Bali Travel Tips

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I dived there!

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Bali:

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Bali has been described by many as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Some call it the Island of Gods and you will soon discover why! This jewel with its roaring volcanoes, pristine lakes, superbly green rice terraces, ancient temples and palaces is something you need to experience with your own eyes. You will be mesmerised by the traditional and colourful Hindu culture and the extreme friendliness of Balinese people.

Bali Ricefield

© Amre Ghiba

This incredible island is also a world famous scuba diving destination with several world class dive sites such as the Liberty ship wreck and Manta Point.

Bali is ideally located right in the centre of Indonesia between the two islands of Java and Lombok making it a must do and a good spot to base yourself to discover other parts of the Indonesian Archipelago.

Activities and excursions in Bali

Bali is a fantastic diving destination but it is also an incredibly beautiful island worth exploring above the water. There are so many things to discover! To name just a few, you could:

  • Go trekking or biking on the sacred Mount Agung
  • Visit the Temples around Ubud, the centre of Balinese Culture
  • See the sights, such as breathtaking panoramas, waterfalls, rice terraces
  • Enjoy Balinese dance, artwork and architecture
  • Raft down wild rivers and surf big waves
  • Go on a cruise, ride an elephant, enjoy a Balinese massage and so much more!

There are numerous travel agencies all around the Island and they will provide you with many options for daytrips and adventurous excursions. So enjoy!

Note: In some areas of Bali, there are unfortunately people who litter not only on land but out on the water so please dispose of your rubbish and help keep Bali a clean, green country for generations to enjoy in the future!

Best time to visit

  • Dry season from April to October, average temperature of 28°C.
  • Rainy season from November to March, average temperature of 31°C.
  • High Season is July, August and December, January.

The best time to visit Bali is between April and November.

Bali Temple Ulun Danu

Credit Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferphoon/2573064842/

Where is Bali?

Bali is a bustling hub of South East Asia which is very well connected by many airline companies with many direct flights coming from all over the world and other parts of Indonesia on a daily basis.

Tip!: look for Denpasar (the capital) and not Bali while looking for your flight! You can also reach Bali by ferry from Java and by speed boat from Lombok Island.

Getting Around

Bali is a relatively small island and it only takes about 3 hours to drive from the South to the North. You can explore Bali in many ways (depending on the amount of time you have to explore and how much you want to see):

Icon CarBy Private Car & Driver: The benefit of this is that your driver can take you anywhere you want. He can also help you with translation and guide you to his favourite spots (and maybe get the chance to hang out with locals or learn about the culture). There are many agencies around Bali providing this service for a fair price (around 30 US$/Day).

Icon ScooterBy Scooter/Motorcycle: An exciting way to discover Bali outback for the most adventurous and offering you freedom to stop when you want for how long you want. You need to have an international driving licence and always wear you safety helmet! Very Cheap (3US$/Day)! Don’t forget a good map of bali (information centres often sell these) as road signs are hard to find, if near impossible!

Taxi IconBy Taxi: Very useful in the cities but not such a good idea for longer trips as it can end up quite expensive!

Icon BusBy Bemo/Bus: Public transport is quite good in Bali but the journeys can be long and be prepared to spend hours in crowded buses.

Icon BicycleWalking/Bicycle: The best way to discover the real Bali if you have the time to take it slowly. Get lost on the small paths and discover unexpected ancient temples and superb rice paddy fields!

Author: Julien, creator of blog plongée sous marine

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Bali Diving

Dive spots in Bali

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Budak Wreck

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The Budak wreck dive site is an old wooden boat from the 19th century in Pulau Menjangan. The dive starts at the anchor ...
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Pos 2

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Pos 2 dive site is a big wall going down to 40 m. It is a good place in Menjangan to see pelagic fishes, great barracuda...
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Gili Selang North

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Gili Selang is a new dive site and the area is still under exploration. The North of Gili Selang is full of surprises bu...
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Amed Reef

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Amed reef dive site is located just a few hundreds meters on the left of the bay. It is a lovely reef with a rich thrivi...
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Blue Lagoon

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Blue Lagoon dive site is the most famous in Padang Bai. It is a perfect place for an easy fun dive, dive course or a nig...
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Gili Tepekong, The Canyon

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The canyon is not an easy dive site and you must be at least open water advanced or CMAS 2 stars to dive there. The cany...
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Tanjung Jepun

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Tanjung Jepun dive site is THE place in Bali to see blue spoted stingrays! It is also a great place for underwater macro...
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Amed Wall

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The Amed Wall dive site is located ont he right of the bay, it takes about a 5 minute boat ride to get there. The wall ...
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Kubu

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Kubu village is located just a few kilometers from Tulamben. The two dive sites on Kubu reef are easy and perfect for be...
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Seraya Secret

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Seraya Secret Dive site is THE best site for macro and muck Diving in Bali! It is a perfect place for night diving in Tu...
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Peti

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Peti dive site is located on the North side of Pulau Menjangan. It is a beautiful slope starting at 10 m with nice coral...
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Gili Selang South

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The Selang Island is separated from the main land just by a narrow channel. The South of Gili Selang also called Waterlo...
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Jemeluk

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Very easy dive site perfect for underwater macro photography with the rare ghost pipefish and the mimic octopus! Also ve...
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Manta Point

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This excellent dive site situated South of Gili Trawangan is great for marine life. It consists of a slope with nice cor...
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Coral Garden

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This dive site is situated just a few hundred meters from the Liberty wreck in Tulamben, Bali. It is a nice coral garden...
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Pos 1

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Pos 1 is a relaxing easy dive site in Menjangan Island without any current most of the time. The site is very big and di...
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Japanese Wreck

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This dive site is a sunken wreck of a Japanese patrol ship sunk during the world war 2. It is 45 m deep thus only advanc...
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Gili Biaha

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Gili Biaha has two very good dive sites: Shark Cave and Biaha Slope. These two dives can be combined in one dive if the ...
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Secret Bay

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One of the best dive sites in Bali for muck diving and macro photography! This shallow black sand bay is host to all sor...
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Toya Pakeh

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Toya Pakeh dive site is a nice reef with interesting coral and nudibranch as well as schools of fishes, turtles, reef sh...
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Bias Tugel

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Bias Tugel dive site located in Padang Bai is a very nice coral plateau. It is quite shallow at only around 10 m deep. I...
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Tanjung Sari

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Tanjung Sari dive site is just a 3 min boat ride from Padangbai beach and the dive shops. It is located not far from Blu...
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Blue Corner

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The Blue Corner dive site is THE place to drift in Bali! The current can be very strong and for this dive will give you ...
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S.D. Point

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S.D. Point is nice and easy drift dive over a coral plateau around 12 to 18 m deep. The coral on this dive site is reall...
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Gili Tepekong, Plateau

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The Plateau is a very beautiful dive site with beautiful coral and a nice cave where baby sharks like to stay. Drift alo...
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Gili Mimpang

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Gili Mimpang dive site is also called Batu Tiga which means three rocks in Indonesian language. Indeed, it is a series o...
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Pura Ped

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Pura red dive site is not far from S.D. point dive site and it is pretty much the same kind of dive. It is a nice easy d...
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The Channel

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The Channel dive site is situated just in front of Padang Bai beach very close to the dive shops. It is reachable by boa...
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Ghost Bay

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Ghost bay dive site is an artificial reef with bottles, wheels, etc. But it is a wonderful place for underwater macro ph...
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USS Liberty Wreck

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The USS Liberty Wreck is the most famous dive site in Bali. It is also one of the best sunken ship wrecks in the world! ...
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Crystal Bay

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Very Good dive site but reserved to experienced divers as the current can be quite strong and downward. It is THE place ...

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