Surfing Wetsuit Booties

Surfing Wetsuit Booties

Planning a scuba diving vacation, when traveling with a non-diving partner, can be quite challenging, as many of the top dive destinations don't really offer much in terms of vacation experiences for non-divers. What are you to do - stop diving? No way, simply read on, and I might just be able to help you to plan the best vacation you have ever had - both of you!

Bali has been famous as a destination for travelers, artists, writers and adventurers for a long, long time. The scenery is beautiful, traditional culture is alive and integrated into every day life, and the people are extremely friendly.

Diving, however, has only quite recently been added to the many things which can be experienced whilst vacationing in Bali. Scuba diving around Bali offers something for everyone, regardless of your particular interest. An added bonus is that all the dive sites around Bali can be visited on day trips, which is great if you don't want to change hotels. Having said that, I would suggest to spend at least two nights each in Tulamben and Pemuteran. Tulamben because early morning and night dives here are absolutely stunning. Pemuteran and Secret Bay because it's a fairly long drive from the south of the island, which would make for an incredibly long day, somewhat spoiling the experience.

Here are a few of the different dive areas you can find around Bali. They are simply listed in geographical order, and not according to any preference of mine.

If you like drift diving and big fish action Nusa Penida and Manta Point is where you should dive. The Nusa Penida dive sites are also the place to see the amazing mola-mola from July to late October. However, these dive sites are not for beginners, as currents can be strong and somewhat unpredictable.

Nice and easy diving can be found in Padang Bai, but even here the currents can pick up quite suddenly. I have seen turtles, white tip reef sharks, as well as leaf scorpion fish, ghost pipefish, and even pygmy sea horses here. Plus a host of nudibranchs, some of which I had not seen before.

I don't think there are any divers who have not heard of the USAT Liberty ship wreck at Tulamben. The Liberty, in my opinion, is one of the easiest and most accessible wreck dives you can ever do. The wreck is close to the beach, which is a great opportunity for snorkelers to check out a wreck as well. But there is a lot more to see here than just the wreck. The Coral Garden and The Drop Off are just two other dive sites which are also in Tulamben Bay and offer you variety if wrecks don't do it for you.

There are a couple of very good reasons why divers make the long trek to Pemuteran on the north-west coast of Bali. The beautiful dive sites of Menjangan Island offer some gentle drift diving along walls which are encrusted with colourful soft corals. The Bio Rock reef regeneration project and Napoleon Reef are two dive sites which can be reached either from the beach, or by a short boat ride.Close to Pemuteran is Secret Bay, not so secret any more, a well-known place for muck-diving in Bali.

Non-divers have no reason or excuse for being bored in Bali. From each of the above dive areas it is possible to do day tours, either by car, or by renting a motor scooter. Non-diving activities in Bali include visiting out-of-the-way, traditional villages, admire stunning rice terraces, and visit temples and colourful, traditional markets. More energetic visitors can go mountain bike riding or white water rafting.

If that's not enough, it is also possible to learn surfing, attend a Balinese cooking class, or learn to make your own silver jewelry. Oh, there is shopping as well, lots of it. I would suggest to leave some space in your suitcase for all the purchases you make whilst holidaying in Bali.

Bali, being close to the equator, has a tropical climate and is a year-round holiday destination. Due to some high mountains, the northern part of the island is a lot drier than the south, even during the rainy season. Once again, there is no place like Bali for divers and non-divers traveling together.

Don't wait - come and check out Bali on your next vacation.

Sybille Conrad is a scuba diver, an experienced international travel agent, and a specialist dive travel agent. She holds a Grad. Dip. in Recreation Management, and usually lives in Cairns, Australia. She has been living and working in Indonesia for the last couple of years. For information about diving and traveling in Indonesia have a look at her website http://www.divetravelindonesia.com

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