Alam Batu

Overview

Accommodating just 30 guests in its luxury villas and bungalows, this resort is the epitome of quality versus quantity. Its beachfront location provides easy access to a spectacular house reef, which will delight new and experienced divers alike. In under 20 minutes, fast dive boats can whisk you to more exciting dives packed with diversity.  

Accommodation

Beautifully appointed and traditionally-styled villas and bungalows are scattered throughout the resort. Their thatched roofs work harmoniously with the surroundings and look idyllic inside and out. The surrounding gardens create privacy so that you can lounge on your terrace. Bungalows are air-conditioned and en suite with an open shower; double bungalows and one single are available. 

There are two villas with private pools, and these are ideal for friends, family, or those wanting absolute privacy. Villa Ayam I accommodates four guests, and Villa Ayam II accommodates two. Villa Anton is located near the dive centre and offers a more straightforward option for those whose time will be spent mostly underwater.  

Facilities  

With its own dive centre and house reef, the snorkelling and diving here are not to be missed. There are up to 4 boat dives a day, with opportunities for every level of diver. A full range of PADI courses are available; this is a great place to learn to dive. 

The traditional-styled restaurant area also functions as a social area where you can make new friends. Local cuisine, Thai food, and Western meals are served from 8 am until 11 pm, and barbecues and buffets are regularly offered.  

Alam Batu’s poolside spa is delightful; treatments use all-natural raw and local products. Enjoy massage, facials, peels, and wraps. 

Bali has a wealth of culture, tradition, and jaw-dropping scenery, which is easy to access from this resort's location. Enjoy a jeep excursion, trek, raft, or rent a motorbike or bicycle and immerse yourself.  

Location

Alam Batu lies in the relatively undeveloped northeastern corner of Bali. The journey can take up to 3 hours from Bali's Denpasar Airport by road.  

Dive info

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.

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 northeast 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 know 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.

Dive prices

Diving is available onsite, from all the resorts featured in Bali.

Siddhartha Resort & Spa is situated in the north-east of Bali and has an easy access house reef, and near Tulamben's Liberty Wreck.

Alam Batu is close by to Siddhartha. With its own superb house reef, access to local sites by boat and car, along with a well-equipped camera room, it's an ideal dive resort for any diver.

Alam Anda Resort & Spa is also situated in north-east Bali, with an extensive house reef and access to local sites by boat and car.

Naya Gawana Resort & Spa is in north-west Bali, close to the Menjangan marine park, for everything from macro to reef sharks. 

Karang Divers facilitate diving at the Teluk Karang Resort, in the north-east of Bali. They pride themselves on a stunning house reef and providing an intimate experience. 

SIDDHARTHA DIVE CENTRE

This SSI dive centre offers a high level of service and is ideally located on the seafront with direct access to its house reef with a dedicated entry point to overcome the volcanic terrain. Boat and shore dives depart to a good range of local sites in the morning and the afternoon, including Tulamben’s Liberty Wreck and Seraya Reef. Additional trips to further flung dive sites by boat and land are available to book on the spot, according to numbers and local conditions, including Padangbai and Nusa Penida.  

Options available at Alam Anda include six and ten dive packages. A 10-dive package typically costs £260, excluding marine park fees. 

A range of equipment and 15L tanks are available for hire locally, nitrox is available at supplement cost. A variety of SSI diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

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ALAM BATU DIVE CENTRE

The on site dive centre at Alum Batu is ideally located to allow you to explore the 800m-long house reef. Plus, in under 20 minutes, many more dive sites are waiting to be explored. Watch for dolphins and whales as you transfer to sites looking for everything from sharks to harlequin shrimps. The sites in Tulamben are accessible in 15 minutes by boat, which means you can dive the wreck of The Liberty and other notable sites in the area. The centre offers night diving and fluro night diving. The special lights and mask filters allow you to see those creatures that glow at night. This is a superbly different experience. 

The dive centre can offer up to four different boat dives daily, allowing you to explore this region's rich diversity, as well as unlimited access to the house reef. Dive packages are available as 1-10+ house reef dives, or 5–10 days unlimited, unguided house reef diving with a local supplement cost for boat dives. A pack of 10 house reef dives is typically £270, excluding marine park fees. 

The dive centre is fully equipped with everything you need and enough room for your kit. If you’re participating in a PADI course, you’ll appreciate a dedicated classroom. Photographers have access to the well-designed camera room, nitrox is complementary for qualified divers and equipment hire is available at supplement cost. 

Alam Anda dive centre

The dive base is an SSI instructed centre offering a high level of service. The centre is located directly on the beach, giving direct access to their wonderful house reef. Boats depart in the morning and the afternoon to a great range of dive sites including Coral Strais, Angel's Canyon and Tembok. Additional trips to further flung dive sites by boat and land may be available to book on the spot, according to numbers and local conditions, including Tulamben’s Liberty Wreck, Amed, and Kubu. 

Dive package options available at Alam Anda include 6, 8, 10 and 20 dive packages, all of which include two guided boat/shore dives per day. There's also the option to book five days unlimited, unguided house reef diving package. For a 10-dive package the cost is typically £310, excluding marine park fees.  

A range of equipment and 15L tanks are available for hire locally, and nitrox is complementary for certified divers. A variety of SSI diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details. 

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EXTRA DIVERS NAYA GAWANA RESORT & SPA 

Extras Divers run the dive centre at Naya Gawana Resort & Spa in north-western Bali. Daily boat diving is offered to around 30 local dive sites, including Menjangan Island and Secret Bay. Diving is usually conducted from local boats, with dive sites just five to 50 minutes from the resort. Two tank morning dives are offered, along with two tank afternoon dives on demand. Early morning and night dives can also be arranged locally, in addition to diving from the resort jetty.  

Options available at Extra Divers Naya Gawana Divers include 6 or 10 guided boat dives, with 2 dives per day, with supplement cost for certain dive sites. A 10-dive package typically cost £280, excluding marine park fees.  

A range of equipment and 15L tanks are available for hire locally, nitrox is available at supplement cost. A variety of SSI diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details. 

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KARANG DIVERS

Sitting on the sea front of the Teluk Karang Resort & Spa, Karang Divers is a small dive base run by a German and Balinese team. This SSI dive centre has built a reputation as an exceptionally small, friendly and professional dive service provider. Its pretty house reef offers the ultimate in flexible diving, now a marine protected area it's a haven for corals, reef fish, and macro life. Local dive sites are accessed by Zodiac, a rare vessel in these waters. A range of superb sites reached further away by boat and car, including Menjangan Islands, Kubu, and the Liberty wreck. 

Options available at Karang Divers include 1-7 house reef dive packages, with supplement cost for boat and car dives. Five house reef dives typically cost £130, excluding marine park fees. 

A range of equipment and 15L tanks are available for hire locally, and nitrox is complementary for certified divers. A variety of SSI diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details. 

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Resort info

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. Thie 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). Approximate rates:
£1 = 18,931 IDR
€1 = 16,750 IDR
$1 = 13,653 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. You can draw up to Rp 3,000,000 on a Visa or Mastercard inside the banks (you must present your passport with your credit card). Local banking hours may vary; most close early afternoon.

Guests should note that travellers cheques may not be accepted at resorts. Alam Anda Ocean Front Resort & Spa and Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa do not accept travellers cheques.

More information re. accepted payment methods are given with the destination information when you confirm your booking.

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.

Travel info

Flight Information

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

Alternative flights with Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Garuda Airlines 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

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to Bali should have minimum six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK, plus one full page free. Hotel receptions may be required to take a photocopy of your passport for registration purposes.

British nationals travelling to Indonesia can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days at certain airports' Immigration Check Points: Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta ( CGK ), Ngurah Rai - Bali (DPS), Kualanamu, Medan (KNO), Juanda - Surabaya (SUB), Hang Nadim - Batam (BTH).

You won’t be able to extend your stay beyond 30 days if you enter under this visa waiver scheme. Entry via Manado and certain other entry points is still subject to a visa on arrival at a cost of $35 (30 day visa) and $15 (7 day visa). Please note that visitors must purchase a visa if their ultimate destination is not one of those listed above e.g. guests going to Manado.

For further information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London or your nearest Indonesian embassy.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Bali, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic. Advice on Malaria should be sought if travelling to more certain parts of Indonesia.

There are plenty of chemists and dentists in Bali and there is recompression chamber in Denpasar Sanglah General Hospital.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

Prices

The price panel above provides an indication of a lead-in price for your holiday, based on the cheapest time to travel. Prices shown are per person, and based on two persons sharing. 

As flight prices vary from day to day, Regaldive will prepare a quotation for you based on current flight prices available. This ensures that you receive the most competitive price for your chosen travel dates. Flights from regional UK airports may be available, depending on your destination and date of travel.

Please call 01353 659999 or e-mail Regaldive, using the link below, for a quotation.

Our Price Promise

At Regaldive we are committed to offering you the best possible value for money on all our diving holidays. That's why we offer you a price match promise. Learn more about our promise to you.

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