Need recs for schooling fish and macro dive sites in October

[Leftcoaster7]

About me: 200+ dives, PADI rescue w/ nitrox. Into UW photography, mostly macro but a bit of wide angle as well

I’m going back to Indonesia for the entire month of October this year. My basic plan is to spend a week at each diving destination which would allow me to visit four separate places.

I’ve been to Nusa Penida, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Derawan and Amed. Except for Nusa Penida, I am not looking to go back to any of these destinations on this trip. That leaves 3 destinations that I need advice on choosing.

I’m specifically looking for two types of destinations in Indonesia (1) those with schooling fish - anything from sardines on up to barracuda and sharks, and (2) world class muck and macro diving, I’m a huge fan of nudibraches so the crazier and more colorful the better.

Ideally, there’d also be fewer tourists/ inexperienced divers, very healthy reefs/ biodiversity and little trash. I have no problem in traveling far out there to more remote places.

I know that Sipadan and Wakatobi are recommended for (1), and Lembeh and Bunaken for (2). Thoughts on these places and suggestions for alternatives? I’m also considering Alor, Timor Leste and Palau, but have no idea about where to go in these regions.

 

[Cali_diver]

I think 10-15 days will be a great start. Do know that currents in Alor can be very tricky... that being said, if you are using a reputable local dive op/liveaboard you shouldn't have to worry.

 

[Luko]

Im thinking Nusa Penida, Permuteran and Alor as that would reduce my travel time.

As much as I understand why you would dive Alor (May is a better season for nudis in Alor though) and Nusa Penida from your description, what do you expect from Pemuteran? This is pretty mediocre in terms of fish school and you might find the macro quite disappointing (Secret bay is not the place it used to be 15 years ago).
Providing you already dived Tulamben and don't want to give it another chance (although it's hands down the BEST area for macro esp.nudibranchs in Bali -much better than Amed-, I would also state one of the best in Indonesia) you should take a look at Padang Bai, there are some very good macro dives around.

Just for your thoughts, I found Sangeang and East Sumbawa really good for nudibranchs, West Komodo area was good for fish too. You can dive these place from Kalimaya resort (1hr flight to Bima from Bali+2hrs drive).