Bali dive sites, which are best?

[ladra]

Hello,

Bit late but better than never. We're heading to Bali tomorrow and was wondering if the North-West dive sites are worth visiting, such as Secret Bay, Menjangan Island, Pemuteran, Puri Jati. We'll have about 5 days to dive.

Also, which dive sites should not be missed while at Bali?

We're still debating whether to pick a dive shop for a set safari package or we do our own thing...

Thank you in advance for you time.

 

[Luko]

There's an abundance of threads discussing Bali.

My advice : Skip NW Bali, long drive & waste of time, not really where the best sites are.
In 5 days diving select 2 days in Tulamben (for inst. Liberty dive centre) and 3 days in Padang Bai (for inst. Gekodivers) from where you will dive Nusa Penida as well.
Unless you are focusing on a specific theme/activity like photo courses, there is no advantage of picking a single shop for a safari apart from long drives, being stacked with other people and paying more (of course a bunch of safari organizers will come and say the contrary), it's easy to get around Bali and more comfortbale to stay on premises.

Best diving areas are :
Tulamben/Seraya area for macro and the wreck
Nusa Penida/Lembongan for blue water, coral, manta dives
Padang Bai / Gili tepekong/Mimpang for fish and macro dives

 

[matts1w]

^^^This^^^ Luko as usual is spot on.

 

[RobinC.]

I would add the Gili Selang Area, definitely one of the least dived and more healthy reef around Bali. Very fem dive shops go there due to remoteness and current but definitely worth the trip.