*As seen in The Logbook
Dipping beneath those endless blue waters of Nusa Lembongan and descending into the alien, turquoise world is a one of a kind experience. And, like all experiences that produce great and long lasting happy memories we all need someone to make sure that everything goes smoothly. After all, you are only there for a limited amount of time and it is a big sea.
Indo Divers Lembongan, owned by local diver and businessman Wayan, are one of the best local diving centres on the island with an experienced team comprised of local divemasters and instructors. Providing instruction, guidance and an experienced know-how regarding where to find fishes like Mola Mola and the Manta Corals reef around the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
“We are a local and family owned diving centre with a great deal of passion and experience,” Wayan says, “Our business was an obvious set up as we wanted to share the incredible diving opportunities here with visitors to the island.”
A large part of the diving is enjoying the comradery and friendly atmosphere that surrounds Wayan’s dive school. With their diving instructors coming from all over the world and speaking French, German, Spanish, English, Hungarian and Dutch international travellers and adventure seekers soon feel right at home and very welcomed.
“We are happy to show those hidden parts of our reefs,” he assures, “While our instructors teach and prepare our clients to become amazing divers!”
THE OTHERWORLDLY BEAUTY
Wayan says, “Our instructors are fully licensed to work with all levels and every dive is rewarding. It is a thrilling and humbling opportunity to see this underwater realm and the magnificent beauty that exists there.”
He explains that to him and his instructors, dives are very much like safaris. In the same way that the success of a land locked safari relies on the skills and experience of professional guides to find the wildlife, diving guides must do the same. And, the underwater world is a landscape that is completely diverse and offers a variety of animals that don’t care for diving schedules or how many groups of people have come to visit them!
“Fortunately, all of our instructors dive for their own enjoyment as well and have a real passion for this,” Wayan says, “That’s why we’re some of the best at reading the signs, knowing the patterns and finding the beautiful creatures that people want to see.”
This includes seeking out manta rays and big barracudas at Ceningan Wall, mola mola, moonfish and sunfish at Crystal Bay and visiting Toyapekeh to see the best coral reefs. Then for the really big animals, there’s SD Point to see whale sharks! Mangrove Point to see the dolphins and Buddha Channels to see the underwater Buddha Statue.
“We also provide snorkelling trips at three different spots,” he says, “And all the activities include pick up and drop off at the hotel, lunch, drinking water and equipment. Also, our divers speak very good English and believe in courteous hospitality.”
LOCATION
“Bali is known to be one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the world,” Wayan says, “It is a wonderful island perfect for fans of diving and snorkelling.”
Many visitors come to discover the unique Balinese culture with its stunning temples, impressive green rice terraces, friendly people and of course its pristine underwater world. The healthy reefs are overflowing with multicolour reef fishes, and the tropical water is crystal clear.
Nusa Lembongan is one of those islands, and it’s one that cannot be overlooked. It offers, with Ceningan and Penida, plenty of different activities and breath-taking landscapes. Available activities include cliff jumping, snorkelling, cruising in the mangroves, surfing, relaxing around a pool watching the sunset, enjoying the savoury local food, and of course diving.
“Nusa Lembongan is southeast of Bali and is part of the three islands that make up the Nusa Penida district and it is the most popular of the three,” Wayan explains.
Lembongan Island gathers most of the activities, markets and local life. It offers a wide variety of facilities and places to stay including luxurious hotels and boutique stays. The season lasts until September, so booking ahead is important if you’re planning to visit at that time.
“We are located on Lembongan, at Mushroom Bay which is the most relaxed part of the island and is away from the busy harbour and Jungut Batu,” Wayan says, “ Here you will find plenty of small warungs to try some local food, but also very nice restaurants to enjoy the offered by this part of the island which is a perfect location for sunsets!”
GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS
Nusa Lembongan has the vast majority of the tourist infrastructure within the sub-regency and is a popular side destination for visitors to mainland Bali and Lombok. It is approximately 8 square kilometres in area with a permanent population estimated at 5,000.
Only twelve kilometres of the Badung Strait separates Nusa Lembongan from Bali Island. The island is a beach lover’s paradise, surrounded by coral reefs with white sand stretches and low limestone cliffs. A shallow estuarine channel separates Nusa Lembongan from Nusa Ceningan.
This estuary is difficult to cross even during low tide so there is a suspension bridge linking the two islands which takes foot and motorbike traffic only. This has a significant effect on the kind of ebb and flow of traffic between the islands and keeps things nice and peaceful, especially when combined with there being only three villages there.
THE DIVES
With the dive costs at roughly $70 USD and $120USD for two. The day starts by meeting up at around 8am at their shop. Here, the friendly team will go through a meet and greet and make sure that everyone is ready and properly prepped for the dives ahead.
“As mentioned, we also provide complimentary pick up services,” Wayan says, “So no reason to miss out. Just don’t be up late.”
By 8:30 all divers are on the boat and the equipment is ready. The staff handle all the leg work of carrying equipment so that participants can relax and enjoy the incredible scenery of the mangroves and Mount Agung as they travel to their dive spot.
“We typically make two dives and spend the surface interval on the boat,” Wayan says, “There are no hidden costs and we make sure that divers are looked after with a lunch pack and water for hydration.”
Afternoon dives start at 12.30 pm and last until 4pm.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Diving is a pleasurable and rewarding pass time, but it needs to be practised with sense and responsibility. Nobody under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is allowed to participate.
Also, keeping hydrated is essential and it is imperative that instructors be told of any medical conditions that may be important to know. Keeping things running smoothly is all about being prepared after all.
“This is an opportunity to experience a world most people only see on television or on their phones,” Wayan says, “You are explorers in an alien world, make sure you enjoy it as much as you can.”
PRICE: $70USD per person/dive.
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/indoscubalembongan
TELEPHONE: +62 853-3822-5807
