Island Dive Retreat

Exploring Bali’s Depths from Nusa Lembongan to Tulamben

On the following break, we ventured to Bali with friends, residing in Sanur and diving with AquaMarine. Though the journey to Padangbai was lengthy, the dive outfit proved excellent. The video garnered popularity, showcasing our exploration of Nusa Penida, Bali’s coastline, and concluding with a long drive to Tulamben for the USAT Liberty dive.

Discovering Blue Lagoon, Nusa Penida’s Mola Mola Magic, and Bali’s Hidden Underwater Gems

Day One: Dive into the Rich Underwater Tapestry of Bali

Our four-day dive adventure with Aquamarine Diving kicked off with a plunge into the vibrant underwater world of Bali. Blue Lagoon and Jepun, our first dive sites, greeted us with unique marine landscapes that left us in awe. The kaleidoscope of colors, teeming marine life, and the dance of coral formations set the tone for an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.

Day Two: The Mola Mola Special – Pursuit of the Sun Fish

Day two elevated the excitement to new heights with the much-anticipated Mola Mola Special. Our destination: Nusa Penida, a haven for stunning dive sites. Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and SD (Sekolah Dasar) beckoned us with promises of encounters with the elusive Sun Fish, and to our delight, we were treated to the incredible sight of majestic Manta rays at Manta Point. The thrill of pursuing these mysterious creatures added a sense of adventure and mystery to our dives. Crystal Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, provided a breathtaking backdrop for our quest.

Despite our efforts and the thrill of the search, the elusive Mola Mola remained a mystery, and we never did find one during our unforgettable dive adventure.

Days Three and Four: A Comprehensive Dive Odyssey

The underwater spectacle continued on Days Three and Four. Our exploration led us to Gili Biaha, Gili Tepekong, Turtle Neck, USAT Liberty, and the Tulamben Drop-off. Our dive adventure seamlessly unfolded as our hotel pickups in Sanur transported us to Padangbai on day three and Tulamben on day four. This comprehensive exploration allowed us to witness the diverse underwater landscapes Bali has to offer.

Day Three Highlights: Gili Biaha, Gili Tepekong, and More

Dive day three submerged us in the wonders of Gili Biaha and Gili Tepekong, where the ocean floor revealed intricate coral formations, vibrant underwater ballets, and awe-inspiring deep drop-offs. As we explored the underwater landscape, we discovered shark caves that added a thrilling edge to our adventure. Turtle Neck, appropriately named, brought us face to face with gentle sea turtles, creating unforgettable moments amidst the amazing coral formations and the clear, blue depths.

Gili Biaha and Gili Tepekong beckon for further exploration, enticing us with their underwater mysteries and uncharted wonders.

Day Four Highlights: USAT Liberty and the Tulamben Drop-off

Day four took us to the historic USAT Liberty wreck, a haven for marine life and a living testament to Bali’s rich diving history. The Tulamben Drop-off showcased the dramatic underwater topography, featuring stunning walls and vibrant coral gardens that captivated our senses.

Based on my experience living in Indonesia and making multiple visits to Bali and its surrounding islands, my advice is to explore the best dive sites off Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Opting for both diving and accommodation on these islands tends to be more economical compared to mainland Bali. Additionally, staying on the islands saves valuable travel time, offering a more convenient and immersive diving experience.

Aquamarine proved to be an excellent dive outfit, and I would happily recommend their customer service and dive guides. The professionalism and expertise of the team contributed to a fantastic diving experience.