Big or little?

[Scuba Susie]

Hey all you experienced, world diving folks,
I am trying to plan a trip to the Bali side of the world and need a little input please!
We plan on doing a week in Bali...topside activities with Ubud as our base and then want to venture out and do a week of diving somewhere. I was innitially sold on Wakatobi as it has all the ammenities we like while diving...all inclusive, strictly dive resort etc but I have heard it is so much muck diving I don't want to miss the Big stuff too. Can anyone suggest a place somewhere in the Bali-esque area with Big and Little critters? We have been to Sipadan, Lankayan, Phi Phi, Fiji and the like and are looking for some definite underwater adventures. Can anyone help? I am almost tempted to return to Sipadan, it was totally world class diving!
Thanks so much
Susie

 

[tboxcar]

Bunaken Island/Manado comes to mind! one of my favorites, and it rivals Sipadan!

 

[tboxcar]

Wait a minute! Big or little? Is that another question?

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hey Susie

Yeah Sipadan cannot be argued with but there are plenty of world class places elsewhere and Indo has more than any other country.

From Bali - one week - world class diving - big and little - it all points one way for me and that is a Komodo Liveaboard. I dont know if you are a liveaboard 'type' but it certainly fits with all your requirements. There are plenty of Komodo boats (some to be avoided!) so check through the full range of Komodo Liveaboards

If you simply must be land-based then Bali has some very good diving to offer and you could quite happily spend a week in Lembongan chilling out away from the crowds. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan have very nice fields of pristine hard coral and you might see mantas and/or Mola Mola if the right time of year.

North Sulawesi is also quality and you can get the mix of big and small there for certain. Bunaken and Lembeh have loads to offer and can be done by resort or liveaboard.

So there are plenty of choices out there but the above would be my three best picks for diving near to where you will be.

Good luck!

 

[nwflyboy]

Susie - I just got back from a couple weeks in bali and N. Sulawesi - it was GREAT. See my trip report above for details.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/indonesia/205491-trip-report-bali-north-sulawesi-part-1-a.html

Have fun.

 

[Kadek Wirawan]

Another great place is Derawan, sangalaki, kakaban and Maratua. you should go there, To me it is the best!!!!! Big and Smalll are there...

 

[hallboy]

Serawan or Maratua? and what is the best moment to go there?
I ve heard taht if theres is no current, theres not a lot to see, so ishould be pecky on the month of my stay

 

[Kadek Wirawan]

I think we have both in the both conditions, strong current good for Manta rays at sangalaki and Maratua channel to see the Big Fish, but for Derawan you need lower current for you to have enough time to see the macro life.

 

[Travelnsj]

Susie.....I just got back from Bali and Wakatobi....my trip report is posted in this forum. I really enjoyed Bali.....Wakatobi is an excellent operation and photographers dream.....But I like bigger stuff.

 

[cuppajoe]

hi susie-

Ubud is two hours by car to Tulumben and Menjajran (my spelling is way off). Both areas have excellent diving---big and little stuff. If you are flush, stay at the Mimpi Resort in both places. They are currently offering a special combo package with 4 days at each resort. You can book thru savemoneydiving.com
I dived both areas in September and will return again in February. I also spent time in Ubud and will return in Feb. I have a gem of a place to stay in Ubud for $25 per night. with a/c, immaculate, in the center of town, and delicious breakfast included Please e-mail me if you want to discuss this further.
best wishes
cuppajoe