Offshore Bali

Jeff Mullins · Issue 8, Aug/Sep 2002 · pp. 17–21

Products mentioned: Bali Hai II, Bali Hai Diving Adventures, Serendipity, Nikonos 15mm, Seatite II, Aqua Sea 100 slave, Provia, Aqua Sea 140, Canon AE1P, Sigma 90mm macro, Tussey T300, Velvia, Nikonos 1VA, Sea & Sea 15mm

Lying just east of Bali, bang in the middle of the Lombok Strait, are a group of three islands that have long been regarded as difficult for divers to access. Fierce and unpredictable ocean currents combined with long swells from the Indian Ocean south of Bali, made boat journeys to the islands, an adventurous if not risky affair. The three islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida lie 20kms east of Sanur on Bali. Their main attractions include stunning white sand beaches, world class surfing, pristine coral reefs and quiet village atmosphere. Many of the islands residents are seaweed farmers. The clear inshore waters of Nusa Penida and Lembongan provide ideal conditions for growing high quality seaweeds that are exported for use in the manufacture of food preservatives, and cosmetics. These same clear waters also host some of Indonesia’s richest coral reefs, along with stun…