Nusa Penida? Gili Islands? South Lombok? Dive destinations max 1'ish hour from Bali.

[matts1w]

As we are on a budget, you think its worth the extra costs on flights (vs. ferries to Penida and Gilis) and park fees and dive fees, to do either a short liveaboard or a bunch of day dives?

Yes. It is worth it.

Look at highly recommended Scuba Junkies. Dive Komodo | Scuba Junkie Komodo

 

[CF L]

I dived in Lemgonan with Tamarind Divers and had a great time but they only two dives a day due to strong currents in late afternoons.

I would also recommend Tamarind Divers on Nusa Lembongan, I dived with them over several days just before Covid and really enjoyed the diving, professional, friendly and well organised.