Bali is the most accessible Indonesia diving destination. Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar Airport, is Indonesia’s third-busiest airport and many large carriers fly to this destination. The island is small enough to explore from one base, and it’s easy to get around the island by a rental car. However, when time allows, it is recommended to stay in different areas of the island and explore dive sites in each area. Reservations are often necessary when visiting in the summer, between June and August, as it gets very busy.
The Southern dive sites are easiest to reach from Kuta or Sanur, both only 10-15 minute drives from the airport in Denpasar. There are many dive operators to choose from to dive Bali, most of which are located in Sanur. Blue Season Bali is an award-winning, 5 star, PADI dive center, offering dive courses and diving trips, including ‘dive safari’ packages that combine multiple days of diving and accommodation around the island.
East coast Bali Dive sites can be visited with most dive centers on Bali. Divers who prefer some freedom and lots of diving often opt to stay in one of the dive resorts at the shore in Tulamben or Amed. Matahari Tulamben Resort, Dive & Spa and the Tauch Terminal Tulamben, both well-established dive resorts, are located directly at the beach and in front of USS Liberty Wreck. These resorts, and others like them, offer unlimited shore diving packages. While diving in Tulamben, don’t be surprised to see a bare-foot Balinese lady walk away with your scuba tanks on her head. This local initiative by dive schools helps these women earn some money by assisting tourists.
Menjangan Island and other northern Bali Dive sites are far from the busy tourist centers. Lovina is a cute, small town with plenty of facilities, including several good dive operations. Dive center SeaRovers comes highly recommended and offers dive courses and trips to Pemuteran and Menjangan.
Read "Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Bali, (Indonesia)
Read "Part 2: Dive Sites, Marine Life & Environment in Bali, (Indonesia)