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6 Candidasa – Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang
Candidasa – Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang
Located on Bali’s southeastern coast, Candidasa is a hidden diving paradise, offering serene waters, vibrant marine life, and an authentic escape from the more tourist-heavy areas of the island. While the town itself is known for its tranquil beaches and relaxed vibe, it’s the nearby dive sites like Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang that attract divers from around the world. These two dive spots offer stunning underwater experiences, featuring everything from dramatic underwater landscapes to abundant marine life, including sharks and rays. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice looking for adventure, Candidasa’s dive sites are sure to impress! 🌞🐋
Getting to Candidasa: Bali’s Hidden Coastal Gem 🏝️🚗
Candidasa is a peaceful village located about 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Ubud or Denpasar, making it an easily accessible destination for divers. Situated along Bali’s stunning coastline, the town offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding landscapes. When you arrive in Candidasa, you’ll find a perfect balance of local culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The nearby dive sites of Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang are just a short boat ride away, allowing divers to quickly head out to explore the underwater wonders of the area. 🚗🌊
Why Dive in Candidasa? 🌟🐡
Candidasa is home to two incredible dive sites: Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang. Both locations offer a rich variety of marine life, crystal-clear waters, and unique underwater landscapes. Here’s why these dive sites stand out:
1. Gili Tepekong: A Thrilling Underwater Adventure ⚓🐋
Gili Tepekong is one of Bali’s most famous dive sites, known for its dramatic underwater topography and encounters with large marine life, including sharks and rays. It is a more advanced dive site due to its deeper depths, strong currents, and unique features, but it’s definitely worth the effort for experienced divers. The dive site is located around 3 to 4 kilometers from the mainland, and it offers:
- Steep Drop-offs 🏞️: Gili Tepekong is characterized by steep underwater cliffs and dramatic drop-offs, which create an exhilarating dive experience. These drop-offs are covered in a variety of corals, sponges, and sea fans, creating a vibrant and colorful environment that attracts a wide range of marine life.
- Shark Encounters 🦈: One of the biggest attractions of Gili Tepekong is the chance to encounter reef sharks. These sharks are typically quite shy and can often be seen swimming along the reef, adding a thrilling element to the dive.
- Manta Rays 🐋: Gili Tepekong is also known for the occasional visit from manta rays. These gentle giants glide gracefully through the water, and spotting one of these majestic creatures is an unforgettable experience for any diver.
- Turtles 🐢: The waters around Gili Tepekong are also home to several species of sea turtles, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles, which can often be spotted as they swim through the water or rest on the reef.
- Big Fish Schools 🐟: Divers can often find schools of jackfish, trevally, and snapper around Gili Tepekong. These schools form large, swirling masses of fish, creating a mesmerizing underwater display.
Due to its depth and strong currents, Gili Tepekong is considered a dive site for more advanced divers, but the reward is definitely worth it. The opportunity to see large marine life and explore the dramatic underwater landscape makes it a must-see destination for experienced divers. 🌊🏝️
2. Gili Mimpang: A Vibrant Reef and Shark Haven 🦈🌈
Just a short boat ride from Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang offers a slightly easier dive experience, making it suitable for intermediate divers as well. It’s often referred to as “The Wall” due to the steep drop-offs and dramatic reef structure that plunges into deeper waters. Gili Mimpang is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, offering something for everyone:
- Stunning Coral Reefs 🌸: Gili Mimpang is known for its healthy and colorful coral reefs, teeming with an array of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angel fish. These reefs are a photographer’s dream, with vibrant coral gardens providing the perfect backdrop for underwater shots. 📸🐠
- Shark Encounters 🦈: Just like at Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang is also home to reef sharks, particularly white tip reef sharks. These sharks are often spotted cruising along the reef or resting in the sandy patches. Shark sightings are a highlight for many divers here.
- Barracuda Schools 🐟: One of the highlights of Gili Mimpang is the chance to see large schools of barracudas. These long, sleek fish move in coordinated groups, creating a stunning display as they dart through the water.
- Mantas 🐋: Occasionally, mantas can also be spotted at Gili Mimpang, though they are more common at Gili Tepekong. Still, their graceful presence is always a welcome surprise. 🐋✨
- Nudibranchs and Macro Critters 🦑: For those interested in macro life, Gili Mimpang offers an abundance of small critters, such as nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, and crabs. The dive site is full of small, fascinating creatures that make for excellent photography subjects.
While Gili Mimpang is known for its rich coral reefs and diverse fish life, it’s the frequent shark sightings and the occasional appearance of manta rays that make it a truly exciting dive destination. The combination of colorful reefs and larger marine life makes it one of the most popular dive sites in Candidasa. 🐠🦑
Best Time to Dive in Candidasa 🌞📅
The best time to dive in Candidasa is during Bali’s dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the seas are calm, visibility is at its best (often over 20 meters or 66 feet), and the weather is sunny. The wet season (November to March) brings more rain and stronger currents, which can affect visibility, but diving is still possible, especially if you’re looking for fewer crowds and more tranquil dive experiences. 🌧️🌴
Snorkeling at Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang 🏖️🤿
If you’re not a certified diver, both Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang are also great spots for snorkeling! The shallow parts of both sites are perfect for snorkelers who want to explore the colorful coral reefs and encounter vibrant fish and other marine life. Gili Mimpang’s shallower waters make it especially ideal for snorkelers, while Gili Tepekong, with its deeper dives, is best for those who are comfortable with deeper snorkeling experiences. 🏝️🐠
Other Activities in Candidasa 🏖️🌴
While Candidasa is primarily known for its diving, there are other activities you can enjoy when you’re not underwater:
Explore the Candidasa Village 🏘️: The village itself is filled with local charm, traditional markets, and restaurants where you can sample authentic Balinese cuisine.
Relax on the Beaches 🏖️: Candidasa boasts some beautiful beaches, including White Sand Beach, which is perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun after a dive.
Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace 🏯: A short drive from Candidasa, the Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a stunning complex of pools and fountains surrounded by lush gardens. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot to visit after a day of diving.
Diving on the Wreck of USS Liberty
Situated on Bali’s northeastern coast, Tulamben is home to the USAT Liberty shipwreck, a World War II vessel that has become a thriving artificial reef. The site is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and is accessible directly from the beach, making it suitable for divers of all levels.
Tulamben Wreck
Encounters with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
Located southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida is famed for encounters with majestic manta rays at Manta Point and the elusive mola mola (oceanic sunfish) at Crystal Bay. These sites offer clear waters and abundant marine life, though they are best suited for experienced divers due to strong currents.
Nusa Penida Mantas
Colorful Coral Gardens in Amed
Along Bali’s eastern coastline, Amed offers vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Jemeluk Bay, in particular, is known for its clear waters and varied underwater landscapes, making it a favorite among photographers and divers seeking both macro and wide-angle subjects.
Amed Coral Gardens
The Underwater World of Mola Mola
Bali’s underwater world is renowned for its biodiversity, and Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida is one of its most iconic diving spots, particularly for those seeking an encounter with the elusive Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish). Crystal Bay’s deep, clear waters are the perfect setting for this extraordinary dive, offering visibility up to 30 meters on a good day. The Mola Mola migrates to Bali’s waters between July and October, making it a prime location…
Crystal Bay
Exploring Marine Life Around Padang Bai
Located on Bali’s east coast, Padang Bai features the Blue Lagoon and Jetty dive sites, known for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. These sites are suitable for divers of all levels and offer opportunities to spot various fish species and occasional reef sharks. With calm waters and excellent visibility, Padang Bai is also a fantastic location for underwater photography, capturing the beauty marine creatures that inhabit the area.
Padang Bai Diving
Exploring the Coral Walls of Menjangan
On the northwest coast of Bali lies Menjangan Island, a gem within the Bali Barat National Park. Famous for its pristine coral reefs and untouched beauty, Menjangan offers some of the most stunning underwater landscapes in Bali, particularly its coral walls. These steep walls plunge into the deep blue, providing divers with a mesmerizing backdrop of colorful corals, sponges, and marine life.
Menjangan Island
30 Best diving sites in Bali
– from beginner-friendly shallow reefs to advanced drift dives…
Bali has something for everyone, making it a top diving destination in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore wrecks, encounter pelagic species, or discover macro life, Bali’s diverse underwater world will leave you in awe.
1. Tulamben (USAT Liberty Wreck)
Location: North-east Bali
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Tulamben is world-renowned for its USAT Liberty Wreck, which lies just off the shore in shallow waters, making it accessible to divers of all levels. This wreck, a sunken World War II cargo ship, has transformed into a thriving coral reef. The site attracts a wide variety of marine life, including barracudas, giant trevallies, clownfish, turtles, and even reef sharks. The site is also famous for its macro life, including nudibranchs, frogfish, and mantis shrimp. Due to its accessibility, it’s ideal for both beginners and advanced divers, and it’s one of Bali’s top wreck diving destinations.
2. Nusa Penida (Manta Point and Crystal Bay)
Location: Southeast of Bali
Level: Advanced
Nusa Penida is a diver’s paradise, and the Manta Point is one of its biggest draws. Manta rays frequently visit the site to feed and get cleaned, offering divers an opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Divers also flock to Crystal Bay in search of the elusive Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish), which visits the area between July and October. These sites are best suited for advanced divers, as the currents can be strong, but the rewards of encountering such spectacular marine life are worth the challenge.
3. Amed (Coral Garden and Jemeluk Bay)
Location: East Bali
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Amed is a quiet area in Bali’s east and is home to Coral Garden and Jemeluk Bay. These sites are rich in biodiversity, with colorful corals, clownfish, sea turtles, and moray eels. Jemeluk Bay is perfect for beginners due to its calm, shallow waters, while Coral Garden offers more variety and depth, attracting manta rays, scorpionfish, and a diverse range of tropical fish. The site offers something for divers of all levels, from novice to experienced.
4. Menjangan Island
Location: Northwest Bali, Bali Barat National Park
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Menjangan Island, part of the Bali Barat National Park, offers divers stunning coral walls that drop to great depths. The island’s coral reefs are known for their pristine condition and vibrant marine life. Divers can explore steep walls, underwater ridges, and caves, encountering blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and abundant schools of tropical fish. The site is perfect for underwater photographers looking to capture the island’s rich biodiversity in calm, clear waters. Visibility can reach up to 40 meters, making it a dream dive for all levels.
5. Padang Bai (Blue Lagoon and Jetty)
Location: East Bali
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Padang Bai offers easy access to two popular dive sites: Blue Lagoon and Jetty. Blue Lagoon is an excellent dive site for beginners, with clear, calm waters and vibrant coral gardens. Divers can spot reef fish, sea turtles, nudibranchs, and occasional manta rays. The Jetty site, on the other hand, has a more challenging current and is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. It is home to reef sharks, barracudas, and schools of tropical fish.
6. Candidasa (Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang)
Location: East Bali
Level: Advanced
The dive sites around Candidasa, particularly Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang, offer dramatic underwater topography and encounters with large marine life. Known for strong currents, these sites are suitable for advanced divers. Here, divers can spot pelagic species like reef sharks, barracudas, and giant trevallies, as well as manta rays during certain months. The underwater landscapes include steep walls, underwater caves, and deep drop-offs, making for an exhilarating dive.
7. Secret Bay (Gilimanuk)
Location: Northwest Bali
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Secret Bay, located in Gilimanuk Bay, is famous for muck diving, with its black sand and rocky seabed providing a perfect habitat for rare macro life. Divers can encounter frogfish, mimic octopus, seahorses, and a variety of nudibranchs. This site is especially popular with underwater photographers looking for small critters and offers an alternative diving experience compared to the vibrant coral reefs of other Bali dive sites.
8. Sanur Reef
Location: South Bali
Level: Beginner
Sanur offers an easy, relaxed dive site suitable for beginners. The shallow waters and gentle currents make it an excellent location for novice divers to explore vibrant reefs, sea turtles, clownfish, and moray eels. The clear waters provide good visibility, and the dive site is perfect for those looking for a peaceful dive without the strong currents or challenging conditions of more advanced sites.
9. Seraya Secrets
Location: East Bali
Level: Intermediate
Seraya Secrets is one of Bali’s hidden gems for muck diving. Located in East Bali, this dive site offers an abundance of macro life including frogfish, octopus, pygmy seahorses, and mantis shrimp. The site features a black sand seabed, providing the perfect environment for small critters. While visibility can be limited compared to other sites, the abundance of rare and exotic creatures makes this a must-see for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers.
10. Tulamben Drop-Off
Location: North-east Bali
Level: Advanced
The Tulamben Drop-Off is a vertical dive site, with the reef wall descending to depths of 60 meters. This site is home to an impressive array of marine life, including groupers, giant trevallies, napoleon wrasse, and blacktip reef sharks. Due to its depth and occasional strong currents, this site is best for advanced divers, though it offers one of the best opportunities for a rewarding and dynamic dive experience.
11. Nusa Lembongan (Mangrove Point)
Location: South-east Bali
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Mangrove Point on Nusa Lembongan is a stunning dive site characterized by healthy coral gardens and excellent visibility. The site’s coral growths are home to reef sharks, octopus, and schools of small tropical fish. It’s a great dive for intermediate and advanced divers who enjoy exploring underwater caves, overhangs, and vibrant marine life. With calm currents, this dive is a relaxing yet rewarding experience.
12. Turtle Reef
Location: South Bali
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
As the name suggests, Turtle Reef is famous for its large population of sea turtles that inhabit the area. Divers can expect to see these magnificent creatures gliding through the clear waters, as well as schools of parrotfish, snapper, and wrasse. The reef is shallow and calm, making it a perfect location for novice divers and those who want to enjoy a peaceful, leisurely dive.
13. Manta Point (Nusa Penida)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Advanced
Manta Point on Nusa Penida is a top destination for divers hoping to see the magnificent manta rays. The site offers an extraordinary experience, with mantas coming to feed and clean themselves at cleaning stations. The currents can be strong, so this site is best suited for advanced divers who are comfortable with drift diving. The abundance of other marine life, including reef sharks and large schools of fish, adds to the excitement of this dive.
14. Blue Corner (Nusa Lembongan)
Location: South-east Bali
Level: Advanced
Blue Corner is a dive site known for its strong currents and dramatic underwater landscapes. Divers can encounter manta rays, pelagic species, and large schools of jacks and trevallies. The site’s topography, including underwater ridges and walls, makes it an exciting dive for experienced divers. The clear waters and chance to see large creatures make it a highlight for those seeking adventure.
15. Gili Air (Nusa Lembongan)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Beginner
Gili Air offers a peaceful dive experience with shallow waters and calm currents. The site is home to vibrant coral gardens, where divers can spot sea turtles, parrotfish, and various species of snappers and angelfish. It’s an ideal spot for beginner divers looking for a relaxing dive with plenty of marine life to observe.
16. Mimpang Island
Location: East Bali
Level: Advanced
Mimpang Island, off the coast of Candidasa, offers dramatic underwater landscapes and the chance to see pelagic species like reef sharks, barracudas, and schools of trevallies. Strong currents make this dive suitable for advanced divers, but the underwater topography—steep walls, underwater ridges, and caves—adds a sense of adventure to the dive. The site is also known for large schools of tropical fish and occasional manta rays.
17. Gili Mimpang
Location: East Bali
Level: Advanced
Another popular site near Candidasa, Gili Mimpang is famous for its underwater ridges and thrilling drift diving. The strong currents attract pelagic fish, including reef sharks, barracudas, and giant trevallies. Divers also have the chance to see manta rays during certain months. The site is suited for advanced divers due to the challenging conditions but rewards those who are up for it with incredible encounters.
18. Amed (Pyramid Reef)
Location: East Bali
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Pyramid Reef, located in Amed, is a man-made reef designed to create a new habitat for marine life. The site features pyramid-shaped coral structures that attract a variety of fish, including turtles, moray eels, and clownfish. The site’s shallow depths and calm waters make it a perfect dive for beginner and intermediate divers. The dive is relaxing and offers a great opportunity to explore a unique underwater environment.
19. Gili Tepekong
Location: East Bali
Level: Advanced
Gili Tepekong is known for its strong currents and dramatic drop-offs, making it ideal for advanced divers. The site is home to reef sharks, barracudas, and large schools of trevallies. The underwater topography includes caves and walls, adding excitement to the dive. Due to the challenging conditions, only experienced divers should attempt this dive, but the reward is a thrilling encounter with large marine life.
20. Shark Point (Nusa Penida)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Advanced
Shark Point is a popular dive site for those seeking to encounter reef sharks in their natural habitat. The site offers exciting drift diving with strong currents, making it suitable for advanced divers. In addition to reef sharks, divers can also spot manta rays, large schools of fish, and pelagic species. The strong currents and diverse marine life make it an exhilarating experience for those seeking an adventure.
21. Gili Tepekong
Location: East Bali
Level: Advanced
Known for its strong currents and deep underwater landscapes, Gili Tepekong offers a dramatic diving experience. This is one of Bali’s premier dive sites for experienced divers, where the chance to spot reef sharks, barracudas, and large trevallies is high. The site’s unique underwater topography includes cliffs and drop-offs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the dive.
22. Bali Barat National Park (Secret Garden)
Location: Northwest Bali
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The Secret Garden in Bali Barat National Park offers an excellent introduction to the marine world with vibrant coral reefs, abundant fish life, and clear waters. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including sea turtles, clownfish, and wrasse. It’s a perfect site for beginner and intermediate divers looking to experience Bali’s biodiversity in a tranquil setting.
23. Blue Lagoon (Padang Bai)
Location: East Bali
Level: Beginner
The Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai is a stunning and easy dive site with clear waters and vibrant coral gardens. This shallow site is perfect for beginner divers looking to explore Bali’s marine life, including parrotfish, nudibranchs, and sea turtles. The calm waters and good visibility make it a great spot for leisurely dives.
24. Pura Campuhan (Sanur)
Location: South Bali
Level: Intermediate
Pura Campuhan offers a fascinating dive along the underwater temple complex near Sanur. Divers can explore the steep walls and caves, where blacktip reef sharks, eels, and schools of wrasse reside. The site is more challenging than others in Sanur, making it more suited for intermediate divers.
25. Blue Hole (Nusa Penida)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Advanced
Blue Hole is a dive site known for its large, deep blue water pocket that draws divers into its depths. The site is perfect for advanced divers looking for a challenge, offering strong currents and a mix of pelagic species such as reef sharks, tuna, and manta rays. The blue water and underwater cliffs make it an exhilarating dive.
26. Kubu (Kubu Reef)
Location: North-east Bali
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Kubu Reef is a beautiful site known for its diverse marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. It’s great for both beginners and intermediate divers looking for a relaxing yet rewarding dive experience in relatively shallow waters.
27. Manta Bay (Nusa Penida)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Advanced
Manta Bay is a top dive site for those hoping to encounter manta rays. The site is home to these majestic creatures, especially during the feeding and cleaning periods. Strong currents require advanced diving skills, but the sight of the manta rays makes the dive unforgettable.
28. Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida)
Location: Southeast Bali
Level: Advanced
Crystal Bay is another iconic site in Nusa Penida, famous for its crystal-clear waters and occasional Mola Mola sightings. The currents here can be challenging, and it’s best for experienced divers, but the opportunity to spot the giant sunfish makes it an exceptional dive.
29. Sandy Bay (Nusa Lembongan)
Location: South-east Bali
Level: Intermediate
Located near Nusa Lembongan, Sandy Bay is home to a wide variety of reef fish and larger pelagic species like reef sharks. The site is known for its clear waters and strong currents, making it suitable for intermediate divers who want to explore its vibrant underwater world.
30. Menjangan Wall
Location: West Bali
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Menjangan Wall is a dive site characterized by steep walls and rich biodiversity. Divers can explore the vibrant coral formations and encounter large schools of fish, moray eels, and sea turtles. With clear waters and an abundance of marine life, it’s an unforgettable dive for intermediate to advanced divers.
An overview of our achievements: creativity, professionalism, and unforgettable experiences
At Best Bali Diving, our mission goes beyond just offering dives—we create unforgettable underwater experiences. For years, we have been at the forefront of Bali’s diving scene, earning a reputation for our creativity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Here’s an insight into what sets us apart:
- Creativity in Every Dive
Every dive with us is unique. We pride ourselves on offering personalized diving experiences tailored to your interests, skill level, and preferences. Whether you want to explore Bali’s famous wrecks, swim with manta rays, or discover hidden coral gardens, our experienced guides will craft an experience that exceeds your expectations. We also specialize in creating memorable underwater photography and videography, allowing you to relive your dive experiences long after you surface. - Professionalism You Can Trust
When it comes to safety, professionalism is our top priority. All of our dive instructors are PADI certified with years of diving experience in Bali’s waters. They are not only experts in dive techniques but also passionate about marine conservation and ensuring every diver has a safe, enjoyable experience. With a deep understanding of Bali’s underwater ecosystems, our team is always prepared to ensure your dive is safe and full of discovery. - Unforgettable Experiences
The beauty of Bali’s underwater world is unmatched, and we are proud to be the gateway to it. From the world-renowned USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben to the dazzling coral gardens of Amed, Bali’s dive sites are known for their rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems. Whether you’re diving with turtles, exploring hidden caves, or witnessing the majestic manta rays of Nusa Penida, every dive promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our goal is to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, along with a deep appreciation for the incredible marine life we’re privileged to share.
Why Choose Us for Your Diving Adventures in Bali?
- Tailored Experiences: We take the time to understand your interests and preferences, curating dive trips that suit your skill level and aspirations.
- Expert Guides: Our experienced team is knowledgeable about the best dive spots in Bali and will ensure you experience the island’s diverse marine life safely and with confidence.
- Sustainability: As passionate divers and marine conservation advocates, we are committed to preserving Bali’s fragile ecosystems. We practice and promote eco-friendly diving practices to ensure that future generations can enjoy these stunning underwater worlds.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We provide top-notch diving gear that’s regularly maintained to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your adventure.
Join Us and Dive into Bali’s Underwater Wonderland
Explore Bali with us and discover a world of adventure that’s waiting beneath the surface. Whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced enthusiast, Best Bali Diving is here to make your Bali diving experience one you’ll never forget. With our passion, creativity, and professionalism, you’ll dive with confidence and excitement on every single adventure.
Ready to dive in? Book your Bali diving adventure today and let’s explore the underwater magic together! 🌊🐠