so, some of the replies were a little cryptic, largely because the question was wide open. But let me ask more succinctly for my plans and maybe that will enlarge the discussion a little.
We are going to Bali in Oct, it's the Chinese holiday, we know that means we will be fighting that crowd.
That said, we plan to spend 4 days in Tulamben, then hop the ferry over to Nusa Lembongan for 3 more.
We are competent divers. With sites that aren't terribly crazy we'll go off on our own or with a DM as the operator wants. But by and large, here's what we have heard and you can confirm or deny it.
Tulamben - there's three four basic dive sites, the Liberty Wreck, Drop Off, Rainbow Reef and Coral Gardens. All can be accessed from the beach, the entry over the fist sized rocks is the only difficult part, surf entry is almost non-existent.
We understand that all of these sites are probably well within the ability levels of divers with 100-300 dives. Whether the dive could be improved with a DM by using on the first day or two, remains to hear you all.
A short list of some of the better dive operators would be nice. I've heard just on the reviews for a place we considered staying (Tulamben Wreck Divers) that the hotel was great but the diving overpriced. So what's the current rate for diving in Bali, or does it swing a bit based on where you are diving from?
Kubu - I don't know the dive sites here, only that I noted comments in other online forums that mention Kubu as a place to go dive in the Amed area of Bali.
Nusa Lembongan - this place came highly recommended as the OLD BALI and that it had some amazing drift dives where you might see manta and/or Mola mola. Blue Corner was a place recommended rather than Mushroom Bay.
To be honest, we like diving ourselves, but we also like having a DM that just kind of guides rather than forcing the pace. We want to control the pace and dive 3-4 times a day. We figure if we don't see it on one dive, there will be others. And of course what wreck can't be played of over and over.
So, we are kind of torn between just grabbing a tank and wandering around on our own, or grabbing a DM, getting the lay of the land and then wandering around on our own, or just hiring a DM to hang out with us the whole time.
Thanks for thoughts and comments.