The 5 different dive sites are easily accessed by local traditional outrigger boats called "Jukung". Between dives we return to the Dive Center for the surface interval. The dive sites of Padang Bai offer a great variety. From the novice diver to the diving professional, there is something for every experience level. Padang Bai is a haven for UW photography with a myriad of species that will pose for a portrait (Morray Eels, Leafy Scorpionfish, Anglerfish, Stonefish, Indian Walkman...).
Dive Sites
Tempel: This shallow (5 to 9 meters), well protected from currents dive site is full of beautifully overgrown coral bommies. Many different soft and hard coral species can be found here. The sandy bottom then slopes down gently from 9 to 50 meters+ with more coral bommies which provide shelter for all kind of reef fish. Cuttlefish can be seen laying eggs in the staghorn fields and Sting Rays dig in the sand for food. Flatheads, Nudibranchs, Flounders and Scorpionfish are common encounters.
Wall: To the north east the Blue Lagoon is seperated from the next bay (Jepun) through a rocky cape which continues under water as a sheer wall that bottoms out at 30 meters. Along the wall we are diving on to the next bay. The wall is home to hundreds of Featherstars, Lionfish, Scorpionfish, Urchins and a variety of Shrimps. With a bit of luck we find Anglerfish (photo above was taken here) and the night active Coral Cat Shark.
Tanjung Sari: This dive site marks the southern end of the Blue Lagoon and stretches along the cape which separates the Blue Lagoon and the Padang Bai Ferry Harbour. An extended Reef top with bizarre volcanic rock formations slopes gently down to about 30 meters where it ends in a sandy bottom. Due to it's location this reef is exposed to currents caused by tidal movement which in turn brings in a great number of schooling fish. Her we also have a great chance of watching some patrolling White Tip Reef Sharks. Eagle rays, Napoleons and Tunas are regular visitors to this reef as well as the legendary Mola Mola. The reef with it's rock and coral formations also offers shelter to Morray eels, Lobster, Octopus and many a times a Nurse shark can be found sleeping. Even Wobbegongs can be found here in the dry season (may to september) when the water is generally cooler. In the shallower part of the reef a rugged labyrinth of rocky canals provides us with shelter against the currents to dive our way back into the Blue Lagoon.
Ferry Channel: Just outside the green beacon which marks the east side of the narrow channel where the ferry to Lombok runs in and out we decend down the steep slope to about 15 meters. Many a times we find there in horizontal crevices sleeping White Tip Reef Sharks. The crevices are also providing shelter for Lobster. A great opportunity for U/W photographers to take some close ups. A few meters deeper are some nicely overgrown coral bommies with a cleaner station frequently visited by giant Morray Eels. On our way along the slope a huge Gorgonia tells us on our way that it is time to return to shallower water and to dive east towards the Blue Lagoon. A great variety of Nudibranchs are another highlight of this dive site and encounters with Turtles often happen in the shallower parts at the end of the dive.
Bias Tugal: This dive site is located right in front of the beautiful white sand beach named "Bias Tugal". The entire bay consists of a flat bottom which is greatly covered with soft coral and bommies with hard coral strewn in between. At the outer edge of the bay the bottom slopes down steeply to about 50 meters where it ends in sandy bottom. On the slope Nudibranchs and Stingrays can be found as well as Turtles. At a depth of 30 meters are horizontal crevices which are always good for a surprise encounter with large Stingrays, Nurse Sharks and Lobster. On the way back to shallow water we are passing giant Fan Corals and Barrel Sponges. before we reach some big bommies which reach close to the surface, ideal for an extended safety stop. |
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