There are over 2,500 species of fish in this neck of the woods, from the small critters right through to mantas, dolphins and whale sharks. Indonesia has some of the best dive sites in the world and many of them are going to stay that way provided it takes some effort to get to them.
For serious divers that are purely going to Indonesia for diving then I really suggest that you make inquires about Sulawesi, which has some remote, unspoilt sites dotted around. Dive shops with all the dive gear and PADI qualified instructors can be found virtually wherever there is good diving. Prices are usually in US dollars but tend to be a little cheaper than western world prices. There?s a couple of websites worth checking out. For dive day trips in Bali visit Scuba Duba Doo Dive Centre and for tours to the more remote islands, the long established Baruna has operations throughout Bali and Lombok and also offers dive cruises from to the islands east of Bali including Komodo and Sumbawa.
For those of you that want to learn how to dive or just give it a go, then make Indonesia your choice ? why learn in the cold NZ water? Brrrrrrrrrr.
Or if you?re just after snorkelling, Bali has some superb spots as does the Gili Islands and the Nusa Islands. Often it?s worth bringing your own gear as the stuff you can rent is sometime low quality ? nothing worse than a mask with a hole in it.
For a run down on the best dive and snorkelling sites, I recommend the Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkelling Bali and Lombok guide.
Most of Bali?s dive spots are around the east and northwest coasts where it?s more sheltered. The most practical way to enjoy a few days of diving is to spend several nights at one of the villages nearby. Candi Dasa, Amed, Lovinaand Menjangan are ideal. There are a good few dive shops in Candi Dasa and day tours can be arranged to all the main dive sites from there. Some of the highlights include the US Naval ship, resting near the shore of Tulamben, which was torpedoed during WWII by the Japanese. Menjangan Island, situated on the north west coast, is a marine reserve and the Menjangan Jungle and Beach Resort is where I'd recommend you stay.
In-between Bali and Lombok, in deep waters, lies three islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan where dozens of dive and snorkelling spots can be found. Either take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan with either the Bounty Cruises or Bali Hai Cruises for more of a fun dive or else book a serious diving day trip with a qualified dive operator. Dive tours can be prebooked before you leave.
The Gilis are a beautiful group of three islands located just off the North West coast of Lombok offering year-round diving and snorkelling for all levels.
With choices of deep dives, midwater drifts and shallow coral-garden exploration, the Gili Islands are a great place for dive variety and abundant sea life.
The Gili Islands are part of a marine reserve where turtles, manta rays, white tipped reef sharks, stonefish and corals can be seen.
The waters are generally calm but can turn cold if the currents churn up the depths between the Lombok and Bali.
Some dive sites can be accessed straight from the shore or for deeper dives, you?d need to speak to one of the dive shops on the islands for prices and information.
No real dive sites to speak of, except for a Japanese shipwreck lying 47 metres underwater on the sandy seabed on the North West coast. It is said to be well worth it for experienced technical divers. According to the Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkelling Bali and Lombok
guidebook, other shipwrecks around this area have been found.
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Bali Hai Aristocat Cruise
