Alam Batu

There are over 30 dive sites that can be reached from each base in the north-east and north-west of the island of Bali. These range in style from the current swept sites off Menjangan island, through to the calm waters of Secret Bay (locally known as Gilimanuk Bay) and the wreck of the Tulamben (USS Liberty).

House Reefs

The Taman Selini has a pleasant shore dive where you may explore the Jakarta University Artificial Reef project. It makes a great little night dive. However, shore dives are booked locally, as the dives off the house reef are limited in scope, so boat packages are preferred.

The house reefs at the Alam Anda and Siddhartha are more extensive, hence house reef dive packs are offered. The reef starts a few metres edge from the shore and the resorts have purpose built entries to ease access.

Snorkelling

In general, snorkellers will not encounter any strong currents when snorkelling from these shore areas. Snorkellers will enjoy the calm conditions and easy entry from the volcanic beach when staying at Taman Selini, but may not enjoy the snorkelling from the shore as much as from a boat, due to the depth of the reef.

Alam Anda and Siddhartha in the north-east, have fine house reefs located a short distance from the beach and are much shallower, so offer the snorkeller more to see.

Dive sites in Bali

Secret Bay (Gilimanuk)

Interest in diving this bay, located on the west coast of Bali, has blossomed over the past few years. The bay offers macro enthusiasts the opportunity to dive with a huge diversity of macro subjects, ranging from seahorses and a variety of ghost pipefish through to dragonet, nudibranchs, mantis shrimp and many more. This mangrove lined bay is 40 minutes drive from the hotels and is an absolute must for keen macro photographers.

Menjangan Island

Located in the Bali Barat National Park, 50 minutes by boat from Pemuteran, Menjangan is one of the best dive locations in Bali. This sizable uninhabited island has 12 recognised dive sites. These range from dramatic sheer sided drop offs to small caves, sandy slopes and a beautiful blue lagoon, which is home to some well camouflaged ghost pipefish. Being located so close to the straits between Bali & Java; deep water pelagic species are regular visitors. During the rainy season there is a good chance that divers will encounter manta rays.

Menjangan provides an excellent contrast to the macro life of Secret Bay as bigger fish like Napoleon wrasse, grouper, greater barracuda and sharks are regularly encountered. Menjangan also boasts its own wreck, a 19th century trading vessel. Although lying between 30m and 46m, the wreck is for experienced divers only.

Gondol Reef

Gondol Reef is a recently discovered and little explored location, which is quickly developing a reputation for the quality of its dive sites and its large pelagic species. The northern end of the reef offers an attractive wall dive whilst the eastern end gently drops in to the blue.

Local Dive Sites

There are a number of excellent dive sites near to the Taman Selini. Two kilometres off shore from these resorts there is a fine reef with excellent coral cover along the slopes. The east side of the reef is particularly beautiful, with numerous shallow caves supporting healthy sponges and providing many hiding places for an interesting range of macro life.

Located just off the beach of the the Taman Selini, Karang Lestari is an award winning artificial reef project supported by the University of Jakarta, which stimulates coral growth on man-made metal structures using low voltage electricity. The process encourages coral to grow at eight times the normal rate and the frames make an excellent nursing ground for juvenile reef fish.

Just beyond Karang Lestari, Kebun Batu or Rock Garden is a pinnacle of coral with a flat top. This is an interesting dive during the day, which offers many macro subjects though comes in to its own at night, when it makes for a superb night dive.

The Liberty Wreck at Tulamben

On the north-east coast of Bali this transport ship, the USS Liberty, was torpedoed in 1942 off Gili Trawangan, Lombok. Whilst trying to make it back to a friendly anchorage at Singaraja, her crew decided to beach her on the Bali coast. The wreck now lies within 10-30metres of the surface and is easily accessible from the shore. Although the wreck is now very degraded by the elements, it is beautifully colonised with marine life. This wreck can be dived when staying at Alam Anda or Siddhartha Resort.

Located on the opposite side of the bay, there is a very good wall dive known as 'The Drop Off'. Formed by three coral covered Lava formations it offers a very good alternative second dive site.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is part of a group of three islands sitting in the middle of the Lombok Channel. Its location makes for strong currents and drift dives in cooler water, but the upside of all this oceanic activity is lush reefs and the chance to spot large marine life. Some of the dive centres further north run seasonal trips here, in particular to dive with the mantas at Manta Point, or to spot the elusive mola molas at Crystal Bay. This last site is suitable for experienced divers only and for the best chance to see mola molas the water needs to be at its coolest - August through to October.

There is a lot for visitors to enjoy in Bali, whether it is trekking in the island's interior, visiting historic temples or witnessing one of the many festivals that are a feature of Balinese life.

Climate

Bali has a tropical climate, with day-time temperatures averaging 30°C (mid-80s°F) throughout the year. The wet season falls between October and March, and humidity can be high during this period.

The dry season, between April to October is the best time to visit, peak season is June to September. The dry season is generally sunnier and less humid. However, downpours can occur at any time.

Water Temperature

Average water temperature is 22–28°C. 5mm suit recommended.

Time

Bali is +8 hours ahead of GMT.

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

The best hard currencies to carry are Euro and US Dollars. It is recommended to change a small amount of IDR before you travel and then change more locally, where you will likely receive a better exchange rate.

Visa and Mastercard are also accepted in all the resorts; some also accept American Express. Card transactions are billed in Rupiah.

You can draw cash in Rupiah from the ATMs at the local banks. Local banking hours may vary; most close early afternoon.

Guests should note that traveller's cheques may not be accepted at resorts.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff may look to guests for personal recognition of particular services offered.

Flight Information

Flights are with Singapore Airlines, via Singapore, into Bali's Denpasar International airport. Singapore offers a Manchester departure (touchdown Munich) - supplement may apply.

Alternative flights with Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, or Thai Airways are also available.

Stopovers can easily be added on to your package in most cases.

Flight duration:

London - Singapore 12 hours and 40 minutes
Singapore - Denpasar 2 hours and 30 minutes

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.