The many countless Indonesian reefs impress every diver with the greatest marine biodiversity on our planet. In the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, where Asia and Australia meet, is a geographic triangle with more marine species than anywhere else.
The points of the triangle are roughly from the southern Philippines, southwest to Bali and southeast to West Papua. This rich volcanic area combines miles of coastline, warm equatorial currents, nutrient-rich upwellings and a tropical climate that come together to create a biological wonderland.
Areas such as Bunaken Marine Park off Northern Sulawesi, is known for wall diving and clear waters. Lembeh Strait, (also accessed from North Sulawesi) is famous for unsurpassed muck diving.
Wakatobi, off southeast Sulawesi is endowed with magnificent coral gardens. Wakotobi is well known for its unique marine life and the variety of it, especially the smaller creatures.
Komodo Marine Park, east of Bali and Lombok in the central part of the country, supports a variety of marine life that thrives on upwellings. Bali has some of Indonesia's best shore diving, especially at Tulamben in eastern Bali which is famous for the Liberty Wreck.
One of the best combinations of fish and coral is found in the Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua-formerly known as Irian Jaya. Manta Rays and a jellyfish lake are hallmarks of diving at Sangalaki on the southern part of Borneo.
Indonesia is surrounded by water and much of the best diving is accessible only from liveaboards, although there are areas like Lembeh Strait, Tulamben, Wakatobi and West Papua, where the land-based diving is superb. Ideally you combine a liveaboard excursion and a stay in one of the beautiful resorts, in one holiday.
The water temperatures are between 25°C and 29°C (77°-84°F). For most divers a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is sufficient.
This is just an overview about some of the Indonesian dive areas. A detailed description of the various dive areas can be found in the descriptions of each region.
