Best Dive Locations / accommodation in Bali in December

[FairyBasset]

Hi,

I will be in Bali in December for a week, before heading to RA for a liveaboard trip.
I would like to do some diving in Bali too, for 3 or 4 days.

This is my plan so far and I would be interested in anyones input...
I was recommended to stay in Padangbai, as there is also a good after-dive scene there compared to other places along the east & north coasts.
Would like to dive around Padangbai and do the Liberty Wreck from there, rather than staying in Tulamben.
Is this a good plan, or would you recommend staying somewhere else?

I would like to find a nice place to stay in Padangbai, with a mid-range price - not a back-packer place.
Anyone know anything nice?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Wisnu]

we stayed at Puri Rai Hotel, nice hotel with beautiful garden and 3 pools. More upscale is BLOO Ecotourism Villa Padangbai Bali, Bloo Lagoon Bali, Bloo Lagoon Eco Tourism Padangbai with direct access to tanjungsari dive site

 

[FairyBasset]

Would staying in Candidasa be a good alternative to Padang Bai?
I guess the diving would basically be in the same place as from Padang Bai.
I can see there are some nice hotels, however are there some good dive shops?

 

[divewench1]

Hi Fairy

I can arrange a tailor-made 'stay & dive' itinerary for you, staying at Padang Bai Beach Bungalows Resort and diving with Absolute Scuba. The local diving is great, many things to see to suit all tastes, plus as we have our own dive boats, and buses so we can go where ever the divers want.

Contact me for more details through the webpage on Absolute Scuba Bali - Bali Dive Center - Bali Scuba Diving, plus don't forget to mention the December discounts.
:cool2:

 

[Wisnu]

Would staying in Candidasa be a good alternative to Padang Bai?
I guess the diving would basically be in the same place as from Padang Bai.
I can see there are some nice hotels, however are there some good dive shops?

Personally I prefer Padang Bai than candi dasa. There's several dive sites in padang bai mostly macro. For pelagics all will go to the same places.
We dove with waterworx padang bai, I have no complain but sure there's other good dive shpos in Padang bai and candi dasa.

 

[highdesert]

I'll vouch for Absolute Scuba in Padang Bai for both hotel and dive operation. Also restaurant on site, plus others within five minute walk.

 

[jake11]

Would staying in Candidasa be a good alternative to Padang Bai?
I guess the diving would basically be in the same place as from Padang Bai.
I can see there are some nice hotels, however are there some good dive shops?

If you decide to stay in Canidasa then Lotus Bungalow Resorts with Gangga divers is a great place to stay! Top notch dive operation and WONDERFUL resort! We loved our time there! Check it out!

 

[Bali Diver]

'@FairyBasset it would be best to stay in Padang Bai more options all round.

waterworx very good op and can arrange accomadtion for you it there was a prefered place to stay you wanted its a nice small strip there so nothing is too far away and various restaurants,you can also arrange to go to Ubud in the evening to see a must see Balinese dancing.

 

[FairyBasset]

Thanks all. Have booked Padang Bai homestay and some dives with waterworx. After that am off to Raja Ampat on a liveaboard!

 

[buiszie]

Have fun on ur liveaboard! i am jalous!