Indonesia has one of the most amazing underwater wealth in the world. The biodiversity is extraordinary, and more than 8,500 marine biota species are found in this country.[1] That’s why scuba diving in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is a must.
This archipelago is located in central Indonesia. It has around 1,192 islands of various sizes.[2] So, it is unsurprising that there are many diving sites in East Nusa Tenggara. Here are the best ones on the list that you must visit!
10 Best Scuba Diving Spots
When talking about the best diving sites in Indonesia, multiple of them are situated in this archipelago. Here are the best ones!
1. Castle Rock, Komodo
You might already be aware that there are Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park. This place is listed as a World Heritage Convention by UNESCO.[3] But, did you know that this island has multiple stunning places?
The most popular scuba dive Komodo Island is Castle Rock. As its name suggests, this site looks like an underwater castle made from rocks. It serves you astonishing scenery, with multiple species of coral reefs.
It’s home to multiple species of sharks, including Whitefin, Blackfin, Bluefin, and the giant Gray Reef shark. Bottlenose dolphins, Pacific turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, hawksbills, and barracuda are also found here. You can also meet multiple small fish.
The current is perfect for drift diving. So, make certain you already have experience as a diver before exploring this site. This site is not recommended for the beginner levels.
2. The Cauldron, Komodo
Another one is The Cauldron. This diving site in Komodo is situated between two islands, Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. That’s why the current is challenging. This site is perfect for those of you who love adventure. Especially in the thrilling shotgun, the most famous area on this site.
The site’s topography is incredible, and there is so much marine life to see. The most popular are the coral reefs and sharks, but there are also giant manta rays.
3. Manta Alley, Komodo
Even though you can find manta rays in many scuba diving sites in Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara, their home is definitely in Manta Alley. There’s a lot of them, and you could freely swim with them. Aside from manta rays, you could see a lot of small coral fishes too while exploring this area.
4. Alor Kecil, Alor
You also need to try Alor Island diving, especially in Alor Kecil. The site is definitely not as popular as Komodo, but the beauty is magnetic. You can find many colorful corals, small fish, dolphins, cetacea, etc. The site is also not as crowded, so it’s perfect for those of you who prefer it.
5. Kal’s Dream, Alor
Another beautiful diving site on Alor Island that you need to try is Kal’s Dream. Its charm is the pristine water and high visibility. So, you could see all the marine biota, especially the multicolored corals, more clearly. However, you have to be careful because most coral is soft and vulnerable to damage.
Aside from that, this site is also perfect for seeing a pelagic group. If you come during the right time, you could also witness hammerheads passing through this water for migration.
6. Batu Bolong, Komodo
If soft corals cover Kal’s Dream, Batu Bolong has hard corals. It’s colorful and beautiful. There are millions of small fish swimming around the corals. You can see big fish such as manta rays, pelagic, sharks, and tuna. Be careful of the current, because it can come intense and sudden.
7. Wai Terang, Maumere
There’s also a scuba diving site in Maumere East Nusa Tenggara that you must visit, especially if you like history. This is because there’s a shipwreck from a Japanese freighter here. It sank during World War II and holds so much history.
In addition, you can see coral gardens on this site. They’re growing healthily after a 1992 tsunami ripped them into pieces. There’s also multiple colorful marine life here.
8. Tanjung Bacatan, Alor
This site is also a paradise for diving in Alor, especially for photographers who love macro photography. The reason is that multiple interesting small biotas exist here, such as paddle flap rhinopias. You could take photos of them nearby. The muck ambiance on this site is perfect for it.
9. Anemone City, Alor
As its name suggests, this place is the city of anemone fish. You could find billions of them here. There’s also a colorful coral reef that makes stunning scenery. Most scuba diving sites in Nusa Tenggara are only suitable for advanced divers. However, this site is also safe for beginners and divers.
10. Crystal Rock, Komodo
The location of Crystal Rock is not that far from Castle Rock. You can find the same things here. The water is pristine, so the visibility is relatively high. This place is the best spot to see multiple macro marine life. There are a lot of mollusks, crustacea, sea horses, etc.
When to Dive?
April to November is the best time because rain won’t disturb you. The current is still strong but not as dangerous during the rainy season. Because of its high visibility, you can see the underwater scenery more clearly. The temperature is warmer, around 26-28°C.
Essential Tips
Here’s some essential tips for you!
1. What to Pack
Make certain to bring diving gear and some extras, such as:
- Wetsuit 3mm
- Mask
- Fins
- BCD
- Regulator
- Underwater camera
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Diving logbook
You can bring your own or rent it from the operator.
2. Safety Guidelines
Don’t dive alone! Always bring a friend or a guide with you for your own safety. It’s because the currents are strong. You have to take care of each other so that there are no accidents or people getting carried away by the current.
If a sudden current approaches you, don’t panic or fight it. Listen to the guide to ensure that you can overcome it safely.
3. Eco-Friendly Practices
Don’t touch the coral; keep a safe distance from all marine life you encounter. Please respect them in their home, don’t disturb or damage them. You should also bring back all plastic waste, no littering in the ocean.
4. Join a Trip
Joining a trip is recommended because you can visit more than one site. The cost is relatively cheaper than having to rent your boat. It usually starts from IDR 1 million – IDR 10 million (USD 61,60 – 616,00), depending on how many sites you visit and how many days you will join the trip.
The costs usually cover the operator fees, boat rental, meals on the ship, and other related expenses. Some operators also offer diving gear rental. Make certain to choose the most suitable package for you.
That’s all you need to know about scuba diving in East Nusa Tenggara. You definitely can visit all of the best sites if you stay for 3 – 4 days here. However, if your time is limited, you can choose a few sites according to your preferences. So, which one will you choose?
