| Little more than a rocky outcrop, Gili Tepekong hosts the most
spectacular of the three dive sites a little south of Candi Dasa on Bali's east coast.
Diving here is always by boat; either a purpose built craft or a tiny jukung
fishing boat. These astonishing vessels, with coconut pole outriggers and the bow
colourfully painted in the form of a mythical sea monster, are a joy to behold and despite
their simple sails are thankfully fitted with small outboard motors. Diving at Tepekong is exceptional. The Canyon hosts an abundance of
feeding fish seemingly oblivious to the watching diver and despite the sometimes fierce
current, this is a great place to grab an outcrop and watch the sights. Large
schools of the bigger reef abound here with regular sightings of Reef Shark and other
pelagics. The water temperature here can be surprisingly cold, sometimes down to
19°C and if there is a strong swell from the north, the conditions can be treacherous
with swirling currents which can grab a diver and plunge him from 10m to 30m very quickly.
Wally calls this area 'The Toilet' in it's honour! This is a wonderful dive
site but it is definitely for the more experienced diver.
The Eastern side of Tepekong can also be afflicted by strong
currents but is rewarding under the right conditions. There are many caves here and
several huge boulders from the cliffs above create an underwater aisle. Coral is
good and many fish feed and shelter from the currents here.
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