Bali, Indonesia

Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches, legendary surf breaks, rich culture and world-class dive sites. Manta rays, Mola Mola (sunfish), schooling fish, an incredible wreck and colorful reefs will leave even the most seasoned of divers spellbound. Accommodation caters for everyone from backpackers to billionaires and when you’re not diving you can enjoy superb dining, party until the sun goes down or zen out with yoga pros amid rice paddies to get in touch with your spiritual side. You’ll find Bali’s dive spots scattered around the island. Many visitors split their time over a number of destinations for a variety of experience.

The northwest of the island is home to Secret Bay, Menjangan Island and Pemuteran. Secret Bay is a macro muck diving critter hunt. Menjangan Island, on the whole, offers calm diving mostly on walls. It’s possible to see sharks and manta rays here. Pemuteran is good for beginners. On the eastern coast, you’ll find Tulamben, Amed, Candidasa and Padang Bai. Tulamben is home to the spectacular Liberty Wreck. There’s some top muck diving here and at nearby Seraya, too. Diving is from the shore, and you’ll enter over smooth volcanic rock that can be a bit tricky. Porters carry your gear balanced on their heads to assist your entry. Amed is also shore entry, shallow and calm and suitable for beginners and avid muck and macro divers.

Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination and is situated in the Coral Triangle, just south of the equator. Typically the smaller nearby islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan all fall under ‘Bali’. Bali is a volcanic island with the largest peak and active volcano, Mount Agung, reaching a little under 1000 ft (3000 m) in height. These conditions provide a rich tropical environment perfect for coffee and terraced rice plantations. The island is 2,232 mi² (5,780 km²). The region not only offers a huge range of underwater vistas but plenty to do and see top side making it a perfect destination for divers that travel with land-lovers and families.