From west to east, Indonesia's oceans are a paradise for divers looking for an unforgettable diving experience. Beneath the sparkling vast ocean that separates thousands of islands in the Indonesian archipelago is the rich underwater life. Of the many islands surrounding Indonesia, around 62 percent of the country’s territory is basically water.
Indonesia’s underwater charm has gained global recognition in recent times. Heaps of dive sites are scattered hence, we took the courtesy of rounding up the best diving spots in the country just for you. Send our regards to the corals and playful marine creatures, will you?
Best Diving Spots in Indonesia
WEST INDONESIA
Weh Island, Aceh
The stunning diving spots in Weh Island (Pulau Weh) are famed for their diversity of interesting and rare sea creatures. Some of the favourite dive sites in the area include Klah Island, Rondo Island, Seulako Island, and Rubiah Island. A fee starting from Rp800,000 will enable you to enjoy Weh Island’s underwater life with the varied facilities provided.
Pahawang Island, Lampung
Pahawang Island offers amazing underwater natural charm in Marga Punduh District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung. The diving spots here are underwater caves and submarines inhabited by a group of Nemo fish. The island provides a minimum group of four people to comply with the package provisions starting from Rp2,750,000 including facilities.
Sirandah Island, Padang
The fantastic destination in Padang is located about 11 km from the city centre. With a hilly topography and flanked by white sandy beaches surrounded by coconut trees, Sirandah Island has an alluring underwater beauty, with a diversity of corals such as heliopora and Acropora that are habitats for various types of fish. The depth of the waters between two and 15 metres is perfect for beginner divers, with good visibility to see the various marine life that inhabits the area. Soft corals grow tightly in these shallow waters. You can take part in the scuba diving package starting from Rp800,000.
EAST INDONESIA
Tulamben Beach, Bali
The impressive underwater beauty of Tulamben Beach has well-preserved marine life and charming coral reefs. Dive to a depth of about 30 metres to witness the wreck of the USS Liberty that sank in 1942. Diving in Tulamben ranges between Rp500,000 to 1.2 million per person, with many diving service providers in Tulamben that you can use. But the price of scuba diving depends on the package chosen, including entrance tickets, assistance with an instructor, diving equipment, porter fees, and mineral water.
Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara
Komodo Island’s exotic hilly scenery is not the only standout. Located in the heart of the Asia Pacific coral reef triangle, Komodo National Park offers an unparalleled wealth of underwater paradise. Whilst diving, you can have the opportunity to interact with manta rays, sharks, and dugongs aside from witnessing the beauty of coral reefs and a variety of amazing fish species. You’ll need to prepare a budget starting from Rp3 million.
Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara
The small island located in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara has an area of about 338 hectares. Gili Trawangan has stunning underwater natural beauty, enchanting white sandy beaches, and a variety of exciting activities that visitors can enjoy. Explore the colourful coral reefs and see different types of enchanting marine life. Don't miss the opportunity to interact with exotic fish, turtles, and even manta rays starting from Rp155,000 per person.
Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan
The Derawan Islands consist of 31 stunning island clusters. Derawan Island features white sand, and clear blue sea water, and is home to a variety of fascinating marine life for diving. Other favoured diving spots in the Derawan area include Maratua Island, Sangalaki Island, and Kakaban Island (famous for the non-sensational jellyfish).
Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi
Wakatobi has the largest barrier reef area in the country. The majestic coral reefs rank second best in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Below its sea level, there are about 942 species of fish and 750 species of coral reefs that can be seen up close. Furthermore, Wakatobi is also a habitat for dolphins, turtles, and whales.
Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi
Located in the region known as the "Golden Triangle”, where these waters connect the Philippine Sea, the Papua Sea, and Indonesia, Bunaken Marine Park features an unparalleled array of underwater ecosystems. There are 390 species of coral reefs and 90 species of fish, as well as a variety of other marine creatures that make it home to amazing marine biodiversity. A one-time dive starts from Rp560,000 while twice is at Rp850,000 including diving equipment, boats, mineral water and coffee breaks. Certification programmes with PADI are also available and priced variously.
Morotai, Maluku
In the depths of the Morotai Sea are traces of World War II history. While diving, you can firsthand catch sunken warships and submerged warplanes. Moreover, you can have the chance to swim with blackfin sharks, although you have to make an extra effort by diving to a depth of 21 metres. Diving in Morotai starts from Rp4.7 million.
Raja Ampat, Papua
Raja Ampat’s underwater charm covers 75 percent of the coral species found worldwide. Raja Ampat is also rich in marine life with more than 1,318 species of fish, 699 species of molluscs, and 537 types of coral reefs. Diving in Raja Ampat ranges from Rp1.1-1.2 million inclusive of all the equipment used during diving.