8 Diver’s Paradise in Indonesia
Filed under Attractions, Exotic South East, Feature Highlights, Nature
More than 5 million square meters of water surrounds the island archipelago of Indonesia. Undoubtedly, it is a grand settlement for hundreds if not thousands of underwater species and beautiful, colorful coral reefs. At once, this country offers plenty of spots that many diving enthusiasts can only dream about.
Thanks to the unusual political turmoil and usually exaggerated travel warnings, you’ll rarely find this country on the average traveler’s itinerary. Fortunately for the brave and adventurous, that means less tourists, more peace and quiet, and a better chance of enjoying all the serene beauty on your own sweet time. Here’s a list of Indonesia’s 8 Amazing Dive Spots for you to dream about, and one day try on your own!
Bintan Island. Photo credit - jensen_chua & Roro Fernandez.
Bintan Island, Riau
Probably the most accessible island from outside Indonesia, this diving hotspot is less then an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. The island boasts of 18 km of pristine white beaches with rich marine life, and various dive spots for your enjoyment and perusal.
Not far from the northern coast line there is a small gorge 8 meters deep with a flat bottom, a perfect site for those trying out scuba diving for the first time. Another unique site here is Ship Wreck Point, where you can explore the remains of an old tanker boat sunk years ago in the depth of the sea.
Pulau Seribu. Photo credit - tjhinn & Ria Qorina Lubis.
Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands), Jakarta
This unique area consisting of over a hundred small islands (thus the exaggerated name), has always been the playground for divers from Jakarta. From the various islands, a few of the more popular ones are Pulau Kotok Besar, Pulau Kotok Kecil, Karang Bongkok, Pulau Sepa and Pulau Pantara.
Pulau Seribu is very accessible, you can simply rent a speedboat from the Marina, or a fisherman’s boat from one of the various piers. About one to two hours worth away from Jakarta and you’ll be able to dive to your heart’s content. Some of the larger islands provide better accommodation such as resorts and villas, but you’ll have to rent a boat to visit the smaller islands – that’s where the beautiful corals are!
Karimun Java, Central Java
Another side of Java Sea that’s also a diver’s paradise is the island across the sea at Semarang, Central Java. This area, called Karimun Java, is a collection of 27 smaller islands surrounded by ocean water rich with blue coral Acropora reef. Divers can explore the remains of Indonour, an ancient merchant ship that sank long ago in 1955. An additional treat here is the various sea turtles that hatches in the conservation park.
Derawan Island. Photo credit - degi.
Derawan Island, East Kalimantan
About 50 miles away from the Tanjung Redeb, Berau Province’s capital, is an area covering several smaller islands. Its filled with spectacular corals and underwater caves for adventurous exploration. Derawan has more than 17 dive spots across the area, each with its own unique attractions for you to consider. Some of the more popular sites are at Pulau Sangalaki, Pulau Kakaban and Pulau Maratua.
At Sangalaki, you can find eagle rays, sting rays, leopard sharks and cuttlefishes as well. It is also the preferred hatching spot for giant green turtles, which you can view every night. The main attraction at Pulau Kakaban is the 5 square meters saltwater lake filled with stingless jellyfish and goby fish. And finally, at Pulau Maratua, you’ll find plenty large-sized fishes such as barracuda, tuna and mackerel. Sightings of hammerhead sharks, and up to eight species of whales are also often reported here.
Scuba diving enthusiasts should also check out our photographic journey through the marine paradise of Raja Ampat, long renowned as the Holy Grail of Scuba Diving.
Komodo Island. Photo credit - smulan77 & thejerk.
Komodo Island, Flores
This island is usually associated with the Komodo Dragons, with it playing host to these fiery gigantic lizards species. But in regards to scuba diving, this area also plays host to a score of dive spots that are known to be some of the best in the country. From Sebayour Kecil, Pulau Tengah Kecil and Pantai Merah, various underwater attractions are on offer, such as various mackerel, cod and grouper fish.
At Pantai Merah, or roughly translated as Red Beach, you’ll find not far from the coast a 5 meter drop-off filled with colorful fishes. There are more dive sites at the western coast of Flores, such as Pulau Tatawa, Pulau Tatawa Kecil, Pulau Rinca and Pulau Nusa Node.
Nusa Penida. Photo credit - Saylow's & whitecat-singapore.
Nusa Penida, Bali
Pulau Nusa Penida, located east of Bali, is a popular dive spot amongst both local and international divers. About one hour away from Bali, this island has some of the healthiest coral reefs, with exceptional visibility of 15 to 35 meters.
For beginners, there are various dive spots at the northern coast of the island better suited for exploration. At the southern coast, there is also Blue Corner, Nusa Lembongan and Gamat, for those more experienced divers looking for a challenge. The sun fish is often sighted at Crystal Bay, while manta birostris are common occurrences at Manta Point.
Diving at Bunaken. Photo credit - naturemandala & Erwin Kodiat.
Bunaken, North Sulawesi
This is another hotspot that is better known internationally compared to the rest, consisting of the smaller islands of Pulau Sialdoen, Gangga, Mantehage, Nine and an old volcano in the middle of the sea, Manado Tua (Old Manado). Snorkeling and diving are both extremely popular, with up to 16 dive spots spread amongst the islands in the area. Bunaken features a slope with up to 30 meters drop-off housing various species of fishes and marine life. Sightings of shark are not uncommon, so beware!
Indonesia is home to so many amazing diving destinations, its simply impossible to write about them all at one go! Here’s another diving-related article – Diving in the 3 Pearls in Indonesia.
Diving at Lembeh Straits. Photo credit - CW_Ye.
Selat Lembeh (Lembeh Straits), North Sulawesi
Still at North Sulawesi is another icon of the diving world, Selat Lembeh (Lembeh Straits). This dive site is famed internationally with its diversity of marine life, some unique to the site. Here you can find the mimic octopus, pygmy seahorse, flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish among others. It’s a haven of underwater photography, and is often called the “Mecca of Macro Photography”. Be warned however, that the delicate nature of Lembeh Straits means it is only appropriate for experienced divers.
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Adhiyanto Goen on Thu, 14th May 2009 7:28 am
absolutely cool! once we’re done opening the hotel here in Beijing, we’ll be sure to try out these places for a longgggg vacation!
Jessie Voigts on Mon, 18th May 2009 5:25 pm
just gorgeous! makes me want to head there, for sure. thanks for the great information!
Brett Borders on Wed, 10th Jun 2009 3:41 pm
These places are cool, but SCUBA diving is such an incredibly carbon, high-impact activity… gas, swimming pools, flights, huge boats, spearfishing, resorts, luxury, and so on… it makes me sad everytime a pristine beach or reef is “spoilt” by the proximity of a big money scuba operation.
There are endless islands and reefs in Indonesia with shallow coral that can be explored by camping and snorkeling…. and no need for expensive diving equipment or infrastructure… at least that is my preferred way to enjoy it.
Nik on Thu, 11th Jun 2009 1:20 am
Fair point Brett, fair point. Personally, I hope there are ways to make scuba diving more accessible (or just less expensive) and at the same time less destructive. But for me, the main attraction of snorkeling over scuba is simply that… its so much less hassle! All you need to do is grab a pair of flippers (or sometimes you don’t need that at all) and snorkel and off you go!
Cappadocia on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 6:48 am
gas, swimming pools, flights, huge boats, spearfishing, resorts, luxury, and so on
Rully J. Anwar on Sun, 6th Sep 2009 12:28 pm
I think Raja Ampat at Papua and Wakatobi at Sulawesi also a very good diving site. In term of accesibility, i fully agree on what you described above.
ira on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 3:28 pm
woooowww….beautiful pics nik. LUV them all and LUV my country
i’m aiming Raja Ampat, Bunaken, Pulau Komodo as my honeymoon spots since years ago. I’m crossing my fingers to have them next year. Amin 
Success for u Nik
agentcikay on Fri, 9th Apr 2010 8:49 am
spectacular ! i cannot get over the vivid colors:) feels like i am right there gazing upon the site!
simon on Thu, 15th Apr 2010 11:17 am
Wonderful post and amazing photos! I’m a passionate scuba divers, always looking for great diving spots to explore. I loved Indonesia, where I dived in Bunaken Marine Park and in Komodo. Loved it! Especially Komodo live aboard. A unique experience! Maybe you’d like to read about my scuba dives in Indonesia on my blog… http://www.wild-about-travel.com/2009/09/11/dives-bunaken-national-marine-park/
Blog Hop Travel Contest | Unearthing Asia on Mon, 19th Apr 2010 4:46 pm
[...] 8 Diver’s Paradise in Indonesia [...]
Cam Wears on Thu, 29th Apr 2010 4:36 pm
Great post! Makes me want to grab my mask and fins…
Trillium on Mon, 17th May 2010 4:02 am
Thanks again for your article about indonesia. I’m indonesian. but I never know that there is a paradise in my country..
marliany yunika on Fri, 21st May 2010 7:33 am
Great and wonderful pics! Thank you for exploring the beautiful of Indonesia. I’m a Balinesse with a husband from Nusa Penida.
Nik on Mon, 31st May 2010 11:02 am
Hiya Marliany!
I just got back from Bali and had a wonderful time exploring the island. You’re very fortunate to be living in such a paradise!
Diving in the 3 Pearls | Unearthing Asia on Mon, 21st Jun 2010 5:53 am
[...] of the ocean north of Sulawesi, in the Bangka Archipelago, just off the National Marine Park of Bunaken. A volcanic island, Gangga is adorned with lush tropical trees and colorful flowers. There are [...]
Richard Kevin, Actor, Entrepreneur | Unearthing Asia on Wed, 23rd Jun 2010 4:15 am
[...] marine life that puts it as one of the top diving spots in Indonesia. Check out this list of diver’s paradise in Indonesia for more diving inspirations! Charming Christchurch, New [...]
Raja Ampat, Diving’s Holy Grail | Unearthing Asia on Wed, 23rd Jun 2010 6:31 pm
[...] archipelago of Indonesia boasts plenty other diving attractions. Be sure to check out our list of amazing dive spots in Indonesia before you book your trip [...]
Milan Jeglik on Mon, 16th Aug 2010 7:38 am
Nusa Penida is realy great place for diving with Mola mola and Mantas. On Nusa Penida is one divecentre only with accommodation, restaurant and full diving service. They organize daily diving or 2-5 days diving safari for max. 8 divers. Good prices and real diving. They follow time of tide and they dont follow comercional diving. You will be in water on the best time! They have 21 divesites around Nusa Penida and special 6 divesites for diving with Mola mola during season from July until finish October!
oza on Sun, 12th Sep 2010 10:10 am
actually Indonesia also ultimate in diversity, it has 750 different ethnic and culture. i hope some one can explore it all and publish in 1 book, because it all so unique from saman in Aceh, stonejumping in Nias, tor tor in Batak, malay culture in riau, piring dance in minangkabau, tattoo man in mentawai, dani man in papua, toraja, dayak, bugis banjar, mandar, and moreeeee.i am interested in culture tourism.
hans on Mon, 4th Oct 2010 11:57 am
that is beautiful itineraries,,,, wow wish I could visit those paradise
liv on Sat, 30th Oct 2010 5:09 am
hmm,, dont forget to visit RAJA AMPAT which is located in west Kepala Burung (Vogelkoop), Papua island..
and it is one of the 10 best waters for diving sites around the world..
http://www.diverajaampat.org/Diving/dive_areas.html
welcome to our Paradise, guysss……..
aliyonk on Thu, 11th Nov 2010 3:19 pm
still lacking guys. still there are raja ampat, banda islands, wakatobi, pantar strait, togean, and much more. Indonesia is the king of world’s class dive sites…
Block machine on Fri, 11th Feb 2011 9:53 am
It is very nice of you to share this good post.
jack on Sat, 12th Feb 2011 4:07 am
Nusa Penida is a great paradise island for diver in the world…this island is really the amazing island in the world…i luv u Nusa Penida…i will come to u…
lucy on Thu, 24th Feb 2011 1:03 pm
I love my country very much! Please come and see to prove the beauty of the land of archipelago..
anty on Wed, 9th Mar 2011 2:29 pm
i love my Indonesia
Rey on Wed, 6th Apr 2011 5:04 am
Hey, what about Wakatobi and Raja Ampat? you missed to write them
Carmen on Wed, 20th Apr 2011 10:36 am
I used to live in a very small village,yet there is a tourism object of small waterfall complete with huge shallow warm swimming holes, i said holes since there are many of them.just 500 meter on the back side of my house,hiking a small hill which is not too high. Oh and if i want to go to the beach with much less crowded but loaded with beautiful view, i just need to go straight for about 7 minutes of motorcycle from my house, then if i want to go to a beach with massive tourists, just add another 10 minutes of riding and I’ll arrive in Lovina Beach, Bali-Indonesia. Hahaha….
But i live in another island now. There are natural beautiful excitement here, but unlike Bali.very miss that such views. Although i could still go there anytime i want, cause i’m on the right side of the universe where there is paradise; Indonesia.
beach screensavers on Tue, 21st Jun 2011 8:03 am
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.
Aiyana Morgan on Fri, 1st Jul 2011 5:45 pm
I am fond of scuba diving.Really nice posting , I will keep visiting your blog for next update. Diving Indonesia
miki on Fri, 15th Jul 2011 10:26 am
.-.
Diving Indonesia on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 2:48 pm
Hey nice Post. However I have been diving in Pulau Seribu and the marine life and coral were not so great!
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nice post
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Serat on Fri, 11th Nov 2011 8:03 am
I agree with you. Komodo Island has a lot of dive sites around it. That’s why I set my own records about those sites. In my estimate, there are around 51 dive sites in the vicinity of Komodo Island. I hadn’t find the others yet. As per the other dive sites in Indonesia, I would love to learn about them someday too.
Gi on Sun, 11th Dec 2011 1:38 am
December 9, 2011
Greetings….
I spent five months diving in Indonesia. N. Sulawesi, Bali. What a spectacular time, and such gentle people. If you wanted you can get three shore dives, a small thatched bungalow, three meals/day (hope you like rice/fish/fruit) for about $25 in N Sulawesi. Be prepared to drop some cash in Bali, since its alot of boat diving and 10 hr days from hotel pick up to drop off…..but I have to admit, “Joes Gone Diving” gives it their best, its well run, and the divemaster are very good. Manta Point lives up to its name!