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Most frequented diving sites in Karangasem, Bali
Amed, Bali
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Amed, Bali. (JP/Edna Tarigan) (JP/Edna Tarigan)
Amed, Bali. (thejakartapost.com/Edna Tarigan)
There are many good reasons why tourists choose Bali when planning a visit to Indonesia. Particularly for divers, the island is home to many attractive underwater gems.
Among Bali's most popular spots, beginner as well as professional divers can be found flocking to the Karangasem regency in the eastern part of the island.
According to the regency's Tourism Agency promotion division head, I Gusti Lanang Suryatna, there were at least five most frequented diving sites in Karangasem, namely Padang Bai, Candidasa, Amed, Seraya and Tulamben.
Padang Bai has Blue Lagoon and Labuan Amuk beaches, Candidasa is blessed with the island of Gili Tepekong, Amed has Jemeluk beach, Seraya is popular among macro photographers, and Tulamben has the US Liberty shipwreck, which was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II. Those who prefer snorkeling can enjoy the ship stern, located only 6 meters underwater with an average visibility of 12 to 30 meters.
"Many divers came to Padang Bai and Candidasa to enjoy muck or critter diving [a term that describes the small sea creatures that inhabit the black sand milieu]," Lanang told thejakartapost.com recently.
To support the activity, the regency provides dozens of diving operators in addition to many accommodation options; from luxurious hotels to modest homestays. But do make sure that you are accompanied with a licensed diving instructor and guide prior to plunging into the depths of the ocean.
"We found many tour operators that provide water sport activities in Bali weren't registered in the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies [ASITA]. A good tour operator will cooperate with licensed diving centers, which have licensed diving instructors and guides, in the interest of safety," said ASITA chairman I Ketut Ardana. (edn/kes)
