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Best Scuba Diving In Indonesia

Where is the best scuba diving in Indonesia? Read on for 6 places that should be on every diver’s To Do list.

Reef, Tatawa Besar, Komodo

Komodo Diving

It’s not often that Komodo makes an appearance in the Top 5 of places to dive in the world – as a premier diving destination, it still remains relatively unknown. It’s my personal Number 1 favourite dive area anywhere in Asia – I’ve been there three times in the last three years and would like to continue making an annual return. In terms of bang for your buck for a 10 day liveaboard trip, I would say that Komodo is actually even better than the holy grail of Indonesian diving, Raja Ampat. While Raja has incredible biodiversity, Komodo provides an amazing variety within a standard week and a half liveaboard format.

From the temperate waters of Cannibal Rock and Manta Alley in the south to the tropical waters of the still active volcano Sangeang in the north, Komodo has a spectacular array of different dive environments that also provide a feast of big and small critters. There’s also the chance to encounter the fascinating Komodo Dragons on land and see Komodo’s primeval landscape from the vantage point of the boat. Of numerous stand out areas, Gili Lawa Laut is probably Komodo’s highlight of highlights, as it’s home to Castle Rock, one of the world’s most stunning dive sites. This is a true fishbowl where sharks, dolphins, tuna and thousands of fish can be encountered en masse. There are numerous liveaboards to choose from and also daytrips if you want to spend more time exploring on land. Bali is the initial arrival point for guests, with many boats organising a domestic flight into Maumere or Labuan Bajo to meet with the boat.

For more information, I’ve written three Komodo trip reports – the most recent is probably the best one:

  • Komodo November 2009 on MSY Damai
  • Komodo October 2008 on S/Y Siren
  • Komodo December 2006 on Paradise Dancer
Manta Ray, Manta Sandy, Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat Diving

It’s a scientific fact – Raja Ampat has the most underwater species of any place in the world, and for a diver, that means there is a plethora of stuff to see. Raja has become The New Big Thing for discerning divers and despite the effort to get there, very few divers are disappointed. The Waigeo and Misool regions around Bird’s Head Peninsula have scores of dive sites that have a profusion of spectacular corals and critters, as well as a couple of signature manta ray cleaning stations too. The picturesque limestone rocky outcrops that pepper the coastline form secret lagoons above water and intriguing caves and canyons below the water too. Further south lies Triton Bay, whose milky, nutrient rich waters are home to an amazing array of soft corals and macro critters . Liveaboards typically last for 10 days and depart from Sorong. There are also several resorts around Raja Ampat – Misool Eco Resort and Max Ammer’s Kri and Sorido resorts.

Read my Diving Raja Ampat: A Quick Guide for a full rundown of diving Raja, plus tips on getting there and what to bring. See also my Raja Ampat and Triton Bay trip report on MSY Seahorse.

Sea Snakes Coming In from Above

Banda Sea Diving

Crossing the Banda Sea is only possible a couple of times a year when the seasons allow for calm seas and let divers take on a truly epic voyage to some of Indonesia’s most remote dive spots. Departing from Maumere and heading along lor for a few days before entering the Banda Sea proper, liveaboard trips typically take two weeks to make the crossing. En route there are numerous atolls to be explored, including the two spectacular volcanos of the sea snakes at Gunung Api and Manuk which also boast centuries old coral. It’s rare to see another boat during the whole crossing, and arriving in the tiny but bustling Banda Islands is a fascinating contrast to the solitude and expanse of the Banda Sea.

The islands are great to explore on land and learn about the islands’ troubled past as the only source of nutmeg, once considered more valuable than gold. Banda Sea crossings typically conclude in Ambon where there is some excellent muck diving, or continue on into Raja Ampat and explore Misool for a couple of days before concluding in Sorong. Banda Sea trips also head in the opposite direction, from Ambon to Alor. Given the huge distance to cross, there is a lot of travelling and itineraries can change depending on weather. There is something magical about the Banda Sea and it’s a trip I would love to do again.

For more info, read my Banda Sea trip reports on

  • Diving Gunung Api
  • Diving Manuk
  • Diving the Banda Islands
  • Diving Nusa Laut
  • Diving Ambon
Pgymy Seahorse

Lembeh Strait and Bunaken Diving

If seeing weird and wonderful critters is what floats your boat, Lembeh Strait is the underwater world capital of all things aquatic and strange. It’s also an excellent value diving destination, with resorts to cater for all budgets. Mimic octopus, hairy frogfish, pygmy seahorse – there is a seemingly endless list of ultra rare underwater creatures that are almost common in Lembeh. Black sand forms the backdrop for many dives but there is also some fairly decent coral too. However, such is the profusion of life that you will rarely have time to consider the environment as there are so many creatures to look at. Bunaken is only a half hour boat ride away and has some big walls, a complete contrast to Lembeh – it’s better to split your trip in two and spend some time at separate resorts in Lembeh and Bunaken rather than trying to explore from just one base. Bunaken and Lembeh lie at the bottom of the Sangihe archipelago and just a little further on is the fairly unknown area of Gangga, which has some beautiful underwater canyons and pinnacles as well as a lot of macro life like ornate ghostpipefish.

Read my Ocean Rover liveaboard trip report on Lembeh, Bunaken and Gangga (August 2008) and my trip report on my stay at NAD Lembeh Resort (August 2008)

Mola Mola, Bali

Bali Diving

Often overlooked thanks to Indonesia’s unparalleled array of great dive spots, Bali is a hugely underrated destination which provides not only excellent diving but the convenience of shore dives and comfortable living in either hotels or villas. The three key diving areas are Tulamben – home of the famous Liberty shipwreck and a paradise for divers that love macro stuff – also a great place to learn to dive; Lembongan – big channel diving looking for mola mola sunfish and exploring cold water epic seascapes; and Pemeturan, lost in Bali’s northwestern tip with Menjagan Island nearby which has some great corals and fish life.

For more on Bali, read my Bali Dive Safari article written for Sport Diver USA magazine and Diving the USS Liberty: A Quick Guide

Sunlight on a plate coral bommie, Kalimantan

Kalimantan Diving – Nabucco, Sangalaki and Derawan

Located further along Borneo’s coast from Sipadan, Indonesian Borneo has several islands with great diving and some submerged atolls that are only accessible by liveaboard. Sangalaki is perhaps the most famous island for its schooling manta rays, although they are not there all the time. Derawan has some great reefs and this area in general has fallen off the dive map a little so it’s one of the new frontiers of Indonesia diving again as boats come back and make their own explorations to find new sites as well as the classics.

You can see more about diving Kalimantan in my trip report from the Tambora liveaboard.



Diving And Travel Insurance

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities including scuba diving, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Start Planning Your Indonesia Dive Trip Now!

:: Check the availability and pricing of liveaboards in Indonesia and book online.


:: Find the cheapest flights to Indonesia - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver. You'll typically need to fly into Jakarta and then get a connecting flight to Sorong (SOQ) for Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo (LBJ) for Komodo, Biak for Cenderawasih Bay (BIK) - but check with your liveaboard operator on optimum flights


:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials for your scuba diving trip with our comprehensive Liveaboard Packing List


:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.


:: Find available places to stay in Indonesia on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too. The Jakarta Airport Hotel, located in Terminal 2, is convenient for a transit stayover.


:: Need inspiration? See our Best Places To Dive In Indonesia for ideas of where to go and what to do.


Dive Happy Podcast Newsletter

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Last Minute Liveaboard Deals

  • Last Minute Liveaboard Deals May 2025

More Indonesia Diving Stories

  • Indonesia Entry Requirements May 2025
  • Where To See Manta Rays In Indonesia
  • Where To See Whale Sharks In Indonesia
  • Komodo Dive Sites Overview
    • Manta Alley, Komodo
    • Cannibal Rock, Komodo
    • Yellow Wall, Komodo
    • Batu Bolong, Komodo
    • Pengah Kecil, Komodo
    • Castle Rock, Komodo
    • Crystal Rock, Komodo
    • Sebayur Kecil, Komodo
    • Siaba Besar, Komodo
    • Tanjung Batu Besar, Komodo
    • Saleh Bay Whale Sharks
  • Gangga Island Diving Trip Report December 2023
  • Menjangan Island Diving November 2023
  • Raja Ampat Liveaboard June 2023 Trip Report
  • Raja Ampat Liveaboard Deals 2025
  • Diving Raja Ampat – A Quick Guide
  • How To Get To Raja Ampat
  • Raja Ampat Christmas Liveaboard Trip Report December 2022
  • Sorong Airport Guide
  • Komodo Liveaboard Trip Report August 2022
  • Diving The USAT Liberty Shipwreck, Bali June 2022
  • Bali Muck Diving June 2022
  • Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trip Report 2020
  • Raja Ampat Liveaboard May 2018 Trip Report
  • Raja Ampat to Triton Bay Liveaboard Trip Report 2017
  • Raja Ampat to the Banda Islands Liveaboard Trip Report
  • Raja Ampat to Triton Bay 2008
  • Diving Triton Bay 2017
  • Triton Bay Whale Sharks
  • Indonesia’s Best Scuba Diving
  • Cenderawasih Bay
  • Bali Scuba Diving
    • Menjangan Island
  • Lembeh
  • Bangka
  • Kalimantan
  • Palau Weh
  • Banda Sea
    • Gunung Api
    • Ambon
    • Nusa Laut
    • Banda Islands
    • Banda Islands Land Tour
    • Manuk
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My Recent Dive Trips

  • November 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • October 2024: Forgotten Islands and Banda Sea liveaboard, Indonesia
  • August 2024: Komodo and Saleh Bay liveaboard, Indonesia
  • May 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • April 2024: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • February 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • January 2024:Gangga Island Resort, Indonesia
  • December 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • Mejangan Island, Bali
  • October 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • June 2023: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • April 2023: Maldives liveaboard
  • April 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • February 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • December 2022: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • December 2022: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • August 2022: Komodo liveaboard, Indonesia
  • June 2022: USAT Liberty shipwreck, Bali, Indonesia
  • April 2022: Stonehenge, Koh Lipe, Thailand
  • March 2022: Manta Rays at Koh Bon, Thailand
  • January 2022: Richelieu Rock liveaboard, Thailand
  • March 2021: HTMS Chang and Alahambra Rock liveaboard, Thailand
  • February 2020: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • December 2019: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2019: Malapascua, Philippines
  • June 2019: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • April 2019: Tulamben, Bali
  • December 2018: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • December 2018: Anilao, Philippines
  • October 2018: Moalboal, Philippines
  • October 2018: Malapascua, Philippines
  • July 2018: Tulamben, Bali
  • May 2018: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
  • April 2018: Sogod Bay, Philippines

My Less Recent Dive Trips

  • May 2017: Apo Island and Dumaguete, Philippines
  • April 2017: Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
  • April 2017: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • March 2017: Triton Bay, Indonesia
  • March 2017: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
  • September 2016: Tulamben, Bali at Alba Dive Resort
  • August 2016: Cenderawasih Bay on Damai 1
  • April 2016: Sogod Bay at Sogod Bay Scuba Resort
  • February 2016: Raja Ampat and Banda Islands on Damai 1
  • April 2015: Anilao at Crystal Dive Resort
  • March 2015: Myanmar and Similan Islands on Thailand Aggressor
  • May 2013: Similan Islands on Thailand Aggressor
  • April 2013: Tubbataha Reef on Discovery Palawan
  • January 2013: Komodo, Indonesia on MSY Damai
  • August 2012: Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia
  • April 2012: Similan Islands and Southern Thailand liveaboard
  • January 2012: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • August 2011: Hanifaru, Maldives
  • June 2011: Tubbataha Liveaboard Hans Christian Andersen
  • April 2011: Similan Islands and Southern Thailand liveaboard
  • April 2011: Carpe Vita Liveaboard, Maldives
  • March 2011: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
  • December 2010: Menjangan, Bali
  • July 2010: Tofo, Mozambique
  • July 2010: Sardine Run, South Africa
  • May 2010: Sangalaki / Derawan, Tambora
  • March 2010: MV Flying Seahorse, Similan Islands
  • March 2010: MV Orion, Southern Maldives
  • January 2010: Big Blue Explorer, Palau
  • November 2009: MSY Damai, Banda Sea Liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2009: MSY Damai, Komodo Liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2009: MV Orion, Maldives Liveaboard
  • September 2009: MV Scubanet, Koh Losin, Thailand
  • May 2009: MSY Seahorse, Banda Sea liveaboard, Indonesia
  • March 2009: Sachika Liveaboard, Maldives
  • February 2009: Daytrips, Koh Lanta, Thailand
  • January 2009: MV Jazz, Burma (Myanmar) Liveaboard

Back In The Day Bragging Rights Dive Trips

  • November 2008: Borneo Explorer, Visayas Liveaboard
  • September 2008: S/Y Siren, Komodo Liveaboard
  • August 2008: Ocean Rover, Sulawesi Liveaboard
  • August 2008: NAD Lembeh Resort, Indonesia
  • June 2008: Koh Tao
  • March 2008: Maldives, Bandos Island
  • February 2008: MSY Seahorse, Raja Ampat Liveaboard
  • January 2008: MV Jazz, Burma Liveaboard
  • October 2007: Bali Dive Safari
  • September 2007: Davao, Philippines
  • July 2007: Great White Sharks, Rodney Fox Liveaboard
  • June 2007: Big Blue, Palau Liveaboard
  • May 2007: Whale Sharks at Exmouth, Australia
  • April 2007: Borneo Explorer, Tubbataha Reef Liveaboard
  • December 2006: Komodo Dancer, Komodo Liveaboard

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