Amed is a snorkeling paradise on the east coast of Bali. Amed - paradise for snorkelers, east coast of Bali When to go to Bali
Indonesia is quite an expensive destination for travelers and adventurers, but it's worth it. Only about 15 hours of flight and you are in a fairy tale. We have prepared an overview of the 9 most best islands Indonesia. Choose any of them and go to meet bright events, because here you can perfectly combine both a luxurious beach holiday and active entertainment, hikes and excursions, observations of flora and hiking. Don't worry about the visa, they are issued to tourists from Russia, or rather put in the passport right at the control at the airport.
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If you have already been to the island of Bali, then you must have heard the legend that this island was originally created by the gods for their own needs and entertainment, and a little later, being generous or spending a lot on its maintenance, they condescended and decided to open it for mere mortals . There is nothing surprising in the fact that travelers have to pay an impressive "tax" for the opportunity to spend an unforgettable vacation here.
locals For a long time, no attention has been paid to the strange disposition and behavior of outrageous tourists. The Balinese greet everyone without exception with a warm smile. If you are looking for nightlife and dancing until the morning, then you are in Kuta. If you prefer luxury vacation and first-class service, then welcome to Nusa Dua. If your children went with you for new emotions, then give preference to Jimbaran.
When to go to Bali
Since there are only two seasons in Bali - rainy and dry, we recommend planning a vacation in the most comfortable of them, namely from April to September. Although even those who arrive from October to March cannot hide their delight. Keep in mind that southern beaches during the rainy season they cannot boast of their cleanliness, as the current brings a lot of plastic "surprises" to the coast. Of course, the north and west cannot boast of white sand, here it is mostly black, but if you wish, there are exceptions. You just need to search.
What to do in Bali
The most popular activities on the island are, of course, surfing, diving and rafting. Surf fans prefer the south and east of the island. Here you can rent equipment and get training. In addition, if this is your only purpose of travel, then I recommend purchasing the Accommodation + Surfing package. So you can save money on your hobby. For diving, connoisseurs go to the east of the island and to the west, to national park Barat. The reefs there are simply breathtaking.
Rafting fans will not miss the opportunity and will not deny themselves the pleasure of rafting down the Ayung River and Telaga Vaja. For such adventures, of course, it is better to fly during the rainy season. “Yohoho” and “Why did I need all this? I would rather sit at home ”- you are guaranteed. Also here you can meet people who are keen on kite and windsurfing, especially in the resort of Sanur. Do not deny yourself the pleasure, take part in a bicycle tour, fishing, kayaking, walking under water and elephant riding. Fans of something like that can safely be advised to descend into canyons, climb volcanoes and organized walks in caves.
As you understand, Bali is really unique island where dreams come true.
INAYA Putri Bali
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Lombok seems to be specially created for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the world of peace and quiet, to be far from civilization. It beckons with the splendor of lakes and waterfalls. Here you will feel the harmony that is so lacking in everyday life with eternal worries and anxieties.
Once in Lombok, one cannot help but admire the beauty of the tropical island. Endlessly stretching beaches, gentle White sand, shady palms and majestic mountains help to restore mental balance. Rest in this place will be the dream of everyone who loves to spend time alone with nature. Near Lombok there are many small coral islands, most of which are uninhabited.
When to go to Lombok
The best time to visit Lombok is May-September. The weather at this time will be conducive to relaxation. There is no need to worry about the fact that due to heavy rains you will not be able to go to the mountains or soak up the beach. Naturally, there are weather "surprises", but extremely rarely. When planning your trip, you should take into account that in different parts of the island the temperature and humidity levels can vary significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on weather the region where you will be.
Things to do in Lombok
For those who are not used to idle time, Lombok will appeal to you. Don't limit yourself to charms. beach holiday. The island is so original, amazing and not yet very "trampled" by tourists, which is of great interest to most visitors.
During the tourist season (from May to October), one of the most high volcanoes Indonesia - Rinjani. Adventure is not for everyone: it will take at least a whole day to conquer the summit. For tourists, trekking trips are organized everywhere, participation in which takes place under the guidance of a guide. You can use the services of a helpful porter. Climbing the mountain is worth the time and money spent. From the top there are breathtaking views. And when else will you have the opportunity to look into the real crater of the volcano?
Narmada Water Park is a place for seekers of the elixir of life. The water element is presented here in different forms: clean lakes, fountains and a pool will give new strength. Life-giving streams roll down from high mountain filling and renewing natural reservoirs. The Fountain of Youth is known for its healing properties. Washing under its jets, you should not worry about the condition of the skin of the face. Skilled textile workers still live in the village of Sukarare. Looking at their products is a real pleasure. Here you can watch how textile fabrics of incredible beauty are created by hand in stages.
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Gili Meno Island
This inconspicuous island is located near Lombok and Bali. Silence is everywhere on Gili Meno. Therefore, this is not a place for lovers of fun. But the calm measured atmosphere of the island will be appreciated by the newlyweds, the elderly and those who are bored with the hectic city life.
When to go to Gili Meno
To fully enjoy a beach holiday on Gili Meno, it is better to travel from May to October. From November it starts to rain, and sometimes there are already showers.
With high humidity, the heat begins to be tolerated by tourists much harder. But it should be noted that the “wet season” is not an obstacle for tourists. Most of the precipitation falls during the winter months. The rest of the time it rains intermittently. If suddenly it starts to drip from the sky, then the pool will become your best friend at any time.
Things to do on Gili Meno
This island amazes with "doing nothing". Everything that can somehow diversify a beach holiday is missing here. Therefore, one must prepare either to contemplate the serene expanse of water all day long and enjoy the local views, or to lie in a hotel. The only "entertainment" available is cycling and horseback riding. At times, boredom is hidden by gatherings in local cafes: they offer impressive views of the blue waves and the passing boats. In general, the rest on Gili Meno will be quiet and serene. It will bring harmony and allow you to feel like a part of nature untouched by man.
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Gili Trawangan Island
Gili Trawangan is the exact opposite of Gili Meno. Trawangan has a large length, it is the busiest. Endless cafes stretch along the embankment. This island does not give the impression of detachment from everything earthly. It is noisy here and there are currently many buildings under construction that spoil the whole "picture". But if you move away from the beach a few meters closer to the center of the island, you can find quite a lot of housing where wild screams and other people's laughter are not heard.
When to go to Gili Trawangan
Then same, when and on Gili Meno. These tropical Indonesian islands are located next door. Consequently, the weather conditions on them are not particularly different. The period from May to October is the "golden time" for visiting the island.
Things to do on Gili Trawangan
There are relatively few activities on Gili Trawangan, although this is not an island for solitude. Transport here is completely absent, which indescribably pleases many tourists. Bicycles and horses are used for transportation. Trawangan is a great place for snorkeling. In order to prevent snorkeling from becoming a usual viewing of the inhabitants of the sea, it is necessary to study in advance the types of local marine inhabitants. Then snorkeling is much more interesting, especially for beginners. For those who like gatherings by the sea, there are cafes where you can notably “dine”. You can relax and dream at sunset, each of which on Gili Trawangan stuns with its inimitable splendor. To capture a sunset that you will never see again in your life, do not forget your camera.
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The Mentawai Islands are wild and undeveloped. The locals were isolated from the rest of the world's population until the 19th century. As many as 70 small islands are still not particularly visited by tourists. Life on the Mentawai flows measuredly. There are neither youth parties here, nor the usual restaurants and fashionable hotels that can be found in every popular resort. The beauty of the Mentawai Islands lies in their isolation. Getting to them is not easy, but believe me, the journey is worth it. Once on the Mentawai, the same childhood dream comes true, when you wanted to become Robinson Crusoe even for a day. Anyone who ate the famous heavenly chocolate, on the wrapper of which there were palm trees and blue waves, obviously wanted to visit this “fairy tale” sometime.
When to go to the Mentawai Islands
To visit the islands, it is better to choose the time from May to June or from September to October. During these periods, the climate is most favorable for recreation. The weather is relatively constant. The rest of the time, some troubles are not ruled out, which can significantly affect the perception of the beauty of the Mentawai Islands.
Things to do in the Mentawai Islands
Surfers from many countries love to come to the islands. After all, here are the best conditions for surfing. Almost all thematic videos are filmed here. The waves in the Mentawai Islands are the most suitable for both professionals and beginners. Plus, there is a high probability that no one will interfere with conquering water heights. An ordinary walk around the island will seem fascinating. After all, there are many amazing animals and hitherto unseen plants. Diving and diving will not interfere with rest: fish are perfectly visible in clear water. And fishing will bring pleasure even from the very process of fishing, not to mention prey. Sitting with a fishing rod in the middle blue sea and look at the horizon line going into the distance, every avid fisherman will like it. The Mentawai Islands are still inhabited by tribes. They are definitely worth looking at. It's not every day that you meet people who are far from civilization. Their way of life and customs will surprise any sophisticated traveler.
Going to the group of Indonesian islands, do not forget to take care of mosquito repellents. It is better to take mosquito nets and protective sprays or creams with you. In order for the trip to go smoothly and without trouble, it is better not to rely on "maybe".
Flores Island
The flower name of the island was due to the Portuguese in the 16th century. There are almost as many flowers in Flores as in other nearby tropical regions. The island develops only thanks to tourism. Indigenous people engaged in agriculture and crafts.
When to go to Flores
You should not plan a vacation from November to March inclusive (rainy season). The rest of the time is perfect for holidays.
Things to do in Flores
There are several villages where local artisans live. They make quality fabrics. Eat in Flores beautiful waterfalls which are admired by almost all tourists. In the Kelimutu National Park there is a lake that is colored in different colors thanks to the mineral salts released from the volcano. Whale catching has not yet been banned on the island. So you can hunt like ancient people.
Nusa Lembongan Island
It is located near Bali, half an hour away by boat. Nusa Lembongan is different from its well-known neighbor. The water is emerald, not sky-colored. There are two large beaches on this piece of land. There are also small ones that are the least visited.
When to go to Nusa Lembongan
The most suitable season is from April to the end of September. Like all Indonesian islands, Nusa Lembongan is dominated by two seasons. "Non-touristic" is characterized by a large amount of precipitation.
Things to do on Nusa Lembongan
The best pastime is surfing, diving and snorkeling. The beaches of the island are within relative reach. Therefore, on foot you can walk from one place of rest to another. The beaches have their own characteristics, which are worth a look to get the full impression of this tropical island.
12 minutes walk from Yungut Batu Beach
They have always been in the top among tourists who come to rest in Bali. And snorkeling is no exception. Few of the visitors refuse the opportunity to immerse themselves in undersea world and explore it from the inside when it is at hand.
What is snorkeling
Snorkeling is a special type of diving under water to a depth of no more than 5-10 meters, in which oxygen is supplied to a person using a breathing tube. For comfortable swimming, the diver puts on additional equipment during the process: a mask and fins. The first allows him to carefully consider all the beauty of the underwater flora and fauna when diving, the second - to develop speed and save some energy during long swims.
Almost the entire coast of Bali is ideal for snorkelers. Here, this type of entertainment does not even require any special training or long-term training, snorkeling on the island is a pleasure! However, when planning this leisure time, do not forget about the elementary safety rules:
- take out travel insurance;
- always tell the place of the chosen location to other people;
- choose the right place for snorkeling in Bali;
- and realistically evaluate the capabilities of your body, the features of the oceanic snorkeling site, as well as the possible dangers from sharp reefs or dangerous fish and other underwater animals living in the chosen place.
It is best to go to the chosen location together with an experienced partner or with a professional instructor who, on occasion, can easily and quickly, without panic, eliminate any possible danger. Remember, each location can be fraught with a lot of surprises: strong water currents, sudden low tides, depth differences and uneven bottoms. And it would be better to study it together with the person who knows about all these nuances.
Bali is a paradise for underwater explorers. This Indonesian island is part of the so-called "coral triangle", which covers 5.7 million square kilometers ocean waters, which opens up great opportunities for lovers of the underwater world. We present to your attention a list of the best places for snorkeling with a detailed description of them, most of which are wildly popular with visitors.
Tulamben beach
This is well known. Many tourists specially come here to go down under the water and see in detail the local underwater attractions - the coral garden and the sunken cargo ship "Liberty".
The coral garden is a magnificent combination of original rocky reefs, soft and hard corals, and artificial structures. It originates almost from the very shore of the beach. Here you can find clown fish, box fish, shrimp, squid, barracuda and octopus. In total, about 400 species of reef fish and about 100 species of large pelagic fish live in the garden.
The wreck of the Liberty is the wreckage of an American ship that unsuccessfully tried to pass through the Lombok Strait during the Second World War. Today, the ship looks like an artificial reef, surrounded on all sides by magnificent corals. It is located near the shore and is submerged in water shallowly, to a depth of about 30 meters. In the dry season, when the water becomes crystal clear, it can even be seen from the surface without plunging into the water. To be honest, this military boat is nothing special, but against the backdrop of corals, it looks very unusual.
There are many ways to get to Tulamben Beach: from anywhere in Bali. Or by using one of the regular flights of the Perama Tour bus carrier from Densapar or Kuta airport and resorts: Chandidasa, Sanur, Padang Bai or Tirta Gangi. It is better to clarify the schedule and cost of the move, in order to avoid misunderstandings, on the official website of the specified carrier.
These wonderful places are a chain of three islands: Lembongan, Cheningan, Penida. The first island can be reached by boat from the port of Sinur, the second one can be reached by bike or walk along the suspension bridge from Lembongan, the third one can be crossed by ferry from the port of Padang Bai or by slow speedboat from the port of Sanur.
Nusa Penida is the only place in Bali where you can swim with manta rays in the upper water layers - rays with fins-wings, the span of which reaches 7 meters and twisted horns. These amazing creatures of nature, also called "sea devils", often emerge in this place from the depths, almost to the very surface of the water, showing great curiosity for people and allowing divers to swim next to them. However, when you meet them, do not try to touch these creatures with your hands: they are not dangerous, but they can still be frightened by such body movements in their direction. And then snorkeling will be completely different.
The coastline of Nusa Cheningan also hides a lot of interesting things for diving enthusiasts. Here you can admire not only numerous corals, but also get acquainted with the amazing beauties of the richest underwater world. The dive zone is similar to the Nusa Lembongan area. However, there are far fewer people here.
The aforementioned island of Nusa Lembongan is rich in mangroves, which serve as a kind of “nursery group” for many fry before they are on the reef. Mangroves are located mainly in the northern part of the island. The number of fish swimming here is amazing, and each of them stands out in its own way for its beauty. A calm current prevails here, so beginners feel as safe as possible in these waters.
This wonderful snorkeling location is located in the Barat National Park. The island itself is uninhabited, the current is calm, and the underwater world is rich and varied. Here you can even swim with sea turtles - this is the best place in Bali for this.
by the most famous place on the island of Mejangan is the Reef Pos Dua. It adjoins a white-sand beach and, as it sinks under water, passes into a majestic underwater canyon with coral-encrusted walls along which reef fish swim. The depth of the canyon is 40 meters! But despite this scope, there are not very many tourists here.
There is also a coral garden in the local waters. It is located on the northwest coast desert island and originates at a depth of 5 m from the surface. Here you can meet octopuses and various fish: moray eels, barracudas, unicorn fish, clown fish and box fish. However, considering the local inhabitants, it is not recommended to swim too close to the reefs: there you can meet dangerous reef sharks.
You can get to Mejangan Island by boat from hotels located in the Pameturan area. From the central part, southern or eastern part of Bali - by bike or by taxi.
Amed is quite a popular place among tourists. And many of them come here not only for diving and snorkeling, but also for an upscale beach holiday. Notable locations on the island are the sunken Japanese patrol boat from the Second World War and Jemeluk Bay, famous for its coral columns.
The boat is under water at a depth of only 6 meters. And it is perfectly visible from the surface of the water on a clear, sunny day. The ship is densely covered with corals. A large number of the most diverse representatives of the underwater fauna live in them - fish, crabs, octopuses, mollusks, sea worms and other tropical creatures. They should be treated with extreme caution: some of them are poisonous. Jemeluk Bay is famous among snorkelers for its transparency, which makes it possible to view the numerous beauties of the underwater world even at a depth of 20-22 meters.
You can get to these locations with a private transfer from the Amed resort, as well as by taxi or public bus from Kuta Airport.
This place is popular among both experienced tourists, who choose it because of its location near tourist destinations, and among beginners, who prefer this place because you don't have to travel far. Snorkeling is officially regulated here, so you won’t be able to enter the water on your own or rent a boat. You can admire the beauty of the underwater world only by pre-registering for an excursion at a local diving center or hotel. The duration of a standard tour is 60-90 minutes, of which 15 minutes are specifically dedicated to snorkeling. Of course, this is not much, but it will be enough for a novice tourist or a bored vacationer.
You can get to this location from Kuta Airport (20 minutes) or Seminyak area (30 minutes). From the rest of Bali you can get there by bus, taxi or rented bike.
In this part of Bali, a particularly remarkable location for snorkelers is Blue Lagoon. It is a five-minute walk from Padang Bai and is closed on both sides by rocks.
This location is famous for its small reef, with a huge number of all kinds of coral fish, and an unusually calm water current that allows even beginners who do not have any skills to snorkel. The local inhabitants of the Blue Lagoon, without any fear, swim up to vacationing tourists to get some food. They are so used to human attention. And to be among them in the midst of feeding is a real adventure!
You can get to Padang Bai without problems from any resort town on Bali. From Denpasar to here, for example, the road will take 1.5 hours, by bus from Kuta, Sanur or Ubud - the same time, and by ferry from Lombok - almost twice as much.
Of course, the above places are far from the only ones in Bali where you can go snorkeling. But knowing about these locations, you can easily plan your a tourist route and enjoy snorkeling in Bali.
Pierced by the sun, blinding blue, the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean. And in this relaxing, warm, almost wadded water, there are flocks of bright fish and coral gardens. The Indonesian island of Bali is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. The only condition for diving is to be able to stay on the water, and experienced instructors will teach you how to move underwater. Order or book a guide, prepare your equipment, choose a location for snorkeling in Bali - and go!
The most important thing is insurance. It can be obtained from the tour operator (special travel insurance for active rest) or, as a last resort, take out urgent insurance at a hotel or diving center immediately before diving. We recommend insurance from 300 r.
Before each swim from the beach or hotel for snorkeling, the guides give a brief briefing, but be sure to hire an experienced instructor even for self-snorkeling. Each location is full of "surprises": strong currents, sudden low tides, diasporas of poisonous marine life, depth differences, uneven bottom.
Take care of reliable snorkeling equipment. Minimum kit: mask with snorkel, fins, goggles, lycra shirt, life jacket or belt. SPF 20 will help you protect yourself from the bright rays of the sun. A complete set of equipment for self-swimming can be rented at the hotel, on the beach, diving center. The cost of rent is from 5 to 10 dollars. If you buy a guided tour to the site ($40), the equipment will be issued free of charge.
“Do not touch, but observe” is the first commandment of all snorkelers. Corals are very fragile, they can break off and cut themselves. Look under your feet: jellyfish often swim along the bottom, some of them sting. On reef platforms, keep an eye out for poisonous stonefish and long black spikes sea urchins. The spikes are sharp and hurt. True, in order for the hedgehog to attack, you need to approach it and try to pick it up. So another piece of advice: do not collect shells, pebbles, corals, do not approach marine inhabitants, do not try to touch them, scare them, tease them. In some places you can feed the fish, they grab food right from the hands, but do not forget to ask the instructor for permission to feed.
Noosa Islands
Nusa is a chain of three islets southeast of Bali: Lembongan, Cheningan, Penida. They dive everywhere: there are several spots on each island, although the reef current is quite strong. Interesting sites of the archipelago: Mashroom, Crystal Bai, Buddha Bar, Gamat Bai, Manta Point. Up to two hundred species of corals grow in the surrounding waters and up to five hundred species of fish are found. Guides specially feed the fish so that they swim closer to the snorkel, but even without feeding, coral gardens are teeming with inhabitants - butterfly fish, surgeon fish, colorful reef trifles and their fry. Especially a lot of fry off the northern coast of Lembongan, in underwater mangroves (Mangra Point)
At Penida, snorkelers lie in wait for the famous moonfish (mola-mola). The locals believe that the lovers, who saw how she emerges towards the rays of the tropical sun, will be inseparable. In the coral gardens, seahorses, pinkish-gray clams, butterfly fish, and snappers are already “waiting” for those who like to watch the life of the ocean.
A great snorkeling attraction in Penida is swimming with manta rays at Manta Point. Manta is a friendly stingray with fins-wings, the "span" of which reaches 7 meters. It is dangerous to swim up to the manta rays: two tons of live weight are capable of anything, but even from the recommended minimum 50 meters, the fish are visible even in muddy water. Convenient points for observing giant stingrays are shown by experienced divers swimming in the bay from morning to evening.
You can get to the Nusa archipelago by boat or speedboat from Sanur, which is 10 km from Denpasar. Between Lembongan and Cheningan - simple pedestrian bridge. From Padang Bai to Penida, a ferry departs daily at 14.30 to Lombok.
Padang Bai
If you want to go to Bali or Lombok for snorkeling at Padang Bai Pier, think thrice before crossing to Lombok. The city beach of Padang for snorkeling is not very remarkable, but a little further away is site number one, a reef near the Blue Lagoon beach.
Padang Bai's brand is a clown fish, she is an amphiprion, she is a Nemo fish, an attraction is snorkeling with sea turtles. And you will also watch pipe fish, harlequin eel, jellyfish. It is better to dive from a boat: there is a strong current near the shore, at high tide the sea throws a lot of garbage to the beach, and when entering the water you can get hurt on stones.
From Denpasar to Padang Bai - 54 km, but due to traffic, the road will take up to 1.5 hours. It will take the same amount of time to take the Perama bus to the Blue Lagoon from Kuta, Sanur, Ubud. Every hour there is a ferry from Lombok to Padang Bai. Travel time - 4 hours. On a boat, you will cover the same distance in an hour.
Tulamben
This is a very popular location among lovers of underwater wonders who have marked Bali snorkeling spots on the map of the eastern part of the island to visit. The main sites are the coral garden rising from the shore and the wreck of the freighter Liberty. The American ship sank not after a Japanese torpedo hit it in 1942, but after the Agung eruption in 1963. Now the ship, lying on its side 30 meters from the shore, is completely overgrown with corals. The lower part of the 125-meter "Liberty" is located at a depth of 30 meters, only equipped divers descend there, the depth of the upper one is only 5 meters.
If you see a dense flock of large fish - it's okay: they are probably trevally, a large species of horse mackerel. From time to time, between the overgrown metal crossbars of the former ship, a barracuda swims importantly, a meeting with a sea turtle is possible. Parrotfish and blennies swarm among the corals, and the spotted heads of half-asleep moray eels protrude from the crevices. Be careful: poisonous rhinopia can lurk among the wreckage of the ship.
In the coral garden, among the rocky reefs, snorkelers will be "greeted" by clown fish, box fish, peacock mantis shrimp, squid, octopus, barracuda. Don't forget to check out the underwater temple with an ancient Hindu statue.
Amed
He did not snorkel in Bali, who was not in Amed, 5 km from Tulamben. In the purest waters, reef currents bring a lot of food, which attracts marine life. Best sites: a Japanese patrol boat that sank in Lipah Bay and Jemeluk Bay, famous for its coral columns.
The boat sank near Amed during the Second World War at a depth of only 6 m. The hull of the ship is densely overgrown with corals, along which schools of carnacs and mackerels rush, large representatives of the underwater fauna pass: hammerhead fish, moonfish, dog-toothed tuna, manta rays. On corals - marine worms and nudibranch mollusks, which must be examined carefully, some species are poisonous.
You can get to Tulamban from Denpasar or Kuta by car, rented bike, bus in 3-3.5 hours. It is better to leave early in the morning to return in the evening: the village is boring, and the beach is dotted with black volcanic stones, which heat up during the day so that you can get burned.
Mejangan
Fast forward to the northwest, where in the Bali Barat National Park, which occupies a tenth of the island, there is an excellent location for snorkeling - Majangan Island. The island is uninhabited, the ocean is calm, the underwater life is rich, and you can also swim with sea turtles. In the coral gardens you will meet moray eels, barracudas, unicorn fish, box fish, octopuses. The fauna is not frightened, eats from hands.
Experienced snorkelers gather at the southern pier: the sea depth near the coast is up to 3 meters, but after 70 meters the bottom abruptly breaks off. The clearest water is at Pos Dua reef. Beginners should head to the northwest of the island. Here, 5 meters from the surface of the water, there is a luxurious coral garden covered with anemones, where clown fish “nest”. Rays, tuna and - be careful not to swim too close - reef sharks can swim along its tip.
It is more convenient to get to Mejangan for snorkeling if you are relaxing in neighboring Java. From the Balinese city of Gilimanuk, located 10 km from the location, there is a Javanese ferry to Pemuteran. From here it is only 15 minutes to the ferry to the island. From the central part, southern, eastern part of Bali, the way to national park not close - from 4 to 6 hours by bike or taxi.
Tanjung Benoa
Tourists who consider snorkeling in Bali only as one of the types of recreation in Bali,prefer southern peninsula Tanjung Benoa due to its location close to tourist destinations: Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, which is only 2 km away. By the way, in Nusa Dua itself, according to seasoned tourists, there are no conditions for swimming: the ocean is stormy, there is nothing special to watch.
Tanjnug Benoa beginners also choose: you don’t need to travel far, there are hotels and beaches for snorkeling along the coast, the ocean is calm, dangerous currents no, the sites are interesting.Please note: snorkeling on the peninsula is regulated. You will not be able to enter the water on your own or rent a boat. You can see bright tropical fish, sea spiders, flying fish only on excursions from the hotel or the local diving center. The duration of the trip is 1-1.5 hours. The actual snorkeling process will take no more than 15 minutes, but for a beginner or a bored tourist, this will be enough.
Getting there is easy: just 20 minutes by shuttle from Kuta airport, half an hour from Seminyak. From other areas of Bali, you can take local buses, taxis or rented bikes.
The snorkeling sites in Bali are some of the most interesting in the Coral Triangle, a 5.7 million sq. km between the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. Going to the island, include in the program of your stay an excursion to the reef with a swim, a trip to the sunken ship, swimming with turtles or manta rays: there are locations of various degrees of difficulty and levels of infrastructure.
Were at 2 sites Manta Point and Crystal Bay. Great snorkeling! The hotel was located in the Cangu area, so an additional transfer was organized for me (with an additional charge of 422,000 rupees), the manager contacted me on WhatsApp and seemed to resolve all issues. The car arrived on time and took me to the diving center, where I was met by instructor Anna. Anna is a cool instructor, very attentive, positive and sociable! She told everything, asked all the necessary questions regarding motion sickness, how I stay on the water, etc. The diving center picks up all the necessary equipment, but I came with my own, the only thing they offered was to take another mask (since mine is quite old, and the instructor was afraid that he might leak). At the office, we were immediately divided into groups (2 people each) and each group was provided with an instructor. I had a local instructor, Bobby, who was very attentive (as are all instructors). Then we got into 2 cars and were taken to the speedboats. Arrived fairly quickly, less than an hour. At Manta Point, the water is deep blue, very beautiful island. They gave me a wetsuit because there are jellyfish that sting. The instructor is nearby and watches all the marine life and informs you if manta rays and other interesting inhabitants appear, so that you do not miss all the fun while admiring the fish. Manti were and were rhinestones. As soon as I plunged into the water, there were 2 pieces above the manti. they are amazing and very big. This is my first snorkel and at first I couldn't dive, but Bobby trained me, it was very funny, but after 3 times I did it! And I already dived well, the instructor gave "5" to a good student and tried to show all the beauties, when I did not emerge for a long time, he controlled the process. There was rubbish, but closer to the rocks and not in such in large numbers. A group with divers saw a lot more sea life at 2 sites nearby, so next time I want to try scuba diving. The water was calm and clear, there were few boats as well as people, no one interfered nearby. When we got on the boat, everyone shared their opinion that this was the best dive and the instructor noticed that this time it was really the best. Next we went to the Crystal Bay site. It's even more beautiful there! When diving, the instructor immediately noticed a turtle and we swam to it! Crystal Bay has a lot of reefs, corals, anemones and other marine plants. unusual beauty, a lot of bright fish, you dive and they swim around you at arm's length, also swim up to the surface of the water, . There is deep places, but there are shallows near the shore, where the inhabitants are the same, but you can look at them without diving (for those who do not know how or are afraid a good option). The instructor showed a crevice in the rock completely covered with bright blue-violet corals that look like flowers, many sea urchins rest in the rock in the holes, although pull it out with your hand and you don’t need to dive either, but, of course, I didn’t touch them, although I really wanted to) ). I saw a striped sea snake. Crystal Bay is definitely my idol! Then we were fed lunch on the boat and taken back to the office, and from there to the hotel. It was my best day. By the way, even the "captain" of our boat (boat) was very attentive, while we were driving back, he slowed down the speed of one boat, which was sailing on one engine and began to discuss something. Anna said that he is very responsible and always offers to help people, you never know what happened to them. But everything turned out well and we rushed on. I am already considering the possibility of resting next time exactly there, so that every day I can look at these wonderful marine life! So, when I read reviews before buying a ticket that the staff was not attentive and so on ... a lie! The next day I flew to Moscow, but at the same time the manager contacted me and asked how I liked it and offered an excursion (the group had just gathered) to climb the Batur volcano, but, unfortunately, I could not. I asked a couple of questions about holidays in Bali and recommended places to stay, etc. (my first trip to Bali), the manager was happy to tell interesting points. Everyone thank you very much for a wonderful day!
This article is especially for lovers of underwater adventures. Snorkeling in Bali will give you the sea positive emotions and lift the veil over the unique and unknown world of the two oceans. As you probably already know: the island of Bali is washed by waters from the south indian ocean, and from the north - the Pacific, and the warm currents passing along the coast have a positive effect on the surprisingly rich underwater world of these places. However, not all beaches in Bali are equally suitable for snorkelling. Waves crash on the western and southern coasts almost all year round, creating excellent conditions for surfing and vice versa - not very comfortable for underwater recreation. But the beaches in the east and north of the island will please you with a calm clear water, a variety of marine life, fantastic coral thickets, as well as interesting underwater objects.
The best snorkeling spots in Bali
Most best places for snorkeling in Bali are located in the following areas: Amed (Amed), Tulamben (Tulamben), Menjangan (Menjangan), Candidasa (Candidasa). All of them are located at a fairly large distance from the popular tourist destinations, so it is best to go on underwater adventures for several days at once with accommodation in local inexpensive hotels. It is very quiet and calm here, and dozens of great places are scattered along the coast where you can swim with pleasure.
The once completely wild villages are slowly “overgrown” with infrastructure solely due to the increased popularity of diving and snorkeling in these areas. They constantly open new hotels, tourist and diving centers, restaurants and cafes. All this creates very comfortable conditions for have a great holiday and exploring the surrounding beauties both on land and under water.
The most remarkable thing is that almost all interesting diving spots in Bali are located near the coast or at a short distance and, with appropriate preparation, they can be explored armed only with a mask, snorkel and fins. These include sunken ships, huge reefs overgrown with fantastic corals, underwater caves inhabited by a variety of outlandish inhabitants, and much more. Most popular places, in which it is worth diving is in the article about diving in Bali.
All the necessary equipment can be easily rented at numerous rental points at a price of 50,000 rupees ($ 5) for a mask, snorkel and fins. It is also easy to find a boat here to comfortably go to places far from the coast. For a more detailed study of the underwater world, you can contact one of the local diving centers and dive with a team of professional instructors.
Snorkeling on nearby islands
If you wish, you can go on a short trip to the neighboring islands, located very close to Bali, namely:
- Nusa Penida,
- Nusa Lembongan,
- Nusa Ceningan
- and the three islands of Gili (Gili) - Air (Air), Meno (Meno) and Trawangan (Travangan).
Getting to them is very easy, using speed boats or ferries that depart regularly from the east coast, mainly from Padang Bai or Sanur bay. You can book a tour to any of these islands in numerous tourist centers to Bali along with a transfer from the hotel to the pier and back, or get to the bay on your own and purchase a ticket for the crossing at the box office.
All of these islands are much smaller than Bali, and some are quite tiny, but most of the local beaches are literally made for snorkeling. Crystal clear water, white sand and an incredibly rich underwater world will delight all lovers of snorkeling. Here you will have the opportunity to explore fantastic coral reefs with numerous inhabitants, swim with giant sea turtles, and if you are lucky, with very rare winged manta rays. On these islands there is an atmosphere of complete relaxation and life literally stops to enjoy every moment.
