Bali Report Introduction

[Jonnie 0]

Bali Report

 

Diving the Island of the Gods…Again

November 2005

 

Keywords: SCUBA Diving, Indonesia, Bali, Tulamben Bay, Seraya Bay, Seraya Secrets, Menjangan Island, Secret Bay, Gilimanuk Bay, Scuba Seraya Resort, Mimpi Menjangan Resort, Bali Hai Scuba Diving

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

It may sound like the tired line of a tourism promotion campaign, but the island of Bali truly is an enchanting place. The dramatic towering volcanoes and lush green mountain valleys, covered in rice terraces, are very special. The friendly greeting by the Balinese people makes a warm welcome. All this and the superlative diving make it a compelling choice for a great diving holiday.

 

This report covers my second trip to Bali in November 2005. I went to Seraya Secrets, Menjangan Island, and Gilimanuk/Secret Bay. (In early 2005, I dived Tulamben Bay and Seraya Secrets - see my report on this forum.) On this trip, a few days were again spent at Seraya Secrets and then I went to the north-west of the island and dived Menjangan Island and Gilimanuk/Secret Bay. Bali continues to impress me in all areas: scenic beauty, superlative diving, friendly and professional dive staff, great dive resorts, and good food.

 

BALI DIVING BASICS

 

The great South-East Asia diving triangle stretching from the Philippines in the north to Indonesia in the west and Papua New Guinea in the south is reported to have the most prolific and diverse marine environment in the world in the world. In seas adjacent to the triangle are the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Andaman sea sites of Thailand and Burma. Within this vast area one can find any type of diving…it’s almost overwhelming. With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to spend one’s limited time and money.

 

Bali is within the triangle…the variety and quality of the marine life seen on this trip certainly confirmed it. Diving can be done as a daytrip from the tourist center of Denpasar/Kuta or as a safari from a dedicated dive resort. For non-diving companions or rest days, Bali has many topside attractions, including river rafting, jungle trekking, beach activities (surfing, parasailing, etc.) Hindu temple and local village tours, arts and crafts shopping, Balinese musical and dance performances, fine dining, and spas to name just a few.

 

Bali has divesites to suit all tastes. From the high adrenaline drift and “washing machine†dives at Nusa Penida and Padang Bai, the serene Liberty wreck at Tulamben, the coral limestone walls of Menjangan Island, and classic muck diving at Seraya Secrets and Secret Bay. The Tulamben/Seraya area is 2 hours, and the Menjangan/Secret Bay sites about 3 hours, drive from Denpasar/Kuta. Both drives take in the beautiful Bali countryside scenery of lush green valleys and towering volcanoes. The Tulamben and Menjangan areas themselves, however, are arid and covered with brown scrub-brush. It almost like being on another island. Both areas are in the in the shadow of towering volcanoes, which are quite a sight.

 

Before going on, I want to say a few words in praise of Singapore airlines…truly a diver’s best friend. This airline always impresses me with the quality of all aspects of its operations. From the clarity of their website, to the ease of purchasing a ticket online, to the final “goodbye†as you alight on your return flight, it is a pleasure flying Singapore airlines. Of particular interest to divers is the airline’s lenient excess baggage policy. My SCUBA diving kit weighs in at a hernia inducing 34 kilograms (about 70 pounds). I usually travel economy class, which carries a baggage allowance of 10 KILOGRAMS! (First class has a standard allowance of only 30 kilos.) On other airlines, I have been charged up to $50 in excess baggage charges, but on Singapore, at least ex-Bangkok, there has never been any additional charge. In addition, what other airline still has pre-flight drink service and free beer and wine with meals in economy class, as well as a full selection of newspapers and magazines? Invariability, the crews are efficient and courteous and make even the “cows†feel special.

[mattdiver 0]

Just a minor correction. The standard luggage allowance on SQ is 20kg (not 10kg) in economy class, but they do tend to give you excess luggage for sports equipment, so I use SQ very often too...