Dive Sites Map of Nusa Penida,

Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and the small and lesser populated Nusa Ceningan which lies between Penida and Lembongan are islands being part of Bali's Klungkung district. A boat ride to these islands across the Badung Strait take approximately 45 minutes with BIDP twin powered speed boat. There is a ferry connection from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida and boat trips from Nusa Lembongan to Lombok (visa-versa).

Because of the thin soil and low average rainfall on these islands, this area was poor for many years. As a result of the scarceness of fresh water there is no rice cultivation on these islands, growing of maize, cassava and beans is possible however as well as the main grown crop seaweed.

Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Penida being the largest island of the three is formed by a limestone plateau with white sandy beaches at it's north coast with beautiful views at the volcano's on Bali. Nusa Penida's south coast consists of limestone cliffs dropping straight into the sea from a hight of several hundred feet with some small rocky islands (Batu's) sticking out from the surface of the sea.

Magical Island

Nusa Penida is considered an important magical place with strage powers by many Balinese people. Penida's culture is mainly hindu like Bali itself and has some important temples (Pura's) at a villages called Ped (Pura Dalem Penetaran Ped) and Karangsari (Goa Karangsari Caves).

Nusa Penida island was considered home to the legendary Jero Gede Macaling, who inspired Bali's Barong Landung dance. Because the island is believed to be an enchanted place by many people, the island is visited annually by thousands of Balinese who are seeking protection from sickness and evil.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving around the Nusa islands and particularly around Nusa Penida is varied and can be exhilarating in character. The reefs at the south part of the island consist of no coral to speak of while western- and northern dive sites like Sampalan and Ped have some fabulous rich coral reefs with and abundance of underwater life.

All around the island of Nusa Penida it is possible to encounter large pelagic fish like Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Manta Rays with best opportunities for sightings during the season from july to december when the plankton rich upwellings from the deep water bassin south of Bali brings relatively cold waters to the surface. Batu Lumbung is even called "Manta Point" by many dive operators because of the presence of Manta Rays during many months year round. The dive site called Crystal Bay is the best known (and most visited) dive site to meet the mysterious Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola).

View From Nusa Penida Island Over The Badung Strait To Bali

Nusa Lembongan Island

Mushroom Bay Nusa Lembongan

While Nusa Lembongan takes account for most of the tourists that stay on these three islands, The best dive sites of this area are situated around Nusa Penida island. Nusa Lembongan has some sandy beaches along it's north-west shore which provide nice snorkeling and some good surf breaks.

When you are planning to stay on Nusa Lembongan during your holidays in Bali, BIDP is happy to arrange your Scuba diving trips around the islands. BIDP operates a small office on Lembongan at Mushroom Bay, at the south side of the island and has a small replica of our mother dive boat ready here for your diving trips directly to and around the Nusa islands.

Bali's Nusa Islands Dive Sites - Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan

BALI INTERNATIONAL DIVING PROFESSIONALS
JL. Danau Poso No. 26 Sanur 80228, Bali
Tel : +62 (0) 361 270 759 / Fax : +62 (0) 361 270 760 / Email: bidp@scubadivebali.com
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