From Nusa Lembongan to Indonesia’s Best Dive Destinations
From Nusa Lembongan to Indonesia’s Best Dive Destinations
Where to go next if you love diving in Nusa Lembongan
There’s something about that first dive in Nusa Lembongan that stays with you.
Maybe it’s the rush of drifting along a coral wall, or the moment a manta ray glides beneath you, close enough to feel the current it leaves behind. Maybe it’s the clarity of the water, or how quickly the world above disappears.
Whatever it is — once you’ve dived here, it’s hard not to crave more. And the good news? Indonesia has plenty more to offer.
Why Nusa Lembongan Is the Perfect Starting Point
Just off Bali’s southeast coast, Nusa Lembongan gives you access to some of Indonesia’s most iconic dive sites within a short boat ride. The conditions are dynamic — exciting for beginners levelling up and challenging enough for experienced divers.
Top dive sites include:
- Manta Point — reliable manta ray sightings, strong currents
- Crystal Bay — seasonal mola mola (August–October), exceptional visibility
- Blue Corner — drift diving along vibrant coral walls
If you’re looking to get certified or sharpen your skills, these operators are well-regarded:
- Scuba Center Asia — small groups, personalised instruction
- Bali Diving Academy — beginner through advanced, strong safety record
- Bali Hai Diving Adventures — full-service facilities, well-established
Once Lembongan has got its hooks in you, the question becomes: where next?
Raja Ampat: The World’s Most Biodiverse Reef System
If Nusa Lembongan gave you a taste of what Indonesia’s waters can offer, Raja Ampat is the full picture. Located in West Papua, this remote archipelago is home to more marine species than anywhere else on earth — over 1,500 fish species and 600 types of coral documented so far.
Every dive feels different here. Soft corals drape over seamounts. Schools of fish move like living clouds. Wobbegong sharks rest on the seafloor, almost invisible. It’s the kind of place that makes even seasoned divers go quiet.
Best for: Divers who want world-class biodiversity and a destination that lives up to the hype.
Komodo: Strong Currents, Big Rewards
If the drift at Blue Corner was your favourite part of Lembongan, Komodo is a natural next step. The currents here are powerful — sometimes uncomfortably so — but they’re what bring in the action: reef sharks, giant turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and enormous schools of fish moving in tight formation.
Above the surface, Komodo delivers too. Rugged volcanic islands, pink sand beaches, and the dragons themselves make it one of Indonesia’s most dramatic destinations above and below the water.
Best for: Confident divers comfortable in current who want adrenaline with their coral.
Alor: Remote, Quiet, and Worth the Detour
Alor doesn’t get the same press as Komodo or Raja Ampat, and that’s precisely what makes it special. The reefs here are pristine — less dived, less disturbed. You’re more likely to share a dive site with a hammerhead shark than another boat.
The topography is dramatic: walls, pinnacles, and sloping reefs that drop into deep blue. Mola mola have been spotted in season, and the macro life is exceptional for photographers willing to slow down and look closely.
Best for: Divers seeking solitude, pristine reefs, and something genuinely off the beaten path.
Sumbawa: Indonesia’s Most Underrated Dive Destination
Sitting between Bali and Komodo, Sumbawa is consistently overlooked — and consistently rewarding. The reefs are healthy, the crowds are thin, and Saleh Bay offers one of the most reliable whale shark encounters in the whole archipelago.
It has a similar feel to Nusa Lembongan in the early days: a sense of discovery, of diving somewhere that hasn’t been over-loved. If that’s what drew you in the first place, Sumbawa will feel like home.
Best for: Adventurous divers after quieter sites and rare encounters like whale sharks.
The Spice Islands: Where History Meets Exceptional Diving
The Banda Islands — once the only source of nutmeg in the world, and the reason European powers went to war in the 17th century — are now one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary dive destinations.
The underwater landscape is volcanic and dramatic: near-vertical walls, extraordinary visibility, and frequent sightings of larger pelagics. Above water, colonial forts and nutmeg plantations give the islands a weight and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.
Best for: Divers who want world-class walls and a destination with genuine historical depth.
How to Explore Beyond Nusa Lembongan
Most of these destinations are remote enough that getting there — and moving between dive sites — requires some planning. Many divers choose to explore by liveaboard, which puts you closer to the best sites and removes the logistics of daily transfers.
For those who want more comfort without sacrificing access, luxury Phinisi yacht charters — such as those offered by The Yacht Club Indonesia — provide a way to cover multiple destinations at a relaxed pace, with expert guides and marine biologists on board. It’s not the only way to dive Indonesia, but for back-to-back remote destinations, it’s hard to beat.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Nusa Lembongan is a brilliant introduction to diving in Indonesia. But it’s just the beginning.
From the reef systems of Raja Ampat to the quiet walls of Alor and the history-soaked Banda Islands, Indonesia offers more dive destinations than most people will cover in a lifetime. The question isn’t whether there’s more to see. It’s where you want to go first.
If you’re planning a stay in Nusa Lembongan, our team would be happy to assist with your accommodation.
Email: holiday@thelembongantraveller.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +61 478 928 925
