Flight Information

Your flight needs to arrive into Denpasar Bali for the first day of the schedule trip departure. You will be met on arrival by your AbyssWorld guide and taken to your accommodation for the first evening.

The main hubs for arriving to Denpasar are numerous and include Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpor, Jakarta and Sydney to name a few. Arrival times may be at any time on the start day of the trip as the first night is a group meeting at the resort in Sanur with a departure early the following morning with the guide.

Gosea.com can assist with the best airfares for clients from Australia email flights@gosea.com if you need us to assist. All other clients must arrange their own flights. People travelling on Abyssworld voyages qualify for "Land and Sea" airfares which have flexible conditions. To gain a quotation you may also email Abyssworlds' flight partner GMT. Send and email to info@flygmt.com stating that you are going on an Abyssworld Voyage, would like a "Land and Sea" fare and provide details of dates and location. GMT will normally come back to you within a few hours, 24 hours a day. This system applies for flights from and too any destination.

For the last evening of the trip you will be staying in Sanur, so arrange your departing flights to depart Bali for the day after that last evening. If you are staying on in Bali please advise your AbyssWorld representative to organise a transfer to the next stage of your trip.

Overview

Blessed by the gods, Bali is an island paradise where every day is a celebration. The cultural richness of the Balinese, the only Hindus in South East Asia, is inspiring, especially when we consider the number of artists, painters, sculptors, musicians and dancers who make this their home. The topography and countryside is also stunningly beautiful with an area of some 5,633km2. Bali shows an amazing geographical diversity comprising rice terraces set into the sides of mountains, volcanoes piercing through clouds, luxurious tropical forests and sun baked beaches surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. Everything about Bali invites us to discover and be marveled by her beauty.

Description

The Abyss Bali Safari is divided into 4 different stages creating a variety of diving rarely seen at other destinations. Magnificent coral reefs, black sands with rare fauna and fish life, drop offs and wrecks, it's all here. Frogfish, glass catfish, pegasus fish, leaf fish, nudibranches, seahorses, schools of butterfly fish, jacks, snapper and barracuda. White tip reef sharks, carpet sharks, mantas and, from August to October, the famous giant ocean sun fish, which will amaze even the most demanding "I've seen it all" diver.

Standard Inclusions

• Greetings at the airport
• Transfers to and from Denpasar airport with Team Abyss guide
• 12 Nights staying at a variety of accommodation as outlined in trip info.
• Twin share with all meals. (full board)
• 22 dives minimum (tanks, fills, weights and weight belts) including 2 to 3 night dives (torches not included)
• Transport via boats and aid from the helpful crew
• Team Abyss guide
• NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
• Cancellation and assistance insurance
• Individual dive gear
• Meals on arrival and departure days in Denpasar
• Airport tax from Bali (IRD 150 000, about USD 17, to be paid in rupiah only)
• Excess luggage costs (20kg authorised per person)
• Drinks, tips and other personal expenses
• Mandatory visa purchased on arrival (about USD 25)
• Digital Photo course is not included and have to be paid direct on spot: 300 EUR or 450 USD per person.
• Remarks : Level 2 or PADI Advanced required with 30 ocean dives
• 12L aluminum tanks single exit INT
• Dive booties with sole or equivalent mandatory
• Formalities: Valid passport 6 months after return date
• Dive Medicals and Medical Statements (A medical form will be sent to you upon booking, please complete and return to info@gosea.com)
• It is recommended that you travel on your chosen voyage with a dive medical that is dated within the last 12 months. This will ensure your ability to participate on all the dives. If you choose not to travel with a dive medical, a dive medical statement will need to be submitted on site. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions on the medical statement sent to you, a dive medical will be required anyway. In many of the destinations it will not be possible to complete this medical before the voyage departure. A copy of the medical statement will be included with your reservation documents. Please be sure to check that you can answer "no" to all the questions if your are travelling without a valid dive medical.

Trip Info

Trip Itinerary

With a minibus for our transits, charming stages and varied and complete diving: Welcome to Bali! The principal activity on your safari will of course be a selection of fantastic dives. It is also their pleasure to help you discover many areas of the island, the Balinese and the culture.

For the dives, they have chosen a selection of the best sites on offer, sometimes from the shore, sometimes from boats and, even sometimes from local fishing style boats in the more remote areas. As is the habit with Abyss voyages, you will have a feeling of total exclusivity so that your dive holiday is a unique experience.

Itinerary
Stage 1: Sanur (1 night)
Day 1: Arrival at Denpasar airport and welcome by ABYSS guide. Transfer to the Bumas Hotel at Sanur (approx. 30 minutes). Free evening.

Stage 2: Pemuteran (4 nights)
Day 2: Departure for Pemuteran by minibus passing the rice terraces. Several stops are planned to take in the beautiful and varied scenery. Check in and lunch at the Taman Sari Hotel, by the sea. In the afternoon we do a readaptation dive from the shore. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 3: 2 boat dives are planned in the Pemuteran region with lunch in between the two back at the hotel. A visit of the Pulaki and Pabean temples (if there is no ceremony) at the end of the afternoon. Sunset on one of the Java volcanoes before returning to the hotel. Relax, dinner and night at the hotel.
Every Tuesday the Permuteran Pearl farm organises a "Pearl Appreciation Evening" aimed at presenting the activities of the farm and to inform the uninitiated some techniques for appreciating different types of pearls. An audiovisual presentation is followed by an oyster tasting session at the bar.

Day 4: Muck diving day at Gilimnanukl (30 minutes by minibus from Permuteran) at the Secret Bay site. Lunch at a "warung", small local restaurant. Return to Taman Sari Hotel followed by a night dive in search of the Mandarin fish. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 5: Two dive boat trips in the Menjangang region on the reefs. The afternoon consists of a visit to the Menlanting temple and/or the pearl farm. Return to the Taman Sari Hotel for relaxation, dinner and night.

Stage 3: Amed (3 nights)
Day 6: Transfer to Amed with stopovers on the way, especially to take advantage of the natural hot baths of Banur. Breakfast on site plus a shore dive on site. Check in at the beautiful Wawa Wewe Hotel followed by dinner and the evening.

Day 7: Full morning of diving to discover the wreck of the US Liberty. Lunch at the local dive centre. The afternoon is one of relaxation with the possibility of a side excursion for those who wish. Evening drinks at the magnificent "Wainees" followed by a buffet dinner and night at Wawa Wewe.

Day 8: Morning of diving at Tulamben or Gill Selong depending on the weather conditions. Lunch in a local restaurant on the way back. Free afternoon with the possibility of doing a night dive on the US Liberty.

Stage 4: Sengkidu (3 nights)
Day 9: Day of diving from a "jukung boat" around Amed with lunch on land between the two dives. In the afternoon we leave for Sengkidu with several stops along the way to take in the scenery, especially the rice terraces of Tirta Gangga. We also come across an incredible Aquatic Palace. Check in at Nirwana Resort & Spa. Dinner and night.

Day 10: Dives at Gili Mimpang and Gili Tepekong, a cleaning station for the famous giant ocean sun fish. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Ghoa Lawa temple (one of the 9 directional temples of Bali). Evening buffet dinner (one of the most sumptuous of the trip). Night at Nirwana Resort & Spa.

Day 11: Day of boat diving at Nusa Penida, specially looking for manta rays and giant ocean sun fish.
This is a possibility to do a night dive at Padang Bay. Dinner and night at Nirwana Resort & Spa.

Stage 5: Sanur (1 night)
Day 12: One dive for the last day. Departure for Sanur (90 minutes) with a long stop at the village of Ubad, the cultural epicenter for Balinese hand crafts. Check in at Hotel Bumas at the end of the day. Free evening for everyone to play as they choose. (Usually ends up in a good Sanur restaurant with stories to tell).

Day 13: Transfer to the airport.

Transport and Accommodation

Transport
Transport is organised in an air-conditioned mini bus during the entire safari. This is the best way to tour the entire island. The bus is at the divers' entire disposal for the entire trip for those wishing to do any side trips. The choice really is endless.

The transport of luggage and dive gear is done in a separate vehicle.

Hotels
The choice of our hotels is based on our perception of a dive trip: charm and conviviality are more important than luxury. Most of our accommodation choices offer all the necessary comforts, however we give preference to the scenery, quality of service and optimal location relating to the dive sites visited on our excursions.

Sanur - Bumas Hotel
This charming hotel is situated 200 meters from a renowned beach, 30 minutes to the airport and 10 minutes from the commercial precinct of Denpasar. A two story complex comprising 75 rooms in total and set amongst beautiful flower gardens, each room features a private bathroom, terrace, minibar, tv and individual air conditioning. The hotel also has 2 swimming pools, restaurant, bar, safe, shuttle busses and scooter hire.

Pemuteran - Taman Sari Hotel
Situated opposite the beach at Pemuteran, just in front of a beautiful snorkeling spot, this charming small hotel features 41 spacious rooms separated into 6 categories in the middle of a tropical garden. Each room has air conditioning and a private bathroom. Other facilities include a pool, restaurant, bar and massage salon. In front of the beach, which joins the hotel and the dive centre, you can discover the "Bio Rock" project. This project supplies electricity to an artificial reef to experiment with increasing coral growth. This project is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world.

Amed - Wawa Wewe
Facing the Bay of Pupuan and sitting on the rocky edges of Lipah, Wawa Wewe is a group of bungalows beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings. Each bungalow features a private bathroom, air conditioning, mosquito net and shaded balcony. The pool and restaurant are located by the beach, providing an amazing atmosphere at this well renowned establishment. A great number of possibilities for snorkeling and trekking are also available in the surrounding areas.

Sengkidu - Nirwana Resort & Spa
Situated on the outskirts of the village of Cadidasa in a calm isolated area, Nirwana Resort & Spa is directly overlooking the ocean. Consisting of 18 bungalows with palm tree roofs, they are built in a traditional Balinese style with either a sea view or a view of the beautiful tropical gardens surrounding the hotel. Each bungalow has a private bathroom, air conditioning and a terrace. A large pool, spa, bar and restaurant are also at your disposal.

Your local team

Eloise CHARRIERE and Cedric CHOLLEY: The Scientists

Diving since 1992, Cedric, French, moved to Switzerland initially to follow his passion for mathematics. In Lausanne he met Eloise, Swiss, while working jointly in a medical laboratory. Both madly passionate about diving they worked together towards their dive qualifications until in 2003 Cedric became an Instructor and Eloise a Divemaster. Joining team Abyss in 2004 they are now doing what we would classify as "living the dream" Cedric and Eloise move with the seasons and guide in the Maldives, Philippines and Bali. Outside of diving they are both very passionate about the mountains, the outdoors, and still maintain their interest in science.
Professional Instructors and Guides with more than 2000 dives each.

Activity Info

Diving in Bali

Curiously, Bali does not enjoy a good reputation for diving. We are certain that until recently the number of divers who visited did not combine several diving sites and predominately came for other reasons. Only several sites were, and still are, being dived close to the hotel precincts. The Abyss Safari Itinerary chooses the best sites at the north of the island during the 4 stages. This in turn will help enhance the image of Bali in it?s classification as one of the most beautiful diving destinations in Indonesia.

During your safari you will discover a variety of dives rarely seen at other destinations. Magnificent coral reefs, black sands with rare fauna and fish life, drop offs and wrecks, it's all here. Frogfish, glass catfish, pegasus fish, leaf fish, nudibranches, seahorses, schools of butterfly fish, jacks, snapper and barracuda. White tip reef sharks, carpet sharks, mantas and, from August to October, the famous giant ocean sun fish.

A few of our dives can be done from the shoreline, but generally speaking we use local style vessels to take us to our sites. In some instances we even need to use local fishing boats (jukung) to get to the more remote spots. We use the services and equipment of different dive centers which have been selected according to their equipment, their professionalism and the quality of their service. One or two Abyss guides will accompany you throughout the safari.

Our safari is reserved for divers holding a Level 2 or Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 30 ocean dives. Entry to the water can be sometimes quite technical and the currents at some sites require a good level of experience.

The water temperature depends on the moon and currents. On the majority of dives (about 16 to 18), the temperature varies between 26 and 28 degrees, on others (about 4 to 6) between 16 and 24 degrees. August to October is a little cooler, but also the best time to see the ocean sun fish. A good wetsuit is recommended.

Some pristine diving spots:

Kebun Chris
Entering the water from the shoreline, this is a dive perfectly suited to re-adaptation. There are nudibranches of all kinds, clouds of pyjama cardinals and the very stirring Mandarin fish. The dive finishes on a strange artificial reef, known as project "bio-rock". Underwater metal structures are connected to electricity creating coral growth up to 10 times faster than in normal conditions!

Definitely something you don't see every day.

Eel Garden
To the west of the island of Menjangan, in the West Bali National Park, a diving dream awaits you. Frog fish, leaf fish, harlequin ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses for the smaller stuff. Schools of big eye jacks, pompano, white black and grey tip sharks, eagle rays and tuna for the big stuff.

Secret Bay
Gilimanuk

A dive in the region of Gilimanuk, north of the island, is not to be missed under any circumstance. A "muck-dive" by excellence, the seabed is made up of a mixture of sand and oozy mud where the coral is rather rare. The interest of the dive lies in the abundant wildlife and abnormal atmosphere with seahorses, pegasus fish, mandarin fish, harlequin ghost pipefish, several species of frog fish, nudibranches or pleurobranches, without forgetting the magnificent and endangered Banggai Cardinalfish. This dive is a real treat for photographers and lovers of the macro.

US Liberty
Lombok

Torpedoed during the destruction of Lombok in 1942 by a Japaneese submarine, this American ship was towed and then left stranded on the beach at Tulamben. It wasn't until the eruption of the Agung volcano in 1963 that the vessel actually went completely underwater. Lying on a black sandy slope between 4 and 30 meters in depth, this dive is one of the most famous and fabulous in Bali. Multi-coloured soft corals, sponges and gorgonian fans add beautifully to the abundance of fish life including surgeon fish, damsels, sweetlip and groupers. The smaller life includes leaf fish, nudibranches, harlequin ghost pipefish and frog fish. The bigger stuff includes white and black tip reef sharks, hump-head parrot fish and large schools of jacks to name a few. Combine the wreck and the abundant marine life and you have a truly remarkable dive.

Bunutan
This dive is accessed from the mainland by using traditional Balinese canoe style fishing boats and starts on a black sand base where we first pass a forest of garden eels. As the depth increases we encounter coral heads and the beginning of an area of giant barrel sponges, which is a perfect hiding ground for the beautiful juvenile Emperor Angelfish, small shrimp and both the ribbon and mosaic moray eel. On the deeper blue side of this dive we regularly see schools of butterflyfish, sweetlip and snapper, triggerfish, barracuda, stingrays and white tip reef sharks.

Crystal Bay
This dive at Nusa Penida, off the coast of Padang Bay, is true to its' name. The visibility at this site is often exceptional, going hand in hand with cooler water temperatures, and provides optimal conditions to see the amazing giant ocean sun fish. This fish can measure up to 4 meters in diameter (the largest bony fish in the world) and lives usually in deep water. The ocean sun fish approaches the reefs only to visit the cleaning stations, which in this instant are provided by the butterfly fish and emperor angelfish. This is a meeting not be missed and completes a fantastic dive, and experience.

Blue Lagoon
A short boat trip from the port of Padang Bay, in a small sheltered bay, this site will remain imprinted in your memory. Dozens of different leaf fish of all colors, frog fish, stone fish, schools of sweetlip and sometimes carpet sharks. When night diving at this site we also have a good chance of seeing Spanish dancers and stargazers.


Technical information
Minimum diving level required: PADI Advanced, Level 2 or equivalent
Minimum number of logged dives required: 30 dives minimum
Documents required: Certification card, log book and valid dive medical within last 12 months. Repatriation and cancellation insurance is highly recommended. (i.e. www.diversalertnetwork.com)
Number of dives included: A minimum of 22 dives including 2 or 3 night dives
Diving boat(s): Monohull with outboards, Balinese traditional vessels and some shore dives
Type of tanks: 12 litre aluminium - single exit international style tank valves (Note: not European DIN fittings)
Mandatory equipment: Dive boots with hard sole, safety sausage, mirror, dive computer
Recommended diving equipment: 5 mm wetsuit with or without hood. Dive light
Nitrox diving: No
Rebreather diving: No
Closest recompression chamber: Denpasar

Balinese Culture

An island blessed by the Gods:

Balinese people are mainly Hindu and their ancient animist traditions are still very present. They are very close to nature and devote a lot of time to offerings and prayers. A lot of altars can therefore be seen near trees, rivers or even on a road crossing, with a view of appeasing the bad spirits. There are also a lot of temples, as every house has its own. The biggest ones are Besakhi, Uluwatu or Tanah Lot.

Ceremonies, rituals and Balinese celebrations regulate day to day life. Each Balinese follows several rituals like teeth filing, marriage and cremation which all lead to magnificent processions.

A peculiar economy:
Until the middle of the 20th century, rice was Bali's mainstay. Around this time, the government encouraged diversification by exporting coffee, vanilla, tobacco or cloves. Marine resources have also been exploited in the south and fishing remains traditional. There is no industry on the island, except in the South where we find small textile and furniture businesses. Hand craft is an important activity principally destined for tourism and exportation. Tourism has been a big part in Balinese economy over the last 30 years representing about two thirds of the island's resources.

A hive for artists:
Art, such as painting and music was initially only destined for secular purpose. Many western artists present in Bali early in the 20th century deeply influenced Balinese art, like for example Walter Spies, painter and musician, or the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet. Nowadays, many Balinese painters and sculptors propose their art to visitors and for export.

Balinese dances:
Balinese dances very often narrate episodes of Indonesian mythological or historical stories. Accompanying music is specific to the island. The orchestra, called "gamelan", mainly comprises percussion instruments, such as gongs or metallophones and is often accompanied by flutes.

Testimonials