## Where to Find the Best Scuba Diving in Lombok
Lombok, a beautiful island located in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and teeming with marine life, the island offers a diverse range of diving sites that cater to divers of all levels of experience. Here’s a detailed guide to the best scuba diving spots in Lombok:
### Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands just off the coast of Lombok. They are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Here are three must-dive sites around the Gili Islands:
1. Gili Trawangan: This island is home to a variety of dive sites, including the Wreck of the Liberty, a sunken cargo ship that has become a bustling artificial reef. Divers can also explore shallow reefs teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and rays.
2. Gili Meno: Known for its calm waters and gentle currents, Gili Meno is a great spot for beginners and underwater photographers. The island’s reefs are home to a wide range of invertebrates, including nudibranchs, sea turtles, and octopus.
3. Gili Air: This island offers a mix of shallow and deep dive sites, catering to all levels of divers. The Bandit’s Reef is a shallow site with excellent visibility, while the Hans Reef is a deep wall that descends into the blue, attracting pelagic species like sharks and rays.
### Senggigi
Senggigi is a town located on the west coast of Lombok. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and dive sites. Here are two notable dive spots in Senggigi:
1. Senggigi Reef: This shallow reef is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It is home to a variety of reef fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.
2. Meno Wall: This impressive wall descends to a depth of 60 meters and is covered with colorful corals, sponges, and sea fans. Divers can spot a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and large fish species.
### Komodo National Park
Although Komodo National Park is primarily known for its Komodo dragons, it also offers stunning dive sites. The park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and turtles. Here are two dive sites not to miss:
1. Cannibal Rock: This site is known for its strong currents and challenging dives. Divers can encounter large pelagic species such as tuna, sharks, and dolphins.
2. Tatawa Besar (Big Tatawa): This site is less challenging than Cannibal Rock and offers a more relaxed dive experience. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs and encounter friendly reef fish.
### Other Dive Sites
Besides the above, there are several other dive sites worthy of exploration in Lombok:
1. Mawi: Located off the south coast of Lombok, Mawi is known for its coral walls and abundant marine life. Divers can spot sea turtles, sharks, and reef fish.
2. Nusa Penida: This island is located just south of Lombok and offers a variety of dive sites, including Manta Point, where divers can encounter numerous manta rays.
3. Tepekong: This shallow dive site is suitable for all levels of divers. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
### Logistics and Safety
Getting to Lombok: Lombok International Airport is the main gateway to the island.
Boat trips: Boat trips to the dive sites are typically arranged by dive operators.
Accommodation: A wide range of accommodation options are available in Lombok, including guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
Safety: Always dive with a certified dive operator and follow safety guidelines.
Lombok offers an unforgettable scuba diving experience with its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and diverse marine life. By following this guide, you can discover the best dive sites that the island has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.