14-day diving trip Bali – Nusa Penida & Tulamben
On this trip, you’ll discover Bali under and above the water. You’ll dive with manta rays and mola mola at Nusa Penida and explore iconic wrecks and reefs around Tulamben. There is also time for culture and nature, with trips to Tenganan and volcanic Kintamani.
Travel period
Features
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Bali - Diving in Nusa Penida, Tulamben and more....
Bali is a wonderful destination for divers and this 14-day trip will show you why. The island combines impressive underwater landscapes with tropical atmosphere, welcoming culture and surprising variety. You start in the south of Bali, where you make spectacular dives around Nusa Penida. In the right season here, you have a chance to meet two of the most iconic inhabitants of Balinese waters: the graceful manta ra ys and the rare mola mola (moonfish). You’ll dive along steep walls and vast reefs full of colorful life, often with excellent visibility and large schools of fish.
The second part of your trip takes place on the northeast coast, in Tulamben. Here you will stay in a small resort with on-site diving school. You will make guided dives at iconic sites such as USAT Liberty Wreck, Coral Garden and beautiful Amed.
In addition to diving, there is also time to explore Bali above water. You will take a varied day trip to the traditional Bali Aga village of Tenganan and the high-altitude Kintamani, overlooking the impressive Batur volcano and the crater lake of the same name.
An ideal combination of adventure, relaxation and culture for divers who really want to experience Bali.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to 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 | Travel 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 next day, the driver will be waiting for you to take you to the Ganesh resort. This drive takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Day 2 | 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 3 - 6 | Diving with Orca Dive Club (including Nusa Penida)
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 make 2 dives per day.
Some well-known dive sites you might go to are:
- Nusa Penida (Manta Point): Manta Point is one of the most famous dive sites at Nusa Penida, where you have a great chance of seeing manta rays year-round. Around the cleaning stations, these graceful giants float quietly over the rocks, often in groups.
- 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.
After diving, 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 Tulamben Ocean Sun Dive Resort.
Today you will go to Tulamben, on the northeast coast of the island. After breakfast, the transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the Ocean Sun Dive Resort . This is a drive of about 1 hour. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Bali’s east coast and the landscape of the Karangasem region.
Once you arrive at Ocean Sun, check into one of the cozy bungalows, all equipped with air conditioning, hot water, a king or twin bed, and a private terrace amidst tropical plants. The accommodation operates on a bed and breakfast basis: a delicious fresh breakfast is waiting for you every morning.
On the same property is the resort’s diving school, where you can go for diving. In addition, you can relax by the pool or in the peaceful garden, where you can fully experience the tropical atmosphere of Bali.
You can fill in the rest of the day however you want, tomorrow you will be diving again!
Day 9 to 12 | Diving with Ocean Sun Dive (including Liberty wreck)
For the next 4 days, you will dive with Ocean Sun Dive Resort. You will make a total of 8 guided dives, spread over some of the most beautiful dive sites around Tulamben and Amed. Of course, a dive on the famous Liberty wreck should not be missed, which is just a few minutes walk from the resort. The deeper Boga wreck is also on the program, as well as colorful reefs at Coral Garden and Drop Off. Furthermore, you will discover the impressive macro world of Secret Rocks and Melasti.
During one of the days you will take a boat trip to Amed for 2 dives on the calm reefs and steep walls in this charming fishing bay. For certified divers, nitrox is included free of charge, ideal for getting more out of your dive time. The dives are relaxed, in small groups and tailored to your experience.
Well-known dive sites you might go to are:
Liberty Wreck: the famous wreck is covered with colorful coral and offers the chance to see large fish, turtles and various 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.
Day 13 | Day trip to Kintamani region
The return trip is getting closer, so today you won’t make any more dives. So an appropriate time to further explore the interior of Bali.
A day trip to the Kintamani region is planned. 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.
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 do not plan this too short of a dive. It is not wise to do a night dive the night before.
Day 14 + 15 | 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 Bali's underwater world?
Diving among the manta rays
Diving with manta rays is one of Bali’s highlights. Throughout the year at Nusa Penida you have a great chance to see these impressive animals up close. Especially at Manta Point, the manta rays gather to be brushed by small reef fish. With a wingspan of up to 5 meters, they glide gracefully through the water, often in groups. It is a magical sight to see these giants gliding calmly over you. The dive site is on the open sea, but is usually easily accessible to both novice and experienced divers.
Diving with mola mola
Encountering a mola mola during your dive is a unique experience. In the right season – from July through October – you have a good chance of spotting these rare, alien-looking fish at Nusa Penida. The mola mola rises from the deep and colder waters to be cleaned by reef fish, often at dive sites such as Crystal Bay. Their huge and 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.
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.
The accommodations
The stay and the diving school
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.
You can also choose to stay at the Ganesh Beach lodge, where you stay just a little closer to the beach.
Ocean Sun Dive Resort
Ocean Sun Dive Resort in Tulamben is a small and cozy resort where you will stay in a comfortable bungalow based on bed and breakfast. The bungalows are situated in a tropical garden overlooking the impressive Agung volcano. The bungalows are spacious, have air conditioning, a king-size bed or twin beds and a private terrace. Free Wi-Fi and drinking water are available.
On the property you will also find the resort’s own diving school. Diving is done in small groups with experienced guides, which ensures plenty of personal attention. Famous dive sites such as the famous Liberty Wreck are within walking distance of the resort. Night dives and early morning dives are also possible, as well as diving with nitrox.
After diving, relax by the pool or in the peaceful garden. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly team and good combination of accommodation and diving facilities make Ocean Sun Dive Resort a perfect choice for a diving vacation in northeast Bali.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to Bali is available from US$ 1.636 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.
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 to Bali? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 1.636 p.p.
- 6 nights in Ganesh Logde based on bed & breakfast
- 8 dives with Orca Dive Club
- Half-day trip to Tenganan
- 6 nights at Ocean Sun Dive Resort based on bed & breakfast
- 8 dives with Ocean Sun Dive Resort
- Day trip to Kintamani
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Bali from US$ 1.040 p.p.
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ 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
- Nitrox
- 15L tank
- Diving equipment
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Frequently asked questions about Bali
Diving in Bali - general information
- At Orca Dive Club, you make boat dives
- At Ocean Sun, it will be a combination of boat diving and shore diving.
- At Orca Dive club, most dive sites are very close, only 5 to 20 minutes by boat. There are also some nice locations further away by boat. Should you go here you will be told in advance.
- At Ocean Sun, it varies. Some dive sites are very close, but Amed is a little further away by boat.
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.
Yes, at both diving schools it is possible to take a course. Orca Dive Club offers SSI and CMAS courses, Ocean Sun offers SSI courses. There is often an international crew of instructors, so you may be able to take the course in your own language.
Ocean Sun Dive resort has the diving school at the resort. while staying at Ganesh Lodge, the diving school is not at the resort, but is very close by. 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 both 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 both locations. At Ocean Sun, this is even included for free if you are a nitrox diver.
Yes, at both diving schools you can rent the diving equipment.
Accommodation / Resort
Yes, both locations offer free Wi-Fi.
Yes, both locations have a restaurant.
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