Gili islands first, then Komodo?

[charlier]

Perhaps the OP should read an account of an encounter with the Indonesian throughflow:
How I almost drowned -- twice

Of course, one can have a bad experience diving anywhere. With a knowledgeable guide, most issues are can be dealt with and safely resolved. My two cents...

 

[Centrals]

If you need the dive guide to solve your own issue then you better employ a personal baby sitter. In group diving there is NOT a chance that the guide could possibly aware everything happens behind him/her.

 

[CWK]

Of course, one can have a bad experience diving anywhere. With a knowledgeable guide, most issues are can be dealt with and safely resolved. My two cents...

One can have a memorable experience with currents anywhere, and those who wish to dive currents can do worse than learn from the experience of others.

 

[livingsea]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful. I definitely think my gf should get certified in Bali now. We've planned to get her certified on Nusa Penida - the island looks interesting and after 4 days in Ubud, we thought an island might be nice. Lembongan seems too "backpacker" for us - Penida looks very beautiful and rustic. I'm getting a sense from the replies, though, that staying in Padang Bai might be better? We will be going late Aug/early Sept.

 

[AlMitch]

I would suggest getting her certified in Tulamben. Nice chilled diving, private guides.

 

[kingsnwings]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful. I definitely think my gf should get certified in Bali now. We've planned to get her certified on Nusa Penida - the island looks interesting and after 4 days in Ubud, we thought an island might be nice. Lembongan seems too "backpacker" for us - Penida looks very beautiful and rustic. I'm getting a sense from the replies, though, that staying in Padang Bai might be better? We will be going late Aug/early Sept.

Padang Bai was nice. Dove with Geko Dive, slept at Bloo Lagoon. Both were very nice and recommended. We did 3 local dives that were very easy/beginner friendly. Another 2 dives at the Liberty wreck (1 - 1.5 hour drive from Padang Bai), again easy enough for a beginner. If we had stayed longer I would have done the dives off of Nusa Penida. You can certainly have a great diving trip in Padang Bai.

Head guy on our Komodo liveaboard basically said the only reason any boat would take a beginner diver to Komodo is because you are going to pay them. Not because they think it is a good idea.

 

[charlier]

Contact Cedric or James @Geko Dive. They have very good instructors and an excellent safety record. after you are certified, go with a Geko to Nusa Penida for drift dives on the north side. Give my best to the boys from Charlie.