BALI

Year:2003

Diving in the land of temples

Season: Year round diving (optimum: April-November)

Visibility: 10-35 metres

Water temperature: 26-28°C

One of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the world, Bali is a never-ending exotic festival of colour and pageantry. Bali's friendly people, with their natural smile, have welcomed travellers from around the world for many centuries. Culturally, Bali is unsurpassed. The Agama Hindu Dharma, practiced in Bali, is based on a complex ritual calendar and gives rise to a series of ceremonial events marked by dance performances, lavish and colourful temple rituals, and the wearing of amazing costumes. All this makes Bali a great choice for divers with non-diving partners. Non-divers can enjoy excursions to experience Bali's fascinating culture as well as have free time to relax and unwind.

We are pleased to offer some superb shore-based diving in Bali's finest locations. Shore-based holidays are arranged in co-operation with Annabel Thomas, who runs the only British-owned and managed dive company in Bali. A wonderful diving holiday can be created for you with shore based trips of 3 or 7 nights (or longer), and you can also add a Komodo-bound liveaboard before or after. Combine a trip on one of the boats with some time ashore to experience the true Bali experience: fine diving, good accommodations, interesting food, a fascinating local culture and the warmth and friendliness of the Balinese people. Surely the ideal holiday that will please divers and non-divers alike.

Located on the northeast coast and at the foot of Mount Agung lies Tulamben, literally a few fin strokes away from world class dive sites. Along the 500-metre black pebble beach is a diverse variety of accessible sites. The Tulamben Wreck, a US Liberty ship torpedoed by the Japanese in WWII must rank as one of the top shore dives in the world. Lying just 30 metres from the water's edge on a sandy slope, the hull is clothed with encrusting sponges, honeycomb oysters, soft corals, tunicates and crinoids. and is the habitat for a vast range of fish life including a dense shoal of resident jacks, schooling Bumphead Parrotfish, stingrays, cornetfish, triggerfish, Coral Groupers, Scribble Filefish, rabbitfish, surgeonfish, numerous species of butterflyfish, clownfish, gobies and blennies, sergeant majors, bannerfish and pufferfish. Photographers can never go in with the wrong lens here! Many coffee-table-book photographs were captured here. A little further along is a sandy slope with a low-lying reef which attracts octopus, moray eels and mantis shrimps, along with schools of reef fish. Rare and even new species of animals are encountered from time to time. The slope leads to a drop-off with good coral formations, sea fans, barrel sponges and soft coral, offering good wide-angle photo opportunities. Night diving on the wreck is very special during the full moon with Spanish Dancers, luminous flashlightfish and that amazing tropical phenomenon, phosphorescence. This must be one of the best places in the world for a varied and easy night dive!

Hidden away on Bali's northwest coast, near to the Bali Barat National Park, is Menjangen Island, a short boat ride from the mainland and one of Bali's top dive destinations. In 1978 Menjangan became Bali's first internationally famous dive location, but the following years took their toll on the reef flats. Dynamite fishing, dive boat anchors, a population explosion of coal-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish, and finally, in 1998, El Nino all took their toll. Fortunately there are now strong signs of recovery. Menjangan is, however, also rightly-famous for its wall diving, which has been unaffected by the problems which beset the reef flats, with gorgonian-clad walls beginning at 26 metres and ending at 60 metres. These steep, craggy walls are filled with cracks, crevices and grottoes with good populations of sea fans, whip corals, sponges and soft corals. Schooling Bannerfish, butterflyfish, groupers, frogfish, triggerfish, sweetlips and the occasional reef shark make for exciting yet easy diving and plenty of photo opportunities. There are only rare sightings of larger fish around Menjangan due to the island's protection from cold currents coming in from the sea. Although the best diving in Bali is said to be April to November, Menjangan island area can be dived year round as it offers some of the most protected diving in Bali. The clarity of the water can be amazing and is at its best in October and November, when 50 metres plus can be experienced. A current of about one knot is usual. No one knows the name of the small wooden boat that gives Anker Wreck its name. From a depth of 6 metres, follow the anchor chain down a steep slope to the flattened remains of the wreck at 32 metres, which show up dark against the silver-white sand. Artefacts and wreckage lie scattered over the sand slope down to a depth of 60 metres. A shallow wall cut with crevices and scarred with cracks makes an excellent spot for an extended safety stop after this relatively deep dive.

Secret Bay is a more poetic name than Gilimanuk Bay, which is adjacent to where the ferries dock that ply backwards and forwards between Bali and Java. Secret Bay, about 20 minutes by road from Menjangan, is about 2 kilometres wide and a mere 3 to 12 metres deep. This fascinating place, being the only bay off the narrow Bali Strait, forms a catch tank for many juvenile or larval fish. A reef just outside the mouth of the bay creates a channel through which the nutrient-rich waters sweep. The channel is lined with volcanic black and silver sand where plump, healthy fish enjoy the cooler water (about 25°C). Few large or pelagic species are found here, hance the safe haven for the juveniles! This is macro diving for the enthusiast or underwater photographer with rare marine species but no rich coral growth. Night diving at Secret Bay is a unique experience with cephalopods in all shapes and sizes and crustaceans wandering in search of something tasty to eat.

Nusa Penida, an island off the southeast coast of Bali and about 30 minutes by road from Candidasa, offers divers some wonderful drift diving experiences and the possibility of pelagic encounters. Large schools of sweetlips will greet you with their soleful 'smiles', and Hawksbill Turtles, Manta Rays and even the bizarre sunfish (or mola-mola) have been sighted in this area (mostly August-September). A typical reef profile in this area would consist of a terrace at about 8 metres with a wall or slope falling away down to a seabed at about 600 metres! Hard corals are in good condition in this area and some beautiful patches of brightly coloured soft coral can be found. Conditions can be quite challenging, but the dive masters are skilful in choosing the perfect location for your diving ability, so that you can enjoy some wonderful dives in this area.

Padangbai is located a few minutes off the eastern coast of Bali and here you can dive Blue Lagoon, a small bay with a steep white sand beach and a treasure-trove of marne life. A five minute ride by jukung (outrigger) avoids struggling through waves and once over the side, you are likely to be greeted by the large Napoleon Wrasse that lives here along with an amazing fish population including Ribbon Eels, rays, squid and octopus. Leaf Scorpionfish are everywhere! The white sand sea bed is at about 22 metres and is scattered with rocks bearing soft corals and a large area of staghorn coral.

BEST OF BALI: SHORE-BASED

DIVING COMBINATIONS

We have created two special itineraries that will access Bali's prime diving locations. The 3 nights itinerary is based on a stay at the lovely Watergarden Hotel at Candidasa and the 7 nights itinerary combines a stay at the Watergarden Hotel with a visit to the Mimpi Resort at Tulamben.

THE WATERGARDEN HOTEL

Tucked away in the small town of Candidasa the romantic and quietly situated Watergarden Hotel has bungalow-style cottages set amidst a colourful and well-tended tropical garden complete with waterfalls, and lily ponds. Standard Rooms have ceiling fans, private bathrooms and telephones, while Deluxe Rooms also have air-conditioning. A large wooden verandah is built over the water features in the garden. The hotel has a salt-water swimming pool, laundry service and a tour and travel desk, from where you may arrange local outings. Full restaurant facilities and room-service are offered throughout the day. Recently voted one of the top ten most romantic hotels in Bali, the Watergarden Hotel is a truly delightful place to stay.

MIMPI RESORT, TULAMBEN

Situated on the northeastern coat of Bali at the foot of Mount Agung, lies the Mimpi Resort. Each air-conditioned Patio Room or Deluxe Cottage has a private outdoor shower, so divers can enter their room via the shower, without first going through their room! The resort is set in attractive tropical gardens and has a swimming pool. Twenty four hour room-service is available and a full service restaurant is open throughout the day.

BEST OF BALI, THREE NIGHTS:

Day 1: Transfer from Denpasar airport (or Komodo liveaboard) to the Watergarden Hotel, Candidasa for a 3 nights stay.

Day 2: Two shore dives at Tulamben.

Day 3: Two boat dives at Nusa Penida.

Day 4: Transfer to Denpasar airport (or Komodo liveaboard).

Standard Room

£314

Deluxe Room

£327

Includes:

· Land transportation.

· 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Watergarden Hotel.

· 2 shore dives at Tulamben and 2 boat dives dives at Nusa Penida, dive guide, cylinders and weights.

· Lunches with soft drinks.

· Local and national park fees.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £88 (Standard Room); £101 (Deluxe Room)

High Season Supplement: £20 (£40 single occupancy) from 1 July-31 August and 15-31 December.

Deposit: £100

BEST OF BALI, SEVEN NIGHTS:

Day 1: Transfer from Denpasar airport (or Komodo liveaboard) to the Mimpi Resort, Tulamben for a 4 nights stay.

Days 2-3: Two shore dives daily at Tulamben.

Day 4: Two boat dives at Menjangan.

Day 5: Depart from Tulamben and travel to The Watergarden Hotel (about 1 hour by road) for a 3 nights stay. Two dives at Nusa Penida or Padangbai.

Days 6-7: Two boat dives daily at Nusa Penida or Padangbai.

Day 8: Transfer to Denpasar airport (or Komodo liveaboard).

Standard Room/Patio Room

£767

Deluxe Room/Deluxe Cottage

£832

Includes:

· Land transportation.

· 4 nights bed and breakfast accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Mimpi Resort, Tulamben.

· 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Watergarden Hotel.

· 4 shore dives at Tulamben, 2 boat dives at Menjangan and 6 boat dives at Nusa Penida/Padangbai, dive guide, cylinders and weights.

· Lunches with soft drinks.

· Local and national park fees.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £193 (Standard Room/Patio Room); £258 (Deluxe Room/Deluxe Cottage)

High Season Supplement: £54 (£109 single occupancy) from 1 July-31 August and 15-31 December.

Deposit: £200

We can create a Best of Bali holiday of any duration, not just 3 or 7 nights, featuring either or both hotels. Special itineraries area available for underwater photographers. Please call our office for details.

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Daily midday departures from London (Heathrow) to Denpasar via Singapore, arriving the following afternoon. There are daily return flights in the evening from Denpasar, via Singapore, arriving at London (Heathrow) the following morning.

Flights are available from Manchester at no additional charge.

£635 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter), 1 September-9 December, 24-31 December.

£820 for departures at Easter, 1 July-31 August, 10-23 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Denpasar/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Daily midday departures from London (Heathrow) to Denpasar via Kuala Lumpur, arriving the following afternoon. There are daily return flights in the afternoon from Denpasar, via Kuala Lumpur, arriving at London (Heathrow) the following morning.

Flight connections are also available from Manchester to Denpasar at no additional charge. Flights depart from Manchester on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Return flights leave Denpasar on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

£625 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter), 1 September-9 December.

£685 for departures at Easter, 18-31 August, 25-31 December.

£860 for departures 1 July-17 August, 10-24 December.

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London, Manchester or Denpasar on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Kuala Lumpur/Denpasar/Kuala Lumpur/London (Heathrow) by Malaysia Airlines.

Business Class Upgrades: These are available on Malaysia Airlines between the UK and Denpasar at attractive rates. Please contact our office for details.

Overnights in Bali: £20 per night bed and breakfast on a twin/share basis at the Sativa Hotel, Sanur. This pleasant hotel comprises mostly detached bungalows in Balinese style. Rooms are well-appointed with en-suite facilities, air conditioning and a balcony or veranda overlooking the landscaped swimming pool. The Rose Restaurant serves European, Chinese and local specialities, while the unique William Bar, a sunken bar in the pool, provides drinks and light snacks. Other facilities include safety deposit box, 24 hour reception, room service, money changing facilities, fax service and car rental. A single supplement £20 per night applies. The Sativa Hotel is very well situated for Benoa Harbour and therefore most suitable for overnight accommodation either before or after a Komodo liveaboard cruise. Please note: pre-arranged airport/hotel transfers cost £5 each way per person or per couple.

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Southern Thailand entry in this brochure.

COMBINING BALI WITH

KOMODO OR WAKATOBI

As all liveaboard cruises to Komodo and holidays to Wakatobi start and end in Denpasar, Bali, why not add on a visit to one of these extraordinary places? Simply add the cost of your chosen Bali diving holiday to the cost of your Komodo or Wakatobi adventure and include the cost of any necessary additional overnight stays along with the cost of international flights.