10 Best Diving Spots In Indonesia You Must Explore - Updated 2024

best diving spots in indonesia
Rofiq
Rofiq 
Updated
| 5 min read

For diving enthusiasts, witnessing a school of tiny fish over an intensely hued coral reef would be a dream. With its moderate climate, Indonesia offers an incredible diving adventure. It’s time for you to delight in underwater grace in the tropical paradise. There is a wide array of goodness when it comes to diving in the biggest archipelago on Earth. The country features captivating hidden spots, awaiting the avid divers to explore underwater. But don’t just take our word for it, we’ve provided some informative descriptions about the 10 best diving spots in Indonesia.

1. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

Raja Ampat 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hulivili used under CC BY 2.0

Raja Ampat Islands is the top among all of Indonesia’s diving spots and arguably, one of the best dive sites in the world. It’s regarded as the best one because the islands ‘Four Kings’ cover the most diverse underwater life. You will see the arrays of wonderful coral reefs, unique wobbegong sharks (only found in the site), and the native hawksbill sea turtles. Another great feature of this diving spot is its warm temperature all through the year with great visibility. You can dive from 10 to 40 meters (32-130 feet) in depth. There are several outstanding spots you should try; Manta Ridge, Cape Kri, Manta Sandi, Farond Island and The Passage. Their natural underwater beauty is extremely captivating.

Read more about diving at Raja Ampat here.

Dive Raja Ampat

Website:Dive Raja Ampat

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2. Pemuteran, Singaraja, Bali

Snorkeling Pemuteran Bali 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ennio morricone used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Pemuteran is a diving spot situated in west Bali offering a still underwater view. The crystal clear water combined with the gorgeous coral reefs creates something special for diving exploration. The beautiful spot has a unique underwater Hindu temple. Other lovely sea creatures such as seahorses, lion fish, frog fish, octopus and scorpion fish can be spotted here. You will be mesmerized with these enticing marine inhabitants swarming over the temple. Dive at night to see strange tiny creatures. This spot is recommended for beginners.

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3. Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara

Nephtheidae komodo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nhobgood used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There is no better word to describe our next location than “marvelous”; we’re talking about Komodo National Park. The huge variety of tropical fish, the multitude of outstanding coral reefs, and the manta rays are superb to behold. If you have good fortune, you’ll spot either the grey shark or the hammerhead shark. For the best diving conditions with great visibility, go in March to October. If you are willing to see a school of manta rays, just come in the rainy season (December to February). It’s regarded as the best diving spot in Indonesia beside Raja Ampat Islands and Bunaken Islands.

Komodo National Park

Website:Komodo National Park

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4. Bunaken Islands, North Sulawesi

Nembrotha cristata bunaken
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chriswan Sungkono used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Exploring the captivating underwater world in Bunaken Islands is extremely terrific. You can spot numerous incredible sea creatures; an array of gorgeous tropical fish, various sharks (the white tip and black tip reef sharks), sea turtles, and the graceful manta rays. They swim beautifully over the most colorful reef garden on earth. The best time for diving is in the dry season (from May to October). You’ll enjoy the warm blue water with super clear visibility. There will be no regret when it comes to a Bunaken underwater discovery adventure.

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Bali Tour Guide

Dori Januhari

Dori Januhari

I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science physics. I'll be happy to guide and ready to show you the magnificent places in Indonesia.

Tours by Dori

Bali Tour Guide

toni kenpachi

Toni Kenpachi

Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland tour from Jakarta to Bali I'll be glad to assist your trip too, there will be more interesting places to visit and I'll glad taking you to see those places, please do not hesitate to contact me.

5. Wakatobi Islands, South East Sulawesi

Wakatobi-233
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Craig D used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Wakatobi Islands are home to the most magnificent sea biodiversity. Although it doesn’t offer a spotting huge fish experience, the diving point in South East Sulawesi with its vivid coral reefs is undoubtedly enticing. The endemic sea creatures such as pygmy seahorse swimming around fabulous sea fan and newly discovered ghost pipefish are the highlight. You can make your own diving schedule anytime all year round, as this spot is drier than anywhere else in Indonesia. Make sure you avoid the peak season (April and May). Aside from diving exploration, don’t miss your chance to meet the local sea tribe; the Bajaus.

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6. Menjangan Island, Bali

Menjangan island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY 2.0

Although Menjangan Islands are no longer famous for their flat reef corals, they still hide a terrific underwater beauty. The gorgonian sea fans, the superb colorful fish, and the vibrant corals decorate the sea garden in epic ways. The diving spot located in north Bali has still current with clear visibility and warm water. Another feature you need to discover is the Anker Wreck. The ancient wooden boat can be found in the depth of 40 meters (130 feet). You need to get this wreck discovery experience. We recommend that you dive in the dry season (April to October) to avoid the monsoon.

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7. Gili Islands, Lombok

Gili Islands
Source: Pixabay

The diving spot in Gili Islands is not as famous as either Bunaken or Komodo, yet, it’s still captivating for underwater exploration. The water has a constantly warm temperature ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (78-86°F). The coral reefs, the colorful fish, and the green sea turtles are the main highlight. It’s recommended for beginners since the current is so light. If you crave for a challenging ambiance, try Shark Point and Deep Turbo for a shark experience. Other spots named Halik Reef, Meno Wall, and Sunset Reef are good to explore also.

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8. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Nusa Lembongan Reef
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY 2.0

“Fantastic” is the right word to describe the underwater world in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. A rare opportunity, you can be amazed by the captivating Mola-Mola; an oceanic sunfish. No wonder there are so many global divers who head to the islands for Mola-Mola sightings in August to October. This fish usually lives in the deep sea, but they appear in the shallow water during those months to get clean. Crystal Bay is the right spot to witness Mola-Mola, with another creature feature being the manta ray. The manta point in the islands is super clear and shallow, recommended for all types of divers.

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9. Pulau Weh, Sumatra (from USD 16)

This small island, with its azure waters and spellbinding underwater canyon, is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. Indeed, despite its small size it is home to dozens of different diving centres, so you’ll have little difficulty finding the perfect one for you. And when you finally do leave the waters and their beautiful schools of fish behind, the island itself is home to a host of hotels as well as natural attractions ranging from waterfalls to paradise-like sandy beaches. So, whatever your plans, a trip to this island will linger long in the memory.

While you are there, check into Pulau Weh Paradise for the perfect trip.

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Pulau Weh Paradise

Wifi Available

Address: Pasir Putih Pulau Weh Banda Aceh, Sumatra
2748.29 km (1707.8 mi) from Tirta Gangga

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

10. Tulamben, north-east Bali (from USD 62)

A great option for drivers of all abilities, Tulamben is home to wreck sites just 30 meters from the shore and at depths of as little as four meters - allowing you to explore as shallow or as deep as your experience or comfort level will allow. The coral seas are also teeming with all manner of colorful and spellbinding fish. Naturally, this excellent mix of wildlife and wrecks has made the area particularly popular with divers, and a host of hotels have sprung up offering not just the usual mix of ocean views, swimming pools, and spas - but also a selection of diving and snorkeling trips.

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Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben & Spa

Wifi Available

Address: Desa Banjar Kubu
15.14 km (9.5 mi) from Tirta Gangga

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace

Travel to Indonesia and experience the enticing underwater worlds

Diving in Indonesia surely gives you another perspective to what it usually called “beauty”. The abundant vibrant coral reefs, the school of multicolored tropical fish, the wild sharks, the endemic turtles are just tiny examples of the grace and splendor of the underwater world. The crystal clear water with warm temperature is the main feature of most Indonesian diving spots. Plan your underwater adventure so you will know how beautiful this country really is. We guarantee that this is the real tropical paradise you should discover.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rofiq, hailing from East Java, Indonesia, is a passionate explorer who thrives on discovering new places, encountering diverse people, and immersing himself in various languages and cultures. His...Read more

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