Best of Bali – 3 week round trip
Experience an unforgettable diving vacation in Bali, where you really get to know the island both above and below the water. Explore the colorful marine life, dive with manta rays and the mysterious mola mola and enjoy day trips to the most beautiful spots of the island.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Bali roundtrip: diving in the best places
During this 3-week roundtrip you will stay in 3 different places in Bali. This allows you to dive in the best locations Bali has to offer and have a lot of variety in the marine life: from colorful coral reefs and wrecks to swimming with majestic manta rays.
Week 1: Ganesh Lodge, East Bali
You start your adventure on the east coast of Bali at the Ganesh Lodge, close to Candidasa. Here you will dive with Orca Dive Club, where you will see famous dive sites such as Gili Tepekong, Mimpang and Biaha discovered. These locations are known for their vibrant coral reefs and the chance to see sharks, turtles and, in the right season, even mola molas to be seen.
Week 2: Bali Villa Dive Resort, North Bali
In the second week you will travel north to Amed and Tulamben. Here you will stay at the Bali Villa Dive Resort, where you can see the famous USAT Liberty wreck wreck – an iconic wreck covered in coral and alive with all kinds of marine life.
Week 3: Taman Sari Resort & Spa, West Bali
You will spend the last week in the quiet west of Bali, at Taman Sari Resort & Spa in Pemuteran. Here you can relax, but also dive well at the Biorock Project, an innovative coral restoration project. In addition, there is the opportunity to Menjangan Island to explore, famous for its pristine underwater world and colorful coral reefs.
Best travel time Bali:
The best travel time for diving in Bali is from April to November. During these months you will enjoy stable, dry weather and clear waters. The calm seas and excellent visibility make it ideal for both novice and experienced divers. In the months of September and October, you even have the greatest chance of seeing mola mola at Nusa Penida.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Bali
In most cases, a 3mm is sufficient. Between July and September you can consider a 5mm due to a water temperature of about 27C.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Bali
Today your journey starts with a flight to beautiful Bali. From Europe you can sometimes fly to Bali with a direct flight, but often with one stopover in about 16 to 18 hours. Upon arrival at the airport the driver will be waiting for you to take you to the Ganesh resort. This drive takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Depending on what time you arrive, you can also stay the first night near the airport. The transfer will then take you to Ganesh Lodge the next morning after breakfast.
Day 3 | Arrival at Ganesh Lodge
The first accommodation of your trip is Ganesh Lodge, located on the east coast of Bali, in the quiet coastal town of Candidasa. You’ll stay here in a superior room, surrounded by tropical gardens and with a lovely pool at your fingertips. This small-scale lodge is known for its friendly atmosphere, personal attention and relaxed setting. The bungalows have air conditioning, a private terrace and a spacious bathroom, and the restaurant serves both local and Western dishes. Thanks to its location, you’ll be at the diving school in no time, but trips to temples, villages or nature are also easy to arrange. It is the ideal place to start your adventure: quiet, well-kept and with the sea always nearby.
This small-scale accommodation is known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and personal attention. In the morning you’ll enjoy an à la carte or vegetarian breakfast, and the spa offers a relaxing massage.
Thanks to its central location, you will be at the diving school within a few minutes, and trips to nearby temples, villages or nature reserves are also easy to arrange. It is the perfect place to start your trip: comfortable, cozy and right by the sea.
You can choose to stay at Ganesh Beach Hotel on the beach, or at the slightly more inland Ganesh Lodge, in the middle of the tropical garden.
Day 4 to 6 | Diving with Orca Dive Club
You will make the first dives of this trip with Orca Dive Club‘s experienced guides. A diving day with Orca Dive Club starts relaxed. After breakfast you will be welcomed at the well-equipped dive center. The crew will already prepare your diving equipment for you if you wish, then all you have to do is check it. Then you board a traditional Balinese jukung (outrigger boat), which will take you out into the open sea towards spectacular dive sites within minutes.
The dive sites are located just off the coast of Candidasa and are famous for their impressive underwater scenery, current dives and chance of seeing large marine life. Between dives you usually return to the dive center for a short break and a drink. You will dive 1-3 times a day, depending on your preference and conditions.
Some well-known dive sites you might go to are:
- Gili Tepekong: A challenging site with steep walls, caves and a chance of sharks. With the right conditions also mola mola in season.
- Gili Mimpang: Consists of three small rocks and is known for schools of fish, reef sharks and colorful corals. There can be strong currents here.
- Gili Biaha: Known for its shark cave and dramatic drop-offs. An advanced dive site, with plenty of action underwater.
Afterwards, relax by the pool at Ganesh Lodge or explore the surroundings of Candidasa.
Day 7 | Half-day trip to Tenganan
Today you stay out of the water, but dive into the cultural heart of East Bali. You’ll visit the extraordinary village of Tenganan, one of the oldest villages on the island.
Tenganan is known as a traditional Bali Aga village, where the original customs and lifestyle before Hindu influences are still kept alive. Stroll through the quiet streets past distinctive houses, meet the friendly residents and learn about ancient rituals, village structures and crafts.
One of the highlights is the famous gering textiles, a rare form of double ikat weaving not made anywhere else in the world. You can also see for yourself how engraving is done on lontar leaves, a traditional craft that is still practiced.
You will be accompanied by a local guide, who will take you into the special stories and traditions of Tenganan. A unique opportunity to experience authentic Bali away from the crowds and tourist trails.
Day 8 | Transfer to Gretek (Bali Villa Dive Resort)
After a leisurely breakfast at Ganesh, you bid farewell to the tranquil east coast. In the morning you will be picked up for the transfer to the east coast of Bali, towards charming Gretek. This is a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Along the way, you will traverse the verdant mountain landscape of northern Bali, with beautiful views of rice terraces, volcanoes and coastlines. There is time for a short break or photo stop along the way.
Around noon you will arrive at Bali Villa Dive Resort, a small resort with tropical garden and direct access to sea and reef. You can spend the rest of the day quietly checking in, setting up your dive gear, relaxing by the pool or already snorkeling in front of the door.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the resort as you prepare for the diving days ahead.
Day 9 - 13 | Diving with Bali Villa Dive Resort (including Liberty wreck)
A typical diving day at Bali Villa Dive Resort begins with a leisurely breakfast, where you can enjoy fresh, local dishes while overlooking the tropical surroundings. After breakfast, you prepare for the day and prepare your dive gear. Soon after, you will depart by dive boat to one of the beautiful dive sites nearby, such as the famous Liberty Wreck, Amed or Tulamben. The dive sites are close by, usually only 10 to 20 minutes by boat.
The morning begins with the first dive, where you can spot the colorful coral reef, various species of fish and maybe even a turtle or two. The dive is followed by a surface interval, during which you can relax on board or return to the resort for a short break.
Lunch is often followed by a second dive in a different location, providing some variety in the marine life.
Well-known dive sites you might go to are:
Liberty Wreck (Tulamben): the famous wreck is covered with colorful coral and offers the chance to see large fish, turtles and diverse marine life.
Amed: this reef is known for its calm waters and impressive coral formations, with a variety of fish species and the rare pygmy seahorse.
After diving, enjoy your free time. Relax by the pool, snorkel out front, or book a relaxing massage. In the evening you can dine at the resort and end the day quietly with a drink at the bar.
Day 14 | Day trip to Kintamani region
No diving is scheduled today, a great opportunity to further explore the interior of Bali.
Today you will take a day trip to the Kintamani region. In this volcanic highland area you will drive with a guide to the viewpoint over the impressive Mount Batur and its crater lake. You will visit traditional villages and may want to visit a local market.
Note that this region is high, so don’t plan this too short of a diving day. You can also plan this on day 9 if necessary.
Day 15 | Transfer to Pemuteran (Taman Sari Resort)
After a leisurely breakfast at Villa Bali Dive Resort, you will leave in the morning for the transfer to the last location of your trip: Taman Sari Resort & Spa in Pemuteran. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, you will enjoy the stunning views of Bali’s verdant interior, with volcanoes, rice paddies and coastal landscapes alternating the view.
It is a relaxing drive and there is time to stop for a short break or a photo of the beautiful scenery. After arrival, you have the rest of the day to relax by the pool or explore the resort, and prepare for the final dives of your trip.
Day 16 to 18 | Diving with Bali Diving Academy
You will spend the next 3 days diving with Bali Diving Academy. Well-known dive sites here are Menjangan Island and Biorock Project. A dive day at Menjangan usually starts with a 30-45 minute boat ride to the island. The first dive is often a wall dive along the steep, colorful coral walls full of reef fish, sea fans and sometimes even a turtle. After a surface interval on the boat or on the beach, a second dive follows, for example at another wall or a macro spot. Back in Pemuteran you can make another dive at the Biorock project: artificial reefs full of growing coral, right in front of the dive center. Relaxed, varied and impressively beautiful.
Well-known dive sites you might go to are:
- Menjangan Island – Coral Garden: A colorful and accessible reef with soft corals, anemones and schools of tropical fish. A great place for beginners and photographers alike.
- Menjangan Island – Pos II Wall: An impressive wall dive where you can find gorgonians, large sea fans and macro life, with a chance of barracudas and turtles.
- Pemuteran Biorock Project: A unique artificial reef with metal structures overgrown with coral. Here you can see how conservation and diving come together.
Day 19 | Guided day excursion on northwest Bali
Today is your last full day in Bali, a perfect chance to take in the beauty of the island one last time.
A day trip through northwest Bali with a local guide will show you a completely different face of the island. You’ll drive past quiet villages, rice fields and dry hills overlooking the ocean. Often you start at the temple of Pulaki, where monkeys clamber between the gates. Then you visit local markets or a salt mining site by the sea. Along the way you will learn all about the nature, culture and traditions of this less touristy part of Bali. Quiet, authentic and surprisingly beautiful.
After this day, you will return to the hotel for your last night in Bali.
Day 20 & 21 | Return home
After one last relaxing morning at the resort, it’s time to slowly say goodbye to Bali. You still have time to enjoy the tropical surroundings: take a dip in the pool, take a last walk on the beach or treat yourself to lunch overlooking the sea.
Later in the day, you will be picked up at the hotel for transfer to Denpasar airport. Most international flights leave in the evening, so you will travel to the airport at your leisure.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Bali?
Liberty wreck
The USAT Liberty is one of the most famous wreck dives in the world and is located just off the coast of Tulamben, on the northeast side of Bali. The 120-meter cargo ship was torpedoed in 1942 and now lies at a depth of 5 to 30 meters, making it accessible to both novice and experienced divers. The wreck is completely covered in soft and hard coral and teems with life: from schools of fish to turtles and sometimes even bumphead parrotfish. The calm conditions make this a perfect spot for day and night diving.
Diving with mola mola
Encountering a mola mola, or moonfish, during your dive is a unique experience. In the right season – from July through October – you have a good chance of spotting these rare, otherworldly-looking fish at Nusa Penida. The mola mola rises from deep, cool water layers to be cleaned by reef fish, often at dive sites such as Crystal Bay. Their huge, flat bodies and calm movements make an encounter unforgettable. These dives take place on the open sea and are especially suitable for advanced divers because of the sometimes strong currents.
Find dwarf seahorses
Finding a pygmy seahorse is like discovering a tiny gem hidden among the coral. These tiny and perfectly camouflaged seahorses – often no bigger than a grain of rice – live mostly on fan corals in the waters around Amed, Tulamben and Pemuteran. With their curly tails and delicate patterns, they are a favorite of underwater photographers and lovers of the small stuff. You do need a keen eye, or a good guide, as they are masters of invisibility. The calm conditions and macro life make this a perfect highlight for lovers of muck diving and detail.
The accommodations
Accommodation and diving schools
Ganesh Lodge
Ganesh Lodge is a small-scale and relaxed accommodation in Candidasa, on the tranquil east coast of Bali. The resort offers a delightful and casual atmosphere, ideal for those looking for peace and comfort in a natural setting. You’ll stay in cozy bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens, and have access to a fine pool to relax in after a day exploring the region.
You will stay in a superior room. The rooms are practically furnished with air conditioning, a good shower and a private veranda where you can enjoy the surrounding nature. The restaurant serves both Indonesian and Western dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy tasty meals in a cozy setting. Ganesh Lodge offers a quiet and comfortable base from which to explore the island of Bali. The friendly staff is always ready to help you with practical questions.
During your stay at Ganesh Lodge, you will dive with Orca Dive Club.
Bali Villa Dive Resort
Bali Villa Dive Resort is located in the quiet coastal town of Gretek, on the northeast side of Bali. This small-scale resort is popular with divers because of its location, homey atmosphere and especially its direct access to beautiful dive sites.
You will stay in a spacious room or bungalow, built in Balinese style and surrounded by palm trees and flowers. All accommodations have air conditioning, a private bathroom and a terrace or balcony where you wake up in the morning with a view of the garden or the sea.
Central to the grounds is a swimming pool, surrounded by sunbeds and shaded areas to relax. The restaurant serves a mix of Indonesian and international dishes, and you can also go there for a fresh smoothie or a cold Bintang after a swim.
The dive center
Bali Villa Dive Resort’s SSI dive center is located directly on the resort grounds, ideal for those who appreciate comfort and convenience. You’ll find 2 comfortable dive boats, well-maintained rental equipment, a separate room for your own gear and charging stations for cameras or other technical devices.
The house reef is right outside the door, and many dive sites are accessible by boat within minutes. This allows you to spend your surface interval relaxing at the resort. For special dives, such as the world-famous Liberty Wreck, half-day trips by car are organized.
The diving team makes sure that your diving equipment is already assembled and ready to go on the boat or in the car. You only have to check if everything is correct and then you can dive into the water. Afterwards your equipment is also rinsed and stored for you. It’s like being on vacation!
Taman Sari Resort & Spa
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa is a quiet beach resort located in northwest Bali, in the village of Pemuteran. The resort offers a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty.
Accommodations range from comfortable rooms to spacious villas with private pools, all surrounded by tropical gardens. Each room has air conditioning, a private bathroom and a terrace or balcony with garden or sea views. You will stay in a grand deluxe bungalow.
The resort features two outdoor pools, a spa offering traditional Balinese massages, and the Poleng Restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Guests can also participate in various activities such as snorkeling at the nearby Biorock coral restoration project, diving at Menjangan Island, or cycling and hiking in the area.
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa is about a 3.5- to 4-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Its quiet location and proximity to natural attractions make it a convenient choice for a relaxing stay in Bali.
During your stay at Taman Sari, you will dive with Karang Divers Bali.
Orca Dive Club
One of the larger dive centers in Bali, the Orca Dive Club Candidasa is superbly equipped for both novice and experienced divers. With as many as 20 complete dive sets, 76 aluminum tanks in 3 sizes (15L, 12L and 8L) and DIN connections (plus plenty of INT adapters), everything is in place for a safe and comfortable diving experience. There is also the option of diving with Nitrox. And don’t worry, the groups you dive in are always small.
The diving school uses traditional Balinese outrigger boats for the short crossings to Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang, where you can dive in just five minutes amid sharks, schools of fish and – in the right season – even mola mola. A little further on is Gili Biaha, with its impressive shark-filled cave and steep walls. For adventurous trips to Nusa Penida or Lembongan, speedboats depart from Padang Bai.
Bali Dive Academy
Located within walking distance of the beach and several resorts, Bali Diving Academy Pemuteran is an excellent base for diving in northwest Bali. The dive center is known for its personal approach, professional staff and strong focus on safety and marine education.
The equipment is high quality and well maintained, with aluminum tanks of various sizes and both DIN and INT connections. Nitrox is available at a small additional cost. The center has a rinse and dry room, storage for your own gear, and a dedicated team to help you set up and take down your kit.
Dive trips depart daily from the beach to famous locations such as Menjangan Island, the Biorock Project and other reef dives in Pemuteran Bay. The center offers PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster, as well as various specializations such as underwater photography and reef recognition.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Indonesia is available from US$ 3.168 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Fanatical divers? It is possible to book more dives in advance if you prefer to dive as much as possible. Or less, also possible! At EWDR, we provide customized services.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 3.168 p.p.
- 5 nights at Ganesh Lodge on a bed & breakfast basis
- 6 dives with Orca Dive Club
- Half-day trip to Taman Ujun National Park
- 7 nights at Bali Villa Dive resort on half board basis
- 10 dives with Bali Villa Dive resort
- Day trip to Kintamani region
- 5 nights at Taman Sari Resort & Spa on a bed & breakfast basis
- 6 dives with Bali Diving Academy Pemuteran
- Guided day trip on northwest Bali
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Bali from US$ 1.048 p.p.
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment
- 15L tank
- Nitrox (not at Bali Villa Dive Resort)
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving in Bali - general information
At Orca Dive Club, you will do boat dives. At Villa Bali Dive Resort and Bali Diving Academy, it will be a mix of boat and shore diving.
For example, the famous dive site USAT Liberty can be reached both from the shore and by boat.
Orca Dive club: most dive sites are very close, only 5 to 20 minutes by boat. There are also some nice sites further away by boat, but should you go here you will be told in advance.
Villa Bali Dive Resort: most dive sites are just a few minutes boat ride away.
Bali Diving Academy: compared to the other 2 diving schools, here you spend a little longer on the boat. The dive sites at Menjangan Island are 30-45 minutes by boat. The BioRock Project dive site is close by: no boat needed.
There are 2 dives per day included in this trip, but often you can make up to 3 dives per day.
If you also want to do a night dive, it could even be a maximum of 4 dives.
Yes, there are several locations suitable for a night dive. The famous wreck USAT Liberty is also a suitable place for a night dive. Check with the dive center whether a night dive is possible in the period that you are there. There is often a small surcharge for a night dive.
At Villa Bali Dive Resort and Bali Diving Academy, there is a house reef.
Yes, at all three diving schools it is possible to take a course. Orca Dive Club offers SSI and CMAS courses, at Villa Bali Dive Club you can take SSI courses and Bali Diving Academy offers PADI courses.
There is often an international crew of instructors, so you may be able to take the course in your own language.
Villa Bali Dive resort has the diving school at the resort. while staying at Ganesh Lodge and Taman Sari, the diving school is not at the resort, but they are very close. You will be picked up and taken to the diving school.
Want to read more about diving in Bali? We’ve written a complete guide to diving in Bali. Read it here.
Diving equipment
Both DIN and INT tanks are available at all diving schools.
Yes.
At Villa Bali Dive Resort, using the 15L tanks costs an additional €3. You must reserve these in advance.
At Bali Diving Academy there are 2 15L tanks available, but they have the ability to use more 15L. This is good to indicate well in advance though. The use of the tank costs about €3.50 converted.
Nitrox is available at Orca Dive Club and Bali Diving Academy.
The additional cost of using nitrox at Bali Diving Academy is about €5.30 per tank, converted to approximately €5.30.
At Bali Villa Dive resort, nitrox is not yet available. They expect to offer it during 2025.
Yes, at all three diving schools you can rent the diving equipment.
Accommodation / Resort
Yes, all three locations offer free Wi-Fi.
Yes, all three locations have a restaurant.
Yes, all three locations have swimming pools.
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