of North Sulawesi, Manado. From Manado, you can get to Pulisan by car or public transport from Manado’s Paal Dua bus terminal. It takes about 2 hours by car.

Pulisan now becomes one of diving destination besides the bustling Bunaken. The best thing is there is a diving center in Pulisan that really feeds your hunger as divers. Pulisan Jungle Beach Resort has much to offer for both divers and non divers.

This diving center in Pulisan is ready to take you to amazing 40 dive sites around the dive center. Be prepared to be stunned by its most unusual critters, sponges, coral and a variety of feather stars in Lembeh Strait. Under the water of this strait, you will find some enormous shipwrecks from World War II, which have turned into reefs. No wonder Lembeh Strait is the best spot for underwater photography.

In addition to the thrilling water of Lembeh Strait, some rarely visited dive spots are also equally beautiful, like Batu Mandi and Paradise Jetty. You will be happy exploring the beauty of these sites, accompanied by the center’s professional guide. All the sea creatures are there to attract your attention. This dive center also arranges day trips to world famous Bunaken National Park, with its richness in fish species and coral reefs.

Pulisan Jungle Beach Resort has several tour packages you can choose. From Snorkelling The Offshore Islands (the price starts from 24 Euro per night for family bungalows, double room) to Two Volcanoes Tour that takes you to the most active volcanoes in the island: Mt.Lokon and Mt.Mahawu.  In addition to the volcanoes tour, there is also land tour to Tangkoko National Park Jungle Reserve where you can see some exotic species from kuskus, Malkoha Bird and Tarsier spectrum.

For divers, the most exciting package is, of course, a tour to amazing Bunaken Marine Park. It takes two hours on the boat and this center is ready to take you explore the northernmost coast of the Minahasa peninsula. You will stop at three different location suitable for snorkelling despite being known as the best diving spot. The underwater scene is dazzling, as yo can see hanging masses of corals, angelfish, clown fish and lots of unique under sea species. There is a local restaurant that serves lunch before returning to the resort.

The price for dive starts from 10 Euro (for unguided House Reef Dive) to 520 Euro per person for 20 dives. While for snorkeling, the packages include full day snorkeling trip (25 Euro per person) and Half Day Snorkeling Trip for 20 Euro. All are for 4 persons (minimum). The Joint Snorkeling on the dive boat is 10 Euro per person.

As there are lots of activities you can do there, no wonder this place is considered as the best diving center in Pulisan. Discover the hidden beauty of Sulawesi by visiting this enchanting paradise.

Exploring Selayar Island: The Unspoiled BeautyYou Must See

Island, in South Sulawesi, Indonesia is less popular than the neighboring Bunaken for sure, however, Selayar Island is actually dubbed as the hidden paradise for divers. This enchanting island is rich in biodiversity, both marine and on land, as well as crystal clear water. Selayar Island is the gateway to the Takabonerate ( in Bugis local language, it means “coral pile up the sand”) National Sea Park, the world’s third biggest atoll after the Marshall Islands and Maldives. Even many divers say the diving environment is more beautiful than Bunaken. In addition to the colorful underwater, this island has 40 dive spots suitable for both newbie or expert divers.

You can get there by car from the capital Makassar, but it takes about nine hours. Alternatively, there is a direct flight from Makassar to Selayar, operated by SMAC, an air charter. It takes only 45 minutes by plane.

This island is one of the most terrific diving destinations that starts attracting divers from all over the world. Do you want to know some great divings center in  Selayar Island that helps you arranged your dive trips?

Selayar Island Resort

This small and beautiful resort is equipped with professional dive center. The instructors are PADI certified who are ready to provide what divers need, whether they are beginner or professional divers. Moreover, this resort also provides 12 additional dive spots for day-tours to different atoll.

This resort does not only arrange a tour package for divers, but also for those who want to explore the beautiful land of Selayar. There are lots of activities besides diving and snorkeling you can do, from playing beach volleyball to joining sightseeing tour.

On the West and the East Coast, the rate is Rp. 250.000,- per dive. ­The rate of  Rp. 1.000.000,- is  for 1 transport and local boat (Jolor) minimum 4 persons (East Coast). Jolor itself is a local boat made of wooden material and powered by diesel car engine.

The room’s rate varies from 90 Euro per night for Standard Room (double occupancy) to 190 Euro for Suite Room (double occupancy). Breakfast is included. For single occupancy in room, the charge will be 75 percent of rates.

Selayar Dive Resort

This resort has one of the best diving centers in Selayar Islands. The center itself is in the middle of the resort, full with a complete set of diving equipments. The best thing is they have no fixed dive times as they always try to offer the best time for guests then the guide will choose times in accordance with the moon, respectively the tides. It does not take too long to reach the dive sites.

The price of the resort room includes two-boat dives and unlimited house reef diving per day, accommodation, all meals and welcome drink as well as the government fee for the National Park. Rental gear, apart from tanks and weighs are excluded.

Hope you enjoy your diving with these top diving centers in Selayar Island. Keep in mind that you must not harm the undersea creatures while being underwater. Keep the water clean and of couse, the diving centers participate in encaouraging you to appreciate the beauty of the marine life in Selayar waters.

Lembeh Island: The Paradise You Can’t Miss

If you go diving in Bunaken, North Sulawesi, make sure you also visit Lembeh Island. Located in Bitung, the second city in the province after Manado, Lembeh Island is one of the most attractive diving spots which displays untouched underwater beauty, unlike the busy Bunaken. In addition is its marine life, consisting of exotic species such as ­colorful nudibrachs, mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, frog fish, rhinopias, shrimp, blue-ringed octopus and rare pygmy seahorses. Therefore, this island is also a perfect spot for underwater photographers.

To get to this beautiful island, you can fly to Manado first then continue your trip to Bitung by car. From the harbor in Bitung, you can take a boat to get to Lembeh Island. Additional info, there are numerous airline services that provide direct flight to Manado from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

From novices to diving experts, this island has much to offer as there are 30 amazing dive sites. Its colorful fish and coral adds the beauty to this diving spot. That is why you cannot simply forget this perfect paradise.

So, where can you find diving centers in Lembeh Island? Here they are:

• NAD Lembeh Resort

Situated in the beautiful Lembeh Strait, this resort has ten rooms and four bungalows that displays eco-friendly design. The rooms are airconditioned, along with free Wi-Fi Internet access in most areas. Last but not least, hot water is also provided in each room.

NAD has a typically daily schedule, starting from light breakfast at 6.30 AM to several dives to night dives. Besides that, there are various dive packages that include meals, hot drinks and water. You can choose the packages based on your preferred accommodation, whether you choose beachfront room or seaview bungalows. The price is more expensive for packages including seaview bungalows.

NAD Lembeh Resort is the winner of Tripadvisor traveller’s choice 2012.

• Immanuel’s Dive Center Daniel’s Resort

One of the most experienced diving centers in Lembeh Island. The packages here are quite affordable, from 210 Euro (2 nights per 4 dives per person) to 545  Euro (7 nightsper 17 dives per person). The prices also includes accommodation with meals, free coffee, tea and drinking water, minimum 2 divers (double occupancy), single diver (additional 20 Euro from the price) and transport fee ( day time).

If you prefer not taking the package, the price for full fear diver starts from 27 Euro to 80 Euro per person, and for non gear starts from 30 Euro to 85 Euro. The first aid kit and oxygen are provided in all of their boats.

• Two Fish Divers

Another top diving center in Lembeh Island. This center offers personalized service as divers are put in small groups (no more than four guest per guide). You will enjoy the most unforgettable diving experience accompanied by their PADI trained dive guides.  Moreover, the dive center and the resort is right on the beach, making it easier for you to explore the dive sites in Lembeh Strait.

The resort also have a wide range of rooms that suit your budget. So, for backpackers, this resort can an ideal place to rest and enjoy your dives. You can choose the packages including accommodation, from luxury cottage to budget room.

One thing you should keep in mind, do not forget to enjoy underwater photography experience in Lembeh. It is simply unforgettable.