Bali's pristine waters, teeming with marine life and fascinating underwater wreckage, make it a popular destination for scuba divers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Bali has something to offer. However, packing for a diving trip requires a different approach than packing for a regular vacation. In this article, we will guide you through what to pack for your Bali scuba diving adventure.
Packing for First-time Divers
Bali is an excellent place for beginners to learn how to dive, thanks to its calm waters and reputable dive shops. If you're a first-time diver, make sure you pack the following:
A course manual, a pencil, and a notebook: These items will help you keep track of the theory and skills you learn during your course.
Personal Dive Gear: Although most dive shops provide equipment, we recommend bringing your own personal gear, such as a mask, snorkel, and fins for a comfortable and secure fit. Remember that wetsuits, BCD, and regulators are usually included in your dive package.
Packing for Marine Biologists
If you're an experienced diver or a marine enthusiast, you'll appreciate Bali's diverse marine ecosystem, including its 952 species of reef fish and stunning pelagics. To make the most of your diving experience, consider packing the following:
Waterproof Fish Identification Chart: These charts can be purchased at most dive shops and are an excellent tool for identifying fish during your dive.
Writing Slate: A writing slate can be used to take notes and record observations during your dive. You can easily erase and rewrite the slate to keep track of the marine life you spot.
Extra Logbook: If you're serious about marine life observations, consider keeping an extra logbook on the surface to maintain a long-term record of the animals you see.
For the Archaeologist
Bali is home to the famous USAT Liberty wreck dive, making it a great destination for underwater archaeologists. To navigate the wreckage, bring a compass, underwater map, and dive light. A marker buoy is also useful to flag the starting point of a wreck dive. Additionally, bring an extra dive knife or scissors in case of emergencies. Remember, it is essential not to take anything from these sites as they are historical landmarks.
For the Photographer
Bali has excellent visibility, making it an ideal place to capture stunning underwater photos. Tulamben, Amed, and Pemuteran have renowned muck diving sites where sediment rich in nutrients creates a perfect habitat for a range of photographic stars, including seahorses, nudibranchs, and mantis shrimps. To capture these tiny creatures, it is essential to bring a macro lens. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries, a lens cleaning kit, and memory cards.
For the Beginner
Bali is an ideal place for beginners to learn how to dive, thanks to its calm waters, beginner-friendly conditions, and professional dive shops. Ensure you sign up for a course from a reputable PADI, NAUI, or SSI operator. Bring your textbook, a pencil, and a notebook to take notes and learn more effectively.
For the Marine Biologist
Bali is home to over 950 species of reef fish, including eels, triggerfish, and neon-bright damselfish. Divers can also swim with eye-popping pelagics like the sunfish and graceful manta rays. To identify these species, most dive shops sell waterproof fish identification charts that can be attached to your buoyancy control device. A writing slate is also useful for recording the animals you see. To keep a long-term record of the animals spotted, an extra logbook at the surface can help.
Essential Tips for Packing and Preparing for a Dive Trip in Bali
Diving in Bali is an exhilarating experience, but packing and preparing for your dive trip can be a daunting task. To ensure that you have a hassle-free and enjoyable dive trip, it is essential to pack and prepare properly. Here are some essential tips to help you pack and prepare for your dive trip in Bali.
Packing Your Dive Gear
When packing your dive gear, it is important to ensure that it is well-protected and easy to transport. A soft-sided duffel bag is a common choice for carry-on luggage as it can easily fit underneath seats or in overhead compartments. It is important to pack your delicate equipment, such as your dive computer, regulator, and camera gear, in your carry-on to avoid damage or theft.
When packing your checked bag, start with your BCD as it usually takes up the most space. Fold the sides together and place it at the bottom of the bag to provide cushioning. Slide your fins into the side of the bag and keep your mask in its protective case. To prevent your wetsuit from becoming too bulky, fold it one or two times.
What to Bring on the Boat
To ensure that your dive trip is successful, it is essential to bring a 'save a dive kit'. This kit should contain replacement items such as o-rings, mask straps, mouthpieces, multitool, mask defog liquid, and extra batteries. In addition, you should protect yourself from the strong Bali sun by using high-SPF sunscreen that is safe for coral reef systems. Don't forget to bring a pair of sunglasses that you don't mind parting with.
If you're planning a long boat ride to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands, bring an extra change of clothes for the ride back, and keep some motion-sickness medication h andy in case you start to feel queasy.
Leave Tanks and Weights at Home
It is important to note that tanks and weights are usually included in the price of a dive trip in Bali. Therefore, it is recommended to leave them at home and use your luggage space for other essential items.
By following these essential tips for packing and preparing for a dive trip in Bali, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Remember to pack smart and protect your delicate equipment and yourself from the sun. Don't forget to bring a 'save a dive kit' and motion-sickness medication h andy to ensure a successful trip.
Bali has a vast range of diving experiences for different types of divers. This packing list will ensure that you have all the necessary gear and equipment for a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
10 Essential Gear for Diving in Bali
If you’re planning a dive trip to Bali, you know how important it is to have the right gear for the ultimate diving experience. Although most dive shops offer complete rental equipment, nothing beats the comfort and familiarity of your own diving gear. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of dive essentials to pack for your Bali diving adventure:
Mask: The right mask is crucial for a comfortable and safe dive. Choose a mask that fits perfectly on your face and comfortably stays in place while inhaling through your nose.
Fins: The choice of fins depends on personal preference. From split fins to blade fins, or open heel to full foot, choose the ones that are comfortable and suit your diving style.
Snorkel: A snorkel is necessary for conserving precious air while at the surface, allowing you to stay longer underwater.
Regulator: The regulator attaches to the tank and reduces air pressure to a breathable rate. It is essential to ensure a safe and controlled breathing experience underwater.
Buoyancy control device (BCD): A BCD is an inflatable vest that aids in buoyancy and helps you control your ascent and descent.
Dive computer: A dive computer is essential for monitoring things like depth, bottom time, and maximum dive time. It helps you plan and execute safe and controlled dives.
Wetsuit: Water temperatures in Bali average around 25°C, so a 3mm 'shorty' wetsuit is ideal for most divers. It provides warmth and protection without compromising mobility.
Dive insurance: Diving insurance covers the cost of emergency evacuation or hyperbaric chamber treatments. Some policies offer additional benefits like gear protection and travel insurance, giving you peace of mind during your diving adventure.
Logbook: A logbook is an essential tool for recording your dives and planning your next ones.
Certification card: A reputable dive shop won’t let you dive without a certification card. Make sure to bring it with you and avoid any inconvenience.
Here are some of the top scuba diving spots in Bali:
Tulamben – Tulamben, a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali, is a scuba diving haven. The USAT Liberty shipwreck is the main attraction for divers, with its fascinating history and diverse marine life. The wreck, which was a US Army transport ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, now rests on the sandy bottom at a depth of 9 to 30 meters.
To get to Tulamben from Denpasar, take the main road towards Ubud and then turn right at the junction with the signpost for Padang Bai. From there, follow the main road to Amlapura and then turn left towards Tulamben. The drive takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive in Tulamben, the dive site is easily accessible from the shore. Divers can explore the shipwreck and the surrounding reef, which is teeming with colorful fish, crustaceans, and coral formations. The Liberty wreck is also a popular spot for macro photography, with opportunities to see pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and other tiny creatures.
Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, Tulamben is a must-visit destination in Bali. With its stunning underwater scenery and fascinating history, the USAT Liberty shipwreck is an unforgettable experience that you don't want to miss. Tulamben diving price range is from IDR 800.000,- to IDR 35.000.000,-
Nusa Penida - Located just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sanur in Bali, Nusa Penida is an idyllic island paradise that offers world-class scuba diving experiences. The island's diverse underwater landscape is home to an abundance of marine life, including the majestic manta rays, which are the main attraction for most divers. To reach Nusa Penida from Denpasar, you'll need to take a taxi or private car to Sanur, where you can catch a speedboat to the island. Once you arrive at Nusa Penida, you can explore the island's stunning natural beauty and relax on its pristine beaches before embarking on your scuba diving adventure. The manta ray dive sites are located on the southern coast of the island, and there are several dive operators that offer guided tours to these areas. With crystal clear waters and the chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, a dive at Nusa Penida is an experience that you'll never forget.
Amed is a charming and peaceful coastal village located on Bali's northeast coast. It is a hidden gem that attracts divers and snorkelers for its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. The reefs in Amed are home to an impressive array of colorful corals, and divers can also spot many species of fish, including the rare pygmy seahorse, scorpionfish, and octopuses. Amed's black sand beaches add to its unique charm, and the picturesque backdrop of Mount Agung provides a stunning view.
The best way to reach Amed from Denpasar is by car. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. The route from Denpasar passes through the town of Sanur and then heads east along the coast. Once you arrive in Amed, you can find a range of diving centers that offer scuba diving and snorkeling tours to explore the area's underwater treasures. With its peaceful ambiance, clear waters, and diverse marine life, Amed is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts in Bali.
Menjangan Island is a hidden gem off the coast of Bali that promises a unique and breathtaking dive experience. Situated in the West Bali National Park, it's a bit of a journey to get there, but the journey is worth the reward. From Denpasar, it's approximately a 4-hour drive to the small fishing village of Labuan Lalang, where you'll find several dive operators offering trips to Menjangan Island. Alternatively, you can take a local ferry from Banyuwangi, East Java, to reach the island.
Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Menjangan Island is well-known for its incredible wall dives, where you can see vibrant corals, colorful sponges, and an array of fish species. Schools of barracuda and jacks can often be spotted swimming by, and if you're lucky, you may even come across a majestic manta ray. Menjangan Island is also home to a number of interesting dive sites, including the Coral Garden, Eel Garden, and Secret Bay.
The dive sites are relatively shallow, making Menjangan Island an ideal spot for beginners and experienced divers alike. With its unspoiled underwater beauty and peaceful surroundings, it's no wonder why Menjangan Island is considered one of the top dive destinations in Bali.
Padang Bai is a charming coastal town located on the east coast of Bali, just a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar. To get there, visitors can hire a private driver or take a taxi, as there are no public transportation options available. Once in Padang Bai, the Blue Lagoon and Shark Point dive sites are easily accessible by boat. The Blue Lagoon, with its clear blue waters and shallow reef, is perfect for beginner divers and snorkelers. Shark Point, on the other hand, is recommended for experienced divers due to its strong currents and deeper depths. The site offers a chance to see not only reef sharks, but also other big fish such as trevally and groupers. For those seeking a more adventurous dive, Padang Bai also offers the opportunity to explore the nearby sunken USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben, which can be reached by a two-hour drive from Padang Bai.
No matter where you choose to dive in Bali, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
In addition to the essential gear, don't forget to bring a sense of adventure and curiosity for the underwater world. Bali has some of the best diving spots in the world, so pack your bags with the right gear and get ready for an unforgettable diving experience.
