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pageBali Diving Agency - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the underwater visibility around Bali ?.
A: Year round, visibility ranges between 10m (30ft.) to 25m (80ft.) with an average of about 15m (50ft.) Of course this varies between dive sites and from hour to hour. The local dive guides will be able to advise which sites will provide the best diving.
Q: What is the average water temperature ?
A: Currently the water temperature ranges between 24°C and 27°C depending on depth and location. Last year potentially coral damaging temperatures of 30°C were observed but thankfully the water is a little cooler now. With a standard 3mm or 5mm wetsuit it is possible to dive for over an hour at a time.
Q: Our skills are a little rusty so we're interested in diving with a good instructor who will be patient.
A: No problem. Our very experienced instructors will ensure that you are adequately supervised and you will review the basics again on each dive. Tulamben is a fantastic place to dive and brush up on the necessary skills. For divers who are not sure whether they want to dive too far away from their resort hotel, Sanur and Nusa Dua offer convenient, easy diving.
Q: What else is there to do in Bali except dive ?
A: Bali is a World Class holiday destination with full leisure and sightseeing facilities. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world with many varied beaches, vibrant towns, artisan villages, majestic mountains and delightful rice terraces. Leisure facilities include bird and reptile parks, authentic villages, many Hindu temples and a full range of other religions are represented. A marvellous water adventure park is in Kuta and there is a full range of restaurants, bars and night clubs. A full range of sporting activities are available from superb golf courses to parascending and elephant trekking! Many people come to Bali for the excellent shopping! Bargains are the order of the day, especially since the Indonesian currency is at a relatively low value against major currencies.
Q: We have our own dive gear but we are not sure about carrying it to Bali. Can we rent equipment from you ?
A: Equipment is included in the price. If you want to bring your own equipment you are welcome to do so. Many divers prefer to use their own snorkel and mask, for instance. Many also prefer to use their own regulators. All our equipment is within two years old and serviced regularly by professionals.
Q: How do we get to the Dive Sites ?
A: Transport is included for complete dive courses, safaris and fun dives. If you extend your stay, the best way to return is to take the local tourist transport which is cheap and relatively comfortable.
Q: How far is Tulamben / Amed / Menjangan from my hotel in Kuta / Nusa Dua / Sanur ? Should we stay at Tulamben or travel each day from our hotel ?
A: The drive to Tulamben and Amed is three hours from Kuta and Nusa Dua, about two and a half from Sanur. Amed is plus 20 minutes boat ride. Menjangan is about half an hour less hrs plus the boat ride of around 20mins. We highly recommend a couple of nights on-site rather than travel each day (Tulamben is a must, the wreck and the wall are excellent and the area is beautiful)
Q: I am an expert diver and I want a single dive from near my hotel. What can you offer ?
A: An excellent day trip dive is Nusa Penida as the boat leaves from Tanjung Benoa. Hotel pickup is included with the dives.
Q: What time is pick-up and drop off each day ? The reason I ask is do we spend the whole day getting to dive site, diving and return?
A: Pick up is usually around 7:30 am. With day trips to the Northern dive sites all day will be required to include two dives plus travelling.
Q: Do we travel by boat or car to the dive sites ?
A: Nusa Penida is accessed by boat from Yos Diving at Tanjung Benoa. From the Sanur or Kuta areas, it is about 20 minutes to Tanjung Benoa and 10 minutes from Nusa Dua. The boat ride to Nusa Penida is around 30mins. Menjangan and Amed are boat dives. All dives at Tulamben are from the shore.
Q: What about the dive sites which you do not list and the sites which are further out ?
A: We are able to service any of the dive sites in the region - including those beyond Bali's waters. Please contact us for details. Dive sites beyond Amed are superb and due to the tricky currents are for the experienced guide only. As far as we know Prem is the only one regularly diving these sites although Wally takes some parties to these sites..
Q: Where will we eat and is the food and it's preparation hygienic ?
A: Bali has an excellent range of restaurants. A good meal will cost around US $2 - $6 max. A large bottle of Bintang beer is around $1 in a restaurant. The restaurant at Paradise is very good and clean. This is one of the reasons we like to make it a base and do day trips out from there.
Q: How long before my arrival should I book ? Will I be able to add extra dives after I start my program ?
A: Booking early is important. We suggest at least a month in high season (Christmas, June - September) because the dive operations become very busy. However, contact us for availability. You may be able to add on extra dives but we can not guarantee this.
Q: What do the various courses consist of ? Can you give me an idea of typical schedules ?
A: Below are some typical dive courses.
Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver Course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you will
need to safely visit the underwater world. The price includes: pool and academic training
in the South of Bali, four dives on Tulamben's superb shipwreck and wall,
one night accommodation at Paradise plus PADI certification, use of
equipment and transport. .
During O W training we are limited to a max depth of 18m. The divesites at Tulamben are
various and excellent at this depth. US$420 per person
Follow this with the Tulamben / Amed PADI Advanced program and we will visit the deeper realms of these sites. Rather than do a straight Advanced Course with all 5 dives at Tulamben and Amed, for larger groups we can include Nusa Penida for the same price. This represents a considerable saving and a much more juicy program. We can incorporate the Advanced course into this program at no extra cost for larger groups.
Advanced Diver Course
Learn advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of night diving, deep diving, navigation,
multi-level diving and marine biology. This 2 day / 1 night course includes five dives at
Tulamben /Amed with one night accommodation at Paradise. The Advanced Course builds on the Open Water Course and gives the diver increased
confidence in the water. Core and Advanced skills are taught and tested in a variety
of interesting locations. This provides an extremely interesting dive experience and
certification. After successful completion of the Advanced Course, the diver will be able
to safely and confidently dive with a buddy, with or without a dive guide.
US$310 per person
Bali Advanced Dive Safari
Four days, three nights' accommodation, eight dives at Tulamben, Amed,and Nusa
Penida. The PADI Advanced Course is incorporated in the Bali Advanced Safari, and
upon successful completion you will receive the PADI Advanced Certification at no extra
cost.
Super holiday. Super deal! (Min 3 divers or supplement)
A four day PADI Advanced Safari would go something like this;
Day 1.
Hotel Pick up 0800 hrs
Dive 1. 1300 hrs (Multi level) Tulamben Wall
Dive 2. 1800 hrs (Night dive) in the Coral Gardens
Day 2.
Dive 3. 0900 hrs (Wreck Dive) on the wreck of the
"Liberty"
Dive 4. 1400 hrs (Navigation) Coral Gardens
Day 3.
Dive 5. 0900 hrs (Deep Dive) Wreck of the "Liberty"
or Tulamben Wall
Dive 6. 1200 hrs leave for Amed (wall and coral gardens)
Day 4.
Dive 7. 0730 hrs leave for Nusa Penida. 1100 hrs (Drift Dive)
S.D.
Dive 8. 1330 hrs Nusa Penida (Drift Dive)
1600 arrive Padang Bai,
(certificate presentation)
Return to Denpasar area
arriving around 2000 hrs
Introductory Dives
Come on, take the jump and try diving! Two fully escorted dives at Tulamben usually on the
Wreck or Coral Garden. No experience needed. You'll love it!
Fun Dive Tulamben
Three dives on the Shipwreck, wall, and coral gardens, plus one night accommodation at
Paradise.
Fun Dive Tulamben / Amed
Four dives. Two dives at Tulamben, two at Amed or beyond. Some of the divesites east of
Amed are similar in nature to Komodo and Nusa Penida. Cooler waters, exceptionally vibrant
reef, currents and many pelagic species. One night accommodation at Paradise
Bungalows.
Fun Dive Menjangan Island Marine Park
Two dives by boat on the Spectacular walls and coral gardens of Menjangan Island Marine
Park, plus one night accommodation at the graceful Pondok Sari Hotel Pemuteran. We can
also visit the turtle hatchery and horse stables, a special place for
families!
Fun Dive Nusa Penida
Two dives from a Balinese "Jukung" style outrigger dive boat. Easy drift dives,
pristine reef, pelagic species such as Oceanic Sunfish, Tuna, Turtles and Sharks. (Min 3
divers)
All programs include full equipment, air, transport, materials and guidance. Prices are based on a minimum of two fares (except where stated), twin share fan room, and may change without notice.
Q: What certification is required for the dive programs ?
A: To do an introductory dive or the open water course you only need to be reasonably fit and healthy. All other courses require that the diver be certified to at least PADI open water or equivalent.
Q: How long must I wait after diving before I fly ?
A: *Important Note* Divers must wait at least 12 hours before flying (24 hours is better) so please ensure that your flight schedule allows for this.
Q: Can you suggest a dive program for our small group of mixed ability divers ? We are all fairly experienced but several of us have not dived for over a year.
A: The following four day program is an ideal introduction to the various dive sites around Bali. We recommend this program be repeated for an eight day dive program because these dive sites are extensive and richly populated
Four Day Program
Extra dives per day at Tulamben and Amed can be added at a cost
of US$30 each. Due to the logistics of boat diving it is impractical to dive more
than twice per day at Menjangan and Nusa Penida. We recommend night diving from the beach
front in front of your accommodation.
Tulamben / Amed
Four dives. Two dives at Tulamben, two at Amed or beyond. Some of the
divesites east of Amed are similar in nature to Komodo and Nusa Penida. Cooler
waters, exceptionally vibrant reef, currents and many pelagic species. One night
accommodation at Paradise Bungalows.
Menjangan Island Marine Park
Two dives and one night accommodation at the graceful Pondok Sari Hotel
Pemuteran. Spectacular walls and coral gardens. We can also
visit the turtle hatchery and horse riding stables, a special place for families!
Nusa Penida
Two dives from a Balinese "Jukung" style outrigger dive boat. Easy
drift dives, pristine reef, pelagic species such as Oceanic Sunfish, Tuna, Turtles and
Sharks. (Min 3 divers)