Me and my husband are travelling around the world and currently in Indonesia. We are planning to stay a few weeks in Ubud and after that travel around Indonesia for almost one month. Our main focus will be on diving.
I am AOWD with 30 dives and my husband is a Divemaster.
We want to dive at Tulamben, Komodo, Raja Ampat and Sulawesi but it will cost tooooo much if we do them all.
What are your recommendations for July-August season?
I think in Raja Ampat it will be rainy season. Is it possible to dive there at this time of year or should we skip RA?
Hi gulen
What an awesome itinerary you're planning! Sounds like my 'Indonesia Dive Bucket List'!
Well, may I suggest for your plans to dive Tulamben be definite because you're planning to be on Bali island anyway (Ubud), and it's approximately 2 hours driving distance. I'm assisting a local friend of mine to develop his business, Bali Dream Divers', which has its own dive centre with adjoining bungalow villa accommodation. The establishment is about 50 metres from the entry/exit point to dive the famous USS Liberty Shipwreck (a must dive site when in Tulamben!) Currently, I myself am freelancing for Bali Dream Divers, and we offer private transportation (from/to anywhere on Bali Island), accommodation, with all costs of equipment rental, diving fees and porter fees included in our dive packages.
It's really convenient to arrange a dive package to include all your travel plans (Raja Ampat, Komodo, Sulawesi and Tulamben). When you arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar, one of our drivers can greet you immediately to drive you to Ubud, OR Tulamben if your Ubud plans are not 'set in stone' and you wish to start your diving ASAP (otherwise there's a taxi counter where you can get a driver and taxi arranged at the arrivals hall; but as with all airports, this is the most expensive transport arrangement). Otherwise, we can pick you up from your address in Ubud, and when you depart Tulamben, our driver can take you to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar,for a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo International Airport. Or if you're planning to by sea, our driver can take you to Amed or Padang Bai to catch a ferry to Mataram on Lombok.
If you want to go by sea to Komodo, there's many companies, but be forewarned that its a long journey with many bus and ferry rides (about 2 days), and the sea can be tempestuous (so do make sure you've chosen a company that prioritizes your safety). Many travellers decide to take a flight from the international airport on Bali to Labuan Bajo International in Flores where Komodo National Park is nearest - because it's quicker and safer than going by sea!
Bali Dream Divers do their very best to personalise an itinerary to suit you, so travelling can be as flexible as you need it to be. They specialize in diving in the Tulamben/Kubu/Amed area (North East Bali), so you could do some research on those who specialize in offering dive packages in those other Indonesian islands you fancy.
For some information on what Bali Dream Divers get up to on a daily basis and what Tulamben has to offer - check out their active blog here >
Island of the Gods: A Divers' Paradise
Have a look at recent reviews from our guests on our Trip Advisor listing too >
Dream Divers (Tulamben, Indonesia): Top Tips Before You Go - TripAdvisor
Enjoy your travels around Indonesia - it's going to take some planning for such a mammoth trip, but it will be SO worth it! Keep diving!
Liz
