Scuba Diving in Bali - The Ideal Destination for a Perfect Vacation

Planning a scuba diving vacation, when traveling with a non-diving
partner, can be quite challenging, as many of the top dive
destinations don't really offer much in terms of vacation experiences
for non-divers. What are you to do - stop diving? No way, simply read
on, and I might just be able to help you to plan the best vacation you
have ever had - both of you!Bali has been famous as a destination for
travelers, artists, writers and adventurers for a long, long time. The
scenery is beautiful, traditional culture is alive and integrated into
every day life, and the people are extremely friendly.Diving, however,
has only quite recently been added to the many things which can be
experienced whilst vacationing in Bali. Scuba diving around Bali
offers something for everyone, regardless of your particular interest.
An added bonus is that all the dive sites around Bali can be visited
on day trips, which is great if you don't want to change hotels.
Having said that, I would suggest to spend at least two nights each in
Tulamben and Pemuteran. Tulamben because early morning and night dives
here are absolutely stunning. Pemuteran and Secret Bay because it's a
fairly long drive from the south of the island, which would make for
an incredibly long day, somewhat spoiling the experience.Here are a
few of the different dive areas you can find around Bali. They are
simply listed in geographical order, and not according to any
preference of mine.If you like drift diving and big fish action Nusa
Penida and Manta Point is where you should dive. The Nusa Penida dive
sites are also the place to see the amazing mola-mola from July to
late October. However, these dive sites are not for beginners, as
currents can be strong and somewhat unpredictable.Nice and easy diving
can be found in Padang Bai, but even here the currents can pick up
quite suddenly. I have seen turtles, white tip reef sharks, as well as
leaf scorpion fish, ghost pipefish, and even pygmy sea horses here.
Plus a host of nudibranchs, some of which I had not seen before.I
don't think there are any divers who have not heard of the USAT
Liberty ship wreck at Tulamben. The Liberty, in my opinion, is one of
the easiest and most accessible wreck dives you can ever do. The wreck
is close to the beach, which is a great opportunity for snorkelers to
check out a wreck as well. But there is a lot more to see here than
just the wreck. The Coral Garden and The Drop Off are just two other
dive sites which are also in Tulamben Bay and offer you variety if
wrecks don't do it for you.There are a couple of very good reasons why
divers make the long trek to Pemuteran on the north-west coast of
Bali. The beautiful dive sites of Menjangan Island offer some gentle
drift diving along walls which are encrusted with colourful soft
corals. The Bio Rock reef regeneration project and Napoleon Reef are
two dive sites which can be reached either from the beach, or by a
short boat ride.Close to Pemuteran is Secret Bay, not so secret any
more, a well-known place for muck-diving in Bali.Non-divers have no
reason or excuse for being bored in Bali. From each of the above dive
areas it is possible to do day tours, either by car, or by renting a
motor scooter. Non-diving activities in Bali include visiting
out-of-the-way, traditional villages, admire stunning rice terraces,
and visit temples and colourful, traditional markets. More energetic
visitors can go mountain bike riding or white water rafting.If that's
not enough, it is also possible to learn surfing, attend a Balinese
cooking class, or learn to make your own silver jewelry. Oh, there is
shopping as well, lots of it. I would suggest to leave some space in
your suitcase for all the purchases you make whilst holidaying in
Bali.Bali, being close to the equator, has a tropical climate and is a
year-round holiday destination. Due to some high mountains, the
northern part of the island is a lot drier than the south, even during
the rainy season. Once again, there is no place like Bali for divers
and non-divers traveling together.Don't wait - come and check out Bali
on your next vacation.