Help planning a Bali/Lombok/Gili trip?

[joelpat]

We've got 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia in December, followed by about 6 days in Indonesia in the first week of January. My wife and I will be diving. She is a true beginner (certified PADI Scuba), I am an advanced beginner (Open Water), and we will have 2-3 snorkelers in our group as well. I'm interested in taking some more courses, if I can find time, and we can take come courses at home if there are certain skills that would be particularly useful.

So, can anyone who has been to the area give us some guidance on where to find the best diving, and where to stay (based not just on diving)? Our group is looking for a Villa, and we could probably spend about $400-500/night. Our clan is a party in and of itself, and though we don't want to be completely isolated, we'd like to avoid most of the crowds.

Can anyone provide any information to help get me started?

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi There,

Sounds like you and your group are going to have a great time...have a look here for information to start you off - diving in Bali.

 

[joelpat]

I actually just read that. I guess what I am trying to do is get some information on Bali vs Lombok vs Gili from someone that has been there. I've been to Thailand and Cambodia, but I know not very much about Bali. Diving is a big part of that equation, which is why I came to this forum, but it's not all of it.

 

[NotYetBent]

Not sure about Lombok / Gillis...but if you are only going to be in Indonesia for 6 days, I'd just stick to Bali. It's very affordable (I know of one villa a friend has stayed at but it wasn't right on the water I don't think, PM me if you want me to get in touch with my friend and get the details from him). Travel between places in Indonesia takes time, bare in mind - you'll lose days as well as dives getting between places. That's the main reason I suggest sticking to Bali - and that it's great. I dove the Tulamben area in July 2 years ago and it was fantastic - the wreck (USAT Liberty) is great w/ pygmy seahorse, electric clam, and a large school of trevally above, saw muck diving stuff just off to the east of it (cuttlefish, ornate ghostpipefish, plenty of frogfish, etc.) and even sharks on the Coral Garden dive. Your beginner wife will be fine on everything up there and there were people snorkeling who seemed to have a good time. The shore diving entry for that spot isn't the greatest if the surfs up but it's fine if you have hard soled booties and aren't wearing a shorty. Bali also offers plenty of stuff to do top-side. Enjoy!

Forgot to add that I stayed in Amed - my hotel was maybe a 10-15 min drive from the shore diving in Tulamben (I think I'm remembering this correctly).

 

[Quero]

My advice would be to go to Tulamben on Bali, especially since you have snorkelers in your group. The diving up in that part of Bali is fairly easy and includes both shore and boat dives. One of the highlights of the area is the wreck of the Liberty, which sits in such shallow water that it is accessible to snorkelers as well as to divers. From that base you can also explore topside on Bali, with excursions to the volcano, to important temples and other cultural sites, and also, with a little side trip, Ubud, the handicraft center of the island and the area best known for the stunning terraced rice fields.

 

[BLUESEASONBALI]

Hi Joel,

Here at Blue Season Bali we can customize any dive safari that you would like to do here in Bali and arrange all accommodation, pick ups and drop off that you require. The diving here in Bali really is phenomenal and the safari package lets you get the best out of the best.

Please take at look at our website at Dive Safari Bali Blue Season Bali

or dont hesitate to ask us any questions at info@baliocean.com

 

[BLUESEASONBALI]

Hi Joel,

Here at Blue Season Bali we can customize any dive safari that you would like to do here in Bali and arrange all accommodation, pick ups and drop off that you require. The diving here in Bali really is phenomenal and the safari package lets you get the best out of the best.

Please take at look at our website at Dive Safari Bali Blue Season Bali

or dont hesitate to ask us any questions at info@baliocean.com

Blue Season Bali