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Jim & Cary Yanny’s Guide to Diving in Indonesia
Part 3: Bali
Paddy fields – yes. Padi divers – really?
We’ve all heard of Bali. That’s the island full of temples, rice terraces and Aussie surfers. But take a pin and a map of the world and try to locate Bali and that’s where most people start to struggle. Well, the clue to its location is the fact that Bali is this month’s featured destination.
OK, so it’s in Indonesia. That in itself may still come as a surprise to you, but even though we’ve established that, the task of finding it amongst the world’s largest archipelago doesn’t get easier. Bali may well be a big name for British tourists but in the scheme of 17,000 islands spread over an ocean the size of the USA, it’s a needle in a haystack. This hundred-mile-long island with a population of over four million people is pretty tiny when you look at things on the Indonesian scale. Hey, everything’s relative and Indonesia is huge.
Serene beauty and abstract geometries in central Bali’s paddy fields
Having dreamt of visiting Bali since childhood, when we moved to live in Indonesia it was naturally our top choice when it came to our first work break and it was with great excitement that we jumped on the Lion Air flight for the short hop from our home in Manado. And Bali didn’t disappoint.
Well, actually, that’s not strictly true. To explain, on our first day we took a tour of the island and were driven past volcanoes, forests, rivers and cute villages. What’s not to like about that, I hear you ask? Well, nothing, of course, except that it looked an awful lot like our new home back in Manado! So at this point we’re thinking, “why all the hype, Bali?”
Well, patience is a virtue and the more we saw of Bali, the more we started to understand its draw. The main things that grab you are the incredible attention to detail and patience of the unique Hindu-Buddhist-blend Balinese culture and the gentleness of their society that’s so ingrained that it takes you over and changes your whole outlook on the world. We’re aware that this probably sounds corny, but it’s true. The Balinese manage to do so because it’s not some tourist trap – they live their lives by this code and so charm and capture us. It’s what makes Bali such a magical place and why it’s known as “The Island of the Gods”, an apt strapline if ever there was one.
On the many visits we made to Bali over our twelve years in Indonesia we purchased beautiful crafts, ate incredible food, were pampered like royalty in its spas, drank sundowners to mellow Buddha Bar beats on surf beaches and ‘zenned-out’ watching ducks waddle amongst rice paddies under pouring, warm rain.
That’s nice, Jim, I hear you say, but what’s any of that got to do with diving? Fair question. Well, here’s the thing… as if Bali doesn’t already offer enough to get you running for a plane, it has one more BIG secret up its sleeve. Bali’s actually a pretty cool place to go for a dive! Oops, sorry, when we say pretty cool we really mean fantastic. Yep, those gods have only gone and blessed this ‘little’ island with great diving too. What’s more, the delights it offers the diver are incredibly varied. Come on! Now that’s just greedy.
Bali’s best-known dive, the wreck of the SS USAT Liberty is located at Tulamben on the North East corner of the island, about two hours’ drive from the capital, Denpasar. Here one can literally walk off the beach onto an incredibly photogenic WWI wreck sitting between 4m and 30m and covered in coral and teeming with fish life, including a resident huge school of swirling jacks, making it just the perfect spot for divers and snorkellers alike. So much so that a (tiny) resort town of Tulamben has sprung up purely to cater to divers. Either side of the Liberty wreck are little wall and ‘muck’ dives offering coral and critters to keep you busy for a good couple of days, and just half an hour’s drive from Tulamben is the little town of Amed, a lesser-known spot but offering excellent critter dives.
In the North West corner of Bali, about four hours’ drive from Denpasar and with views across to the awesome volcanoes of East Java, is Menjangan Island, a National Park with stunning coral walls and diverse marine life. Turtles come up onto deserted Menjangan Island to nest and can often be spotted perched on the vertical coral walls. A pretty little resort town, Pemuteran is where most divers stay when diving Menjangan National Park. Day trips are also available from Pemuteran to Secret Bay, Bali’s best muck/critter site.
So, a world-class wreck, critters and reefs. That’s it? Nope!
Just off Bali’s South East corner are Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan Islands, famous for being arguably the best place on earth to site a Mola mola (sun fish). Large manta rays can also be regularly seen on dives at Crystal Bay, in the channel between these two islands. The Mola mola are seasonal, usually between July and September, but the manta are spotted year-round.* Spend a couple of nights at one of the lovely resorts in Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan to enjoy its white sand beach and a glorious sunset. Alternatively if you want to remain on the main island of Bali, you can take a diving day-trip across to these islands from Sanur Harbour. It’s a forty minute boat ride.
So there it is, Bali, the Island of Gods. Enjoy some wonderful days of diving while your other half relaxes by the pool, on the beach or in the spa, then top if off with either a scenic stay amongst Ubud’s artisan community in the middle of the island close to the Agung River Gorge, or if you’re still feeling energetic after all that diving head for the South coast’s surf beaches and thumping nightlife.
This is a destination that seems to have been tailor-made to cater for serious divers who want to do more than dive on their holiday. It could just be the uniquely perfect holiday choice for diver/non-diver couples. If that’s you, then head for Bali and you can finally remove the word ‘compromise’ from your vocabulary!
Bali offers a huge choice of accommodation. There are many flights from the UK to Denpasar via various cities e.g. Singapore, Dubai, Doha and Hong Kong. Bali is a year-round destination, always warm and humid, although it can rain at any time of year. (Tulamben in the North East receives much less rainfall and is subsequently more arid than the rest of the island.) It’s easy to combine a stay on Bali with a week or longer in another part of Indonesia, for example a resort stay in either North Sulawesi (Manado/Bunaken/Lembeh), Raja Ampat or a liveaboard in Komodo National Park.
* Dives around Nusa Penida/Nusa Lembongan are often deeper and there can be strong currents, so divers are required to have a higher experience level.
For more information, visit www.diversetravel.co.uk/destinations/Indonesia.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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