Indonesia's most popular place to learn to scuba dive
Kris Mikael Krister
In north-west Lombok, the Indonesian island to the east of Bali, are three idyllic islands known collectively as the Gili Islands.
These small islands, as well as being beautiful above water, also offer a visual feast below the waves, with plenty of turtles & other great marine animals.
The islands, which have no cars and a very relaxed way of life, have become the most popular spot in Indonesia to learn to dive.
Highlights
Best diving spots
The islands, which have no cars and a very relaxed way of life, have become the most popular spot in Indonesia to learn to dive. The majority of dives are done as drift dives, as currents can be quite strong, with excellent diving at Shark Point, Deep Turbo & Air Wall.
There are also calm, sandy areas that are good for training. The area is blessed with healthy numbers of Green & Hawksbill Turtles, plus Blacktip & Whitetip Reef Sharks. Late in the year, Manta Rays pay a visit and Eagle Rays can sometimes be seen too.
On the downside, some areas have suffered some coral damage, but local dive operators have helped to raise awareness of damaging practices and have set-up great initiatives to encourage coral growth.
The Gilis also have some interesting macro life. Nudibranches, Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish & Seahorses can be found on Hans Reef on Gili Air. There is also a Japanese WWII wreck, but due to its depth it is off-limits to most divers.
When to dive
Lombok and the Gili Islands can be dived year-round. As with Bali to the west, the best season tends to coincide with the dry season from April through to October each year.
Getting there
It is possible to fly directly to Lombok Island, with an easy transfer to resorts on the main island. A short boat ride is required in order to reach the Gili Islands.
Many also choose to arrive through Bali, with fast boat transfers and ferry options from Padang Bai on Bali's east coast.
Activities
Gili Trawangan in particular is a fun little island, with a lovely beach and some bars and restaurants to enjoy. The other Gili Islands are much quieter.
On Lombok Island itself, there is beautiful scenery, which is dominated by the mighty Mount Rinjani. Trekking is a popular activity, as is exploring the island and some of its villages.
Resort and liveaboard options
There are accommodation options in the Gili Islands, with plenty of choice, including budget options on Gili Trawangan. Gili Air and Gili Meno offer a quieter, more refined experience.
It is also possible to stay at a hotel in the Sengiggi Beach area on Lombok's north-west coast and dive from here.
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Bali
Possibly Indonesia's most well known tourist destination, the diving in Bali is also excellent.
Many divers head to Tulamben on Bali's eastern coast, home of the USS Liberty wreck.
To the south of Bali lie the islands of Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan, where Manta Rays and Mola Mola can be seen in season.
Redang
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just a little south from the Perhenthians, is Palau Redang.
This island is a relatively recent entrant on the dive map and is proving to be an increasingly popular destination, with healthy corals and abundant marine life, including Turtles, Sharks & Rays.
The diving is generally easy, while the island's lovely beaches & quiet ambience ensure a very relaxing stay.
Similan & Surin Islands
The Similan Islands in Thailand are the country's most famous diving destination, offering great visibility, stunning corals and prolific marine life.
Accessed primarily by liveaboard, the Similan Islands are in a strictly controlled marine park and are considered by many to be the crown jewels of Thailand’s diving. As well as the diving, they also offer picture perfect beaches and unspoilt habitats.
Subic Bay
Subic Bay is all about wreck diving. This area of Luzon has a rich maritime history and was a key harbour in WWII, resulting in excellent diving options for wreck afficanados.
The wrecks of Subic Bay are not the only option for divers on the island of Luzon however. Others may also wish to explore Nasugbu to the south, or La Union to the north.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang, just south of Vietnam’s most easterly point, is the country’s main diving mecca & its most popular tourist spot.
Just off the coast of this bustling tourist destination is the Hon Mun Marine Park, a beautiful group of islands with very good diving, especially for fans of smaller life.
Nha Trang is the most popular spot in Vietnam to learn to dive.
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