KUTA BEACH - BALI

Kuta Beach bustles with tourists vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone.

Rapid development and an influx of visitors hasn't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy the beach life.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment; so if you want to be within walking distance of a cool beach lifestyle by day and party by night - this is place.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA BEACH

Over the years Kuta development has spread out - almost absorbing the neighbouring villages of Legian and Tuban which now provide a quieter alternative to Kuta central.

New hotel developments, guest houses and resorts fill every available space, yet almost all amenities are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Seminyak, once a quiet local village, on the fringes of Kuta, has now become the smart sophisticated end, with fine dining and numerous local lifestyle shops.


THE BEACH

Relax.. on Bali's longest public beach. Hang out, sunbathe, eat, drink, play a game of volleyball or a challenge beach football match. Meet locals and other visitors and watch a stunning sunset over a perfect sundowner. Kuta basically offers 5 kilometres of hotels, bars, Internet cafes, juice bars, surf shops, restaurants, travel agencies and mini-marts. It can be (depending on the time of day and which end of the beach you prefer) busy and vibrant or totally chilled out.


WHAT TO DO IN KUTA BEACH

Around the end of Jalan Double Six, about 15 minutes from Kuta centre is Dreamland Beach. Lots of afternoon action and ball games, with plenty of drinks stands to make new (girl) friends. No shortage of bars and places to eat with some excellent places to chill and drink like Zanzibar and Blue Ocean.

Surfing! Bring your own board or rent one from the guys on the beach. Prices vary but average around 30,000rp per hour. If you haven't surfed before its the perfect place to learn. You can get a boat ride out to the outer reef breaks of Tuban or surf mellow beach breaks in front of the Hard Rock Hotel.


KUTA BEACH NIGHT LIFE

uta's nightlife now extends about 7 kilometres (4 miles) north from the original village of Kuta and includes Legian, Seminyak stretching to Basangkasa. Kuta is entertainment central which means music clubs, open-air pubs, karaoke bars, very noisy discos and drag shows. It's a lively party scene to say the least and the kind of place where being single and alone - male or female is no problem whatsoever.

Kuta has a huge selection of restaurants serving both local and a wide variety of foreign cuisines.

SHOPPING IN KUTA

Shopping! Forget your Gucci's and Prada. Bali has its own designers producing one-off pieces for fashion clothing and lifestyle goods. Lots of individuality here at often reasonable prices. You'll end up with a treasure trove of interesting, fascinating and irresistible buys. Excellent for unusual clothes, jewellry, household and lifestyle items. Kuta's main street has renowned shopping, in mostly small locally owned shops. Individual styles, excellent craftsmanship and low prices.

GETTING AROUND KUTA BEACH

Kuta and neighbouring Legian and Seminyak are easy to walk around. Often you'll find yourself browsing the shops at one of town and before you realise it, you're already at the other end! Failing that it's easy and relatively cheap to take taxis. Negotiate first.

Source: http://www.bali-indonesia.com

Image Source: www.makemytrip.com, www.flickr.com/photos/83129051@N00/2146615596/

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CANGGU - BALI

Canggu is a district north of Seminyak that lies midway between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. It is a largely rural area that is starts a few kilometers inland and borders on the western coast of Bali.

It has dark or black sand beaches which are not particularly good for swimming but do offer some renowned surfing spots.

The area is popular place, being roughly 25 mins drive from Seminyak, with many local expatriates and many villas owned by overseas nationals are located here as well. Much of the area features quietly undulating terrain with the rice paddies that categorize much of central Bali.

To the south lies Umalas or kerobokan and to the north lies Tanah Lot.

HOW TO REACH CANGGU

Taxis are hard to find in this area and most travel tends to be by private car or motorcycle.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT CANGGU

The nearby Nirwana Bali Golf Course at the Le Meriden Hotel, was designed by Greg Norman, and was voted the number 1 golf course in Asia; it is situated beside the dramatic, waved-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot just to the north.

Horse riding - Umalas offers the Umalas stables, formally named the 'Umalas Equestrian Centre’

Various activities are offered at the Canggu Club www.cangguclub.com/- Bali's first country club.

The Hotel Tugu is located on Canggu beach with the good waves for surfing. The hotel is a living museum of priceless antiques and rare cultural artifacts, and it also offers the attractions of fine dining together with the facilities of a delightful spa.

WHERE TO STAY AT CANGGU

There are a variety of small hotels and bungalow collections in this area. The most prevalent form of travel accommodation is private villas.

Private Villas

• Semarapura Villa, Cemagi, Canggu www.semarapuravilla.com. New to the market after an extensive renovation in 2008, the 5 bedroom Villa Semarapura is an expansive luxury beachfront villa, located between Canggu and Tanah Lot, 40 minutes from Seminyak on Bali’s southwest coast. This private Bali rental villa is comprised of a series of pavilions, swimming pool and ornamental ponds, leisurely spread throughout an expansive 5000 square metres (one acre and a quarter) of rolling lawns. Fully staffed and ideal for events.

• Villa Mako, Canggu www.villamako.com. A peaceful 3-bedroom retreat, complete with swimming pool and large garden, located in a quiet traditional village above a small river valley. The single-storey villa is neo-colonial in style, similar to the Dutch guesthouses of the Javanese and Malay hill stations, characterised by louvre shutters, old teak doors, and spectacular high wooden ceilings built of seasoned timbers. The eclectic interiors reflect the travels and passions of the owners, introducing Balinese and Javanese antiques, combined with a bold use of colour to create a very personal atmosphere. The villa is fully staffed and has a private swimming pool. Prices vary from US$370-490++ per night(depending on season).

• Niloufar Villa, Canggu www.niloufar-villa.com. Luxury private villa built in 2007, it blends its exceptional location with outstanding facilities, service and privacy. Embracing the trend of ‘Destination’ villas, the property has been designed to contain as many features and amenities as possible, complemented by top levels of service, intended to ensure that guests feel no need to go out for top quality dining and entertainment. The villa boasts a 17 x 5 meter swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. The meandering Buwit River borders the villa’s expansive gardens; the property is surrounded by nature and blessed with beautiful views and riverside trails. Managed by BHM www.BHMvillas.com. Five bedrooms, private pool and garden - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$700-1000++ depending on season.

• Simona Oasis and Spa, Canggu www.simona-oasis.com. This spectacular 5-bedroom villa with its own 1000m2 private spa rests upon a venerated spurs of land fed by a holy spring at the confluence of two rivers and is located among the ricefields, walking distance from the beach. Fully staffed, and car and driver included within.

• Umah Di Beji, Berawa, Canggu www.umahdibeji.com. Accessed via its own 150 metre driveway and bridge, the five bedroom Umah di Beji enjoys a most secluded location amongst the paddy (rice) fields. The fully staffed villa itself is set in a picturesque location, with gardens forming a natural amphitheater. Various buildings, all with traditional Balinese alang-alang (thatched) roofs, frame the gardens and house the five king-sized suites. The mature garden and numerous water features range down towards the dramatic, lava rock private swimming pool. Prices vary from US$800-1250++ depending on season.

• The Beji Private Villa, Berawa, Canggu www.villabeji.com. Built in 2007, this magnificent six-bedroom villa is bordered by rice terraces and a river, within walking distance of Berawa Beach. The property, ideal for families and suitable for disabled guests, is comprised of ten single-storey pavilions, together with one double-storey building, a 27-metre swimming pool and a series of ornamental ponds, leisurely spread throughout lush, expansive gardens. The contemporary style is restful with a fresh cool décor and modern furnishings. Recreational facilities at the villa include a tennis court and a gym. The Beji is also perfect for weddings and parties and is adjacent to its sister villa Umah di Beji www.umahdibeji.com. Prices vary from US$1100-1650++ depending on season.

• Puri Bawana Estate, Canggu www.PuriBawana.com. Opened to the market in 2008, the splendid 5-bedroom Puri Bawana Estate, complete with 30-metre swimming pool, rests upon almost 2 acres of land (7000m2) surrounded by emerald rice fields, within walking distance of the beach at the fishing village of Canggu on Bali’s southwest coast. The Estate is resourcefully integrated into the natural terraced contours of a hill. Its luxury villa is comprised of a series of thatched pavilions, housing a remarkable open living pavilion, an elevated dining pavilion, an entertainment Room, two kitchens and five bedrooms, completed by additional smaller bedroom suitable for kids or a nanny. Fully staffed and serviced by BHM www.BHMVillas.com, the Estate also boasts a membership at the Canggu Club www.cangguclub.comwhich means its guests enjoy access to the numerous sporting and social facilities featured at the country club. Prices start from USD650++ a night, and vary depending on season.

• Villa Emerald River, Berawa, Canggu www.hotcangguvillas.com. The 4 Bedrooms Vacation Villa of 620 m2 is composed of 3 different 2 storey buildings linked on the second floor by a large terrace from where guests can admire a magnificent sea view especially for the sunset. The large manicured garden features an amazing 100 m2 lava stone swimming pool surrounding the buildings dedicated to the bedrooms. Prices starting from US$450++.

Source: iguide.travel
Image Source: blog.baliwww.com, http://www.flickr.com/photos/66086592@N00/247295878/


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BEDUGUL - BALI

Bedugul is an area in the central mountains of Bali. Bedugul Area is composed of 3 lakes (Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan) and one main town (Candikuning).

HOW TO REACH BEDUGUL

Bedugul is located 48 km north of Denpasar, on the main road from South Bali to the North Coast (Lovina and Singaraja).


WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT BEDUGUL

The most visited places of Bedugul are:

• Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan. Unique Temple on a small island on the lake.

• The Bedugul Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya) with trees collection and Bali Treetop Adventure Park.

• The Traditional Market of Candikuning.

• The Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club.

• Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Bedugul Botanical Gardens, Tel.: (62)(361) 8520680. The park includes six main circuits that stretch from tree to tree, as well as nets, Tarzan Jumps, and bridges. Each run also features "Flying Fox" zip-lines of up to 160 meters, providing heart-pounding thrills to guests as they fly through the air. Two circuits are designed for young children from 4 years old.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. At an alitude of 1.142 meters above the sea level and surrounded by green mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course is considered as one of the greatest golf course in the world.

• Water sports on lake Bratan. Parasailing, speedboat, jetski.

• Trekking in the mountains. Departure from the Lake Bratan or from Bedugul Botanical Gardens

• Soaking in Angseri hot springs. Angseri lies about 20km to the south. From the main market head directly south. It is well sign-posted.

WHERE TO STAY AT BEDUGUL

• Many small and affordable guesthouses in Bedugul.

• Pacung Indah Hotel, 10 kilometers before Bedugul. 8 bungalows with panoramic views.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. Up market hotel in the golf course.

Source: www.wikitravel.org
Image Source: www.flickr.com/photos/ronni_photo/174915027/

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ULUWATU - BALI

Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.

HOW TO REACH ULUWATU

A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu takes about 30 minutes up and down winding roads and will cost about Rp 50,000 one-way. As it can be difficult to find transport, get the driver to wait for you for the trip back (figure on Rp 10,000/hour). Joining a tour can be cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu.

If you are riding a rented motorcycle from Kuta, be aware that you need an IDR (International Driving Permit). Police perform frequent checks for driving licenses on the road between Kuta and Uluwatu, especially targetting foreigners. If you can not present the necessary paperwork you will be faced with a fine anywhere from Rp20,000 to Rp300,000.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT ULUWATU

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).

There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

• Surfing — Uluwatu is a well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or experts.

• Kecak dance (aka "monkey dance") performances are held at the temple daily between 6pm and 7pm. Tickets for the visually spectacular if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s) performed for tourists cost Rp 50,000.

WHERE TO STAY AT ULUWATU

Uluwatu started life as a surfer's haven. Small bungalows close to surf points where the only options for a long time. Now the area has sprouted an impressive collection of expensive villas and resorts as well. Beware false advertising though: only the most expensive "villas" are completely private and self-contained, while most share at least some facilities (eg. pool) and the cheapest ones are just clusters of bungalows.

Hotels

• Blue Point Bay Villas, ☎ +62-361-769888. Small resort with villa accommodation. Two pools, restaurant, spa. US$230-680.
  

• Bulgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, ☎ +62-361-8471000. Clifftop superluxury resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants, and a price tag to match. US$1400.

• Tanah at Ulus, Uluwatu (South west in Badung Regency, near Uluwatu Temple), ☎ +61359856898 (villa@tanahatulus.com). Tanah at Ulus Family house is brand new with inground pool, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning and with a single-booking policy for complete privacy. US$120 nightly: US$700 weekly.

Private Villas

All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

• The Istana, Uluwatu. 5 bedroom clifftop luxury private overlooking the famous Uluwatu search break. Featured in DestinAsian Magazine's top 10 villas in Asia on two occasions, the villa has been written up in such publications as W Magazine and the New York Times. Managed by BHM - which operates some of the top villas on the island. Sleeps up to 10 people, two private pools and extensive gardens - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$1500-2500 per night depending on season.

• Villa Indah Manis, Uluwatu. Six bedroom private luxury villa . Managed by BHM. Fully staffed and serviced, this villa sleeps up to 12 people, features two private pools and has a pool table and dedicated private spa. Prices vary from US$600-950 per night depending on season.

• Villa Moonlight, Uluwatu. Private luxury villa featuring 4 (four) bedrooms and ocean view. Located just above Uluwatu surf beach and its world famous break. Built in 2008 to the highest standards of architecture and decor.

• Villa Pemutih (villa pemutih uluwatu).

Source: www.wikitravel.org
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/58924772/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielcheong/495618162/

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AMED - BALI

Amed is the most recent tourist development area in Bali. It was only in 2000 that tarmac was laid on the roads, telephone lines were installed in 2003, and it took until 2007 for a bridge to be built over a section of the road that regularly washed away during the rainy season. To this day, phone lines are so limited in the area that most hotels only have one landline each, so it is wise to bring a mobile phone (cellphone) when visiting if you need to stay in touch with the outside world. Local Indonesian SIM cards can be purchased in thousands of places around Bali. There is also a public telephone office in the centre of Amed and a couple of internet cafes (the connection speed is V-E-R-Y slow, though).

English is widely spoken in all the hotels, restaurants and shops.

HOW TO REACH AMED

Amed is located on the north east coast of Bali, about 2.5 hours drive from Kuta. But if you stay overnight at Tulamben, it will take approximately 20 Minutes drive to the south of Tulamben.

The easiest way into Amed is by hiring your own transport and driver. Beware that Amed is stretched out over ten kilometers so make sure that transport to your hotel is included in the price.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN AMED

Most people come to Amed as a getaway, including expats from other parts of the island. It's a favourite honeymoon destination for tourists and is also popular with divers and snorkelers. Sailing trips in small Balinese sail boats can be arranged, and day trips to local places of interest such as the Water Gardens of Tirta Gangga and Bali's most sacred temple, Besakih, high on the slopes of Mount Agung.

Lempuyang Temple, half hour drive from Amed. One of the eight most sacred temples on the island. Park in the car park and walk up the steps to the temple. The lower temple is always open but the upper temple (at the top of the dragon staircases) is often locked, so it is best to go with a Balinese driver who will usually be able to arrange for the temple priest to open it up for you. It's situated high up a mountain and there are magnificent sunset views at dusk.

For entertainment, a local live band performs at Double One Restaurant once a week and there are sometimes free Balinese dance performances in some of the restaurants. A local Gong & Genjek group performs about once a month in the Bali Mandala room at Dancing Dragon Cottages.

• Snorkeling -- Amed has some fine snorkeling within meters of the coast. A reef follows the majority of the coastline. Due to the limited number of visitors to the area, the sea life is healthy and abundant.

• Condor Sailing, Phone/Fax: +62 363 23462, email: info@ameddivecenter.com. Enjoy Nature, Go with the Wind on a 18 m traditional sailing boat for sailing, diving, fishing, exploration, dolphin watching, snorkeling, or just swimming and relaxing.

DIVE SITE

There are two dive sites outside Jumeluk bay, Amed Reef and Amed Wall and both of which can be done as a shore or boat dive. The boat is a traditional fishing boat ( Jukung ) which is a small outrigger with the max capacity of 3 divers.

Jumeluk bay is suitable both for novice and experienced divers. The condition is easy, very rarely any wave action at the surface and the visibility is usually 15 to 30m.

AMED REEF
Located at the left side of the bay and by Jukung ( small outrigger ) it will take approximately 10 minutes with the depth ranging from 12-22 meters. You will find much different kinds of sponges, gorgonian, and marine life including everything from gobies, shrimp, to school of barracuda and blue spotted ray. Many different kinds of reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and moray eel.

If we go little bit deeper to 30 meters , you will see some sleeping white tip sharks on the sandy bottom.

Should there be any current, which is usually very rare and flows to the south, this will make for a relaxing drift dive.

AMED WALL
This dive site is located on the right side of the bay which takes approximately 5 minutes by Jukung. The depth ranges from 10 – 35 meters and although the wall itself is a relative small part of the dive, here you can usually find white tip reef shark, napoleon wrasse, school of batfish, and some big trevally.

Once you pass the wall you will find a deep slope which is rich in corals and very interesting. If you turn right towards shallower water, you will see big bommies on the sand, and the bommies are richly covered with gorgonians.


WHERE TO STAY AT AMED

There is a wide range of hotels in the area, with rooms ranging from $20 - $200 per night. Most of them have been built by westerners in partnership with Balinese people and have brought a welcome increase in employment to the area. Everyone knows everyone so there is a real feeling of village community, but the hotels are well spaced out so you feel that you have your own private space there. There are no TVs in most of the hotel rooms, so bring a good book to read or better still, spend your time getting to know the locals. The pace of life is very slow and relaxed in Amed, the people are friendly, and they have time!

• Apa Kabar Villas is a small and quiet collection of ocean front bungalows (sleep four) and Balinese villas (sleep six) surrounded by lush gardens. They also have a lovely restaurant, swimming pool, and some nice coral for snorkeling right off of their beach.

• Dancing Dragon Cottages, Amed, Bali, Indonesia, ☎ 0363 23521 (info@dancingdragoncottages.com, fax: 0363 23521). checkin: 3.00pm; checkout: 12 noon. Feng shui boutique hotel. Air-conditioned thatched cottages with ocean views, 100-person conference center, pool, restaurant, bar. From $48.

• Villa Sinar Cinta, a traditionally built seaside villa with privacy and excellent service. It is the perfect place for maximally eight persons. Also with its large swimmingpool of 15 x 3 meters.

• Hotel Uyah Amed, Phone/Fax: +62 363 23462, (email: hoteluyah@naturebali.com). We have implemented and maintain an environmental management system to reduce the consumption of natural resources and to prevent pollution by waste separation, energy and water - saving installations and programs. We try to communicate our environmental goals to the local community and our guest s in order to be in harmony with this beautiful environment.

• Eka Purnama Cottages and Restaurant phone="+62 (0)828 372 264" "mailto:ekaamed@gmail.com" "http://www.eka-purnama.com" Eka Purnama is a family run, budget hotel located in Amed on the Eastern most tip of Bali, an area renowned for its traditional Balinese fishing communities, superb diving, snorkeling and outstanding natural beauty. All the comfortable cottages overlook the sea and are a short step away from the beach. The reasonably priced cottages are comfortable with a double bed and single bed, a ceiling fan, wardrobes and a spacious bathroom with shower and a western toilet.

• Villa Flamboyant, ☎ +62 828 372 2636 or +43 676 400 3869 (hatala@utanet.at), [10]. "http://www.balivillaflamboyant.com" VILLA FLAMBOYANT is a private villa of 500m2 wide, located right at the sea. On the upper floor there are 4 exclusives dobble bedrooms with there own bathrooms. From the terrace you have a lovely outstanding few to the mountains, the 3000m2 garden and over the ocean. Downstairs there is a big living room optical divided by one step from the dining room about 400m2 wide suroundet by a generous terrace and in front of the living room is a big swimming pool with about 60m2 In the morning you can see the sun rising out of the ocean and many fisher boots out on the sea. The staff is friendly, helpful and used to treat guests the special way of feeling at home and giving everyone a polite individual attention.

Source: www.wikitravel.org, www.prodivebali.com
Image Source: www.asiarooms.com, www.blog.baliwww.com, www.divesitedirectory.co.uk

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TULAMBEN BAY - BALI

Tulamben is now one of the most famous diving areas in Bali and attracts divers from all over the world, Here, is where you can hear the news about conditions in the different parts of the island or exceptional events, like the sighting of a whale shark or mola and here is where you are likely to meet internationally recognized underwater photographers and writers.

It is Tulamben bay which just like the rest of Bali, is situated in the world's richest marine biogeographic zone with more than 2500 different species of fish and 700 corals.

Situated on the north east coast, the bay receives very plankton rich water from the major ocean current that moves from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean or vice versa. The wreck, rocky wall and sand slopes provide a wide variety of physical habitats. All of these factors, combined together will explain why the Tulamben bay contains an incredible diversification of the underwater ecosystem.

HOW TO REACH TULAMBEN BAY

Tulamben bay is located in North East Coast of Bali, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Kuta.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TULAMBEN BAY

Diving! Here's some of the diving sites in Tulamben Bay:

The Liberty Wreck

Its a lovely dive site, and recognized as one of the world best and easiest wreck dives. The wreck is very popular for photographers as it is totally encrusted in anemones, gorgonians and corals. Perhaps the magic comes from Tulamben's black sand which provides an excellent colour contrast for the incredible variety of marine life.

It's quite difficult to list what you will see on this dive because you will come across just about everything in any Indo-Pacific reef guide book. From the minute angel fish, nudibranches, pipefish, goby through to the areas of garden eels, huge schools of silver fish called big eyed trevally, sweet lips, batfish, butterfly fish, then add invertebrates, the hard coral, black corals, sponges with crinoids, sea fans, make this variety unique and amazing.

Current is rarely present and at most it will be mild. Visibility is usually 20 - 30 meters.

The wreck is great for night dives, particularly if the moon is full, you may see Spanish dancer, flashlight fish, or sleeping parrotfish. You will notice the different behaviour of marine life, compare to the daytime. Where else on this planet can you make such as easy, relaxing, perhaps romantic and varied night dive.

THE DROP - OFF

The basic structure of the drop off is a spur of volcanic rock leading out from the rise on which the temple sits. It is an old lava flow from mount Agung. It is located at the opposite end of the bay from the wreck.

The dive starts off on a steep sandy slope with nudibrances, flounder, shrimp ( be careful with your fins ) at 10 meters. There are big sponges with many varieties of shrimp, lionfish, and continuing to the right, the slope develops into a reef with very impressive topography, and becoming a vertical wall from 15 meters and descending to below 60 meters. Here you will find a sea fan, almost 2 meters across, at a depth of 28 meters, which is probably the crown jewel of the drop off - inhabited by pigmy Seahorses.

THE CORAL GARDEN

Just in the front of Tulamben resort, ( where we usually have our delicious lunch ) in 5- 12 meters of water is a delightfully rich little patch reef, which is dominated by croporid, hard coral, including some large table and fire corals, interspersed with anemones as well as sponges.

Though only less than 200 meters long, this reef also supports a diverse fish population, snapper, angelfish, wrasse, parrotfish, black tip shark, and millions of common reef fish. Also you can see some rarities, like blue ribbon eels (the juveniles are black) frogfish and unusual scorpion fish and even the rare ghost pipe fish.

BATU KELEBIT

Just around the corner from Tulamben bay, 15 minutes by Jukung ( traditional Balinese fishing boat ), At this beautiful site, Batu kelebit there are two large underwater boulders lying just off shore from a point marked by a jagged crest of lava. The dive site is dramatic and consists of steep ridges encrusted with an incredible diversity of hard corals, sea fans, fire coral and sponges and between the ridges separated by valleys of bright white sand. On this dive site not only the colour of the sand differs from Tulamben bay, also the species of even the most common reef fishes are different too!

In fish and invertebrate life, Batu Kelebit is perhaps even richer than Tulamben bay. Because of the steepness of the site combined with the structure of the ridges and plankton rich water, you will have more chance to see big pelagic including dog tooth tuna, mantas, schools of barracuda and you will always see the reef white tip sharks at Batu Kelebit.

Because Batu Kelebit receives deep off shore water, the visibility will be excellent and the temperature a little cold. Current in here usually tends to northwest, however the ridges here provide excellent protection, so it doesn't create any problem at all.

WHERE TO STAY AT TULAMBEN BAY

• Bali Mandira Hotel and Spa
  

• Legian Beach Hotel

Source: www.prodivebali.com

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