subject: Scuba Diving And Snorkelling Around Padang Bai Bali [print this page] Located on a perfect little bay on the East coast of Bali, the small fishermens town of Padang Bai is a well known small port town for ferries between Bali and Lombok, and passenger boats to Nusa Penida.
Facing the two small islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, tiny Bali Padang Bai is also well known as a popular place where one can indulge in a good Bali diving and Bali snorkeling area. Padangbai also has diving and the friendly dive centers that are right on the beach with their own bars for after-diving refreshments.
Padang Bai is close to some of the best dive locations in the world, with the sea between the islands boasting of the most interesting marine life, whereas the coasts are fringed with coral reefs which are in extremely good healthy condition.
This combination makes a large number of varied Padang Bai diving sites. Within just over a half hour away by boat from Padang Bais number of great beaches, there are a number of diving snorkeling sites, offering every kind of dive experience. Deep dives and drifts, walls and reefs, wrecks, caves and muck dives abounds. And you will also find dive sites within just a 15-minute boat trip.
On a calm day, one can expect lots of fish and great visibility. There are buoys that mark the furthest point snorkelers should go. For even better snorkeling you can have a choice of chartering a boat.
To the north of Padang Bai, a 10-minute walk is Blue Lagoon Beach, a very popular beach for snorkeling with two warungs where guests in villa in Bali can hire snorkeling gear and equipment and have lunch.
Easily accessible, to reach Blue Lagoon Beach, one can head east on foot over the prominent headland at the eastern end of the main bay. However, do take note, that wading through the water can be both frustrating and dangerous. This is due to an abundance of coral and submerged rocks.
In Blue Lagoon, one can see very pretty coral reef right up to the shore. To snorkel, the best way is to enter on the far left side, where there is a coral-less canal that leads to the snorkeling site.
On the other hand, the best beach in Padang Bai is Bias Tugal Beach, also called Pantai Kecil (Little Beach), a beautiful white sandy beach. Bias Tugal Beach is well known for its swimming, though the currents can be strong.
To the south of Padang Bai is the famous Secret Beach, which is a lovely long strand of white sand with much laid back feel. Perfect for a relaxing beach day, Secret Beach is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel, where one can find 2 warungs selling cold drinks and simple lunches.
With the village itself retaining a quiet charm, Padang Bai is also renowned for its traditional Balinese folklore and atmosphere where villa at Bali guest will almost daily find the local people celebrating some cultural ceremonies.
There is also a wide choice of budget-leaning accommodation available in the village, and along the road behind the beach. Upstairs rooms in the village places, especially up on the hill, catch the breeze and have fine views.
