Bali, known as “The Island of Gods”, is a land full of mystery and mystique. Little do people realise, however, that this magical quality about the island is not just on land but below the waves too! The seas around the Bali are home to some truly amazing sites rich in both coral and marine life, providing some wondrous sights for those exploring these underwater landscapes.
One of the most convenient ways to incorporate some diving adventures into your holiday would be to stay at well known hotel brands around Bali which offer diving excursions as well. Properties belonging to Minor Hotels and other well known hospitality names are amongst the options worth considering. So what are some of the best diving sites in Bali?
On the eastern side of the island is where you will find the laid back coastal town of Candidasa. This is a great spot from which to head to Gili Biaha, an island that is also a popular dive site where one can see white-tip sharks in a cave dwelling! June to October is generally the best time to visit and apart from the sharks, the spot is also home to trigger fish, puffer fish, scorpion fish, batfish as well as both hard and soft corals. Also easily accessible from Candidasa is Gili Mimpang. Divers can look forward to spotting the ocean sunfish (known as Mola Mola) especially during July and September, while reef sharks, devil rays, barracuda and turtles swim these waters as well.
Amed in East Bali is another coastal area which is popular amongst divers. From here you can head to an old Japanese wreck sunk in World War Two, within easy reach of the Banyuning beach area. Apart from the wreck, divers can see scorpion fish, giant barracuda, sting rays and giant groupers.
Divers should also look to explore the waters around Penida Island, where you will find such hotspots as Malibu Point home to a range of sharks be it whitetip or blacktip reef sharks and if you’re lucky even whale sharks. When in the area, look to plan a trip to Manta Point 1 where you can spot majestic mantas gliding through the waters.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+