With over 81,000 km of coastline, Indonesia is one of the best countries in Asia to visit for those looking for a scuba diving adventure. The archipelago’s waters are home to over 3000 fish species and 600 corals, making it the nation with the highest marine biodiversity in the world.
Whether you’re looking to swim with the sharks, explore underwater sea wrecks or admire the colourful fishes and corals, you’ll find a great spot for diving in Indonesia. Just be sure to take note of the best seasons to visit these spots and to get the most out of your trip.
Why should you try scuba diving in Indonesia?
Indonesia hosts some of the most spectacular dive locations, because of the fact it is made up of so many islands (17,508 of them to be exact). It is easy to set up base just a few minutes away from great dive spots and with so many locations to choose from, diving in Indonesia is a no-brainer.
READ MORE: Planning your trip to Indonesia? Here’s our guide on the best places to visit
So without further ado, let’s dive (pardon the pun) right into our top 5 spots for diving in Indonesia:
- Alor, East Nusa Tenggara – A hidden gem
- Manta Point (Karang Makassar), Komodo Island
- Tanjung Sari, Padang Bai, Bali
- Nils Desperandum, Maluku Island
- Bunaken National Marine Park, Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi
Alor, East Nusa Tenggara
If you’re looking for views of colourful corals and a wide variety of wildlife, Alor is the perfect muck diving site. The small volcanic island north of West Timor in Eastern Indonesia is remote, leaving the waters pristine and unpolluted.
Besides unique smaller creatures like frogfish, pygmy seahorses and Mandarinfish, you may be able to see sharks and turtles while catching sightings of dolphins and whales from your diving boat.
The best season to visit Alor is from March to May and from September to November. Strong and unpredictable currents make this spot suitable for intermediate to experienced divers.
Manta Point (Karang Makassar), Komodo Island
Ever dreamed of swimming alongside the magnificent manta rays? This dive site off the coast of Nusa Penida is the place to be. The location is a cleaning stop for the majestic and gentle giants to get parasites cleaned off, sometimes feeding on zooplankton.
Although you can find them all year round, the most ideal time to visit is between December and February when the most number of Mantas can be spotted. The gentle waters and nice coral reefs make this site very beginner-friendly.
Tanjung Sari, Padang Bai, Bali
Although Bali’s always packed with tourists, it should not be overlooked by those looking for a more refined dive experience.
Tanjung Sari is just a 3-minute boat ride away from Padang Bali Beach and features depths of up to 25 metres. Here, you can find a large variety of stunning fishes at every depth, including reef sharks and barracudas. The area is also scattered with hard and soft corals and is an excellent spot for taking gorgeous photos, even while diving at night. The currents vary from gentle to medium, so this may be a better place for intermediate divers.
If you’re more of a beginner diver, I’d recommend checking out the other diving spots at Pandang Bai such as the popular Blue Lagoon that sits closer to the shoreline.
Batu Lompa, Nils Desperandum, The Forgotten Islands
For those seeking a thrill, dive with the hammerhead sharks in the Banda Sea at this drop-off point.
The crystal clear and nutrient-rich waters bring in schools of hammerhead sharks, especially between September and November. Other than these majestic creatures, you can find sea snakes, barracuda and tuna. Away from the crowds and cities, the untouched diving reefs at Banda island are bustling with life, sponges and an abundance of pelagic fish.
The Banda Sea is renowned for world-class reefs, wrecks and even underwater caves. While you’re at Nils Desperandum, check out the rest of the diving sites for an unparalleled diving experience. The easy and comfortable conditions also mean that this spot is great for beginner divers.
Bunaken National Marine Park, Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi
Bunaken National Park is also located in Sulawesi, on the Northern part of the island in the Bay of Manado.
From the myriad of corals to sharks and rays, this remarkable bay has something to offer for all its visitors. The clear waters feature some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity in the world. Terrain-wise, Bunaken is mainly known for its colourful reef walls teeming with smaller critters and fish.
Here, you can find exotic and unique creatures such as the dugong and coelacanth. If you’re lucky, you can even catch sperm whales who are making their way through the area to the Sangihe Archipelago.
The most suitable time to visit the island is anywhere from April to October when the weather conditions are ideal. With over 24 diving spots across the park, you’ll be sure to find a diving spot for your experience level. To see some spectacular fish, I’d recommend stopping at Manado Dua and Barracuda Point.
How to decide on the best diving spot?
The best spot for diving depends on what you’re looking for and your experience with diving. Whether it’s your first or 1000th dive, there are plenty of options all over the Indonesian waters to explore.
If you’re looking for thrill and adventure, I’d suggest going for spots that the sharks and rays frequent. If you’re looking to experience scuba diving for the first time, stick to gentler waters.
Let us know your choices for the finest locations for diving in Indonesia.
