Diving Bali
Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan | Indonesia

DESTINATION OVERVIEW | Bali's best known dive sites run along the island's east coast. Although these attract the majority of divers who come to the island, opposite the small town and harbour at Padang Bai are three offshore islands, which are also surrounded by a range of exciting dives.

Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan islands sit in the middle of the deep water Lombok Channel and because of their location, the sites around these offshore islands can be some of the most exhilarating and challenging in Balinese waters. Currents rush down the Lombok Channel and hit Nusa Penida's northern tip, splitting along the coastal reefs. Many of the dives are lively drifts although at times it can be mill-pond calm – it all depends on the time and tides.

The most famous sites in this area are known for their resident mola-mola (oceanic sunfish) and manta ray populations but it should be noted that seeing these animals is seasonal. At other times of year there are pretty walls and sloping reefs with good coral coverage and lots fish life.

Nusa Penida
scuba diving features

PROS AND CONS | Bali is such a lovely place, it's hard to think of any serious cons, a very personal opinion, but there you are. Parts of the south of the island have become commercial and busy, which some people may not like. If that's the case, then staying on the east coast is a good option or if you want a get-away-from-it-all feel, consider staying on Lembongan to make the most of the dive sites in that area. Always bear in mind that Bali is a big island – with dive sites in several locations – so plan your trip to take advantage of that. Cross island journeys are the perfect opportunity to see the island and it's culture.

SCUBA DIVING | Although you might dive around Nusa Penida on days when there is little or no current, chances are that you will get some lively water movement at least once. These dives can be amazing especially if you are lucky enough to encounter the mantas or mola-mola, which sadly, we haven't in this area. The seasons for these animals are short though (usually August – October) and the dive sites can get crowded when they are about.

OPINION | Bali has always been a very special place for us. We've spent many months there while trekking around the globe, returned for our honeymoon and many times since. There are so many good things about the Bali and Balinese – nothing that ever happens seems to dampen the spirit and personality of the people.

INDONESIA | Explore other diving destinations in Indonesia

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DIVING NEWS | read Tamsyn Brownie's report on Bali's dive photography

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