Top Five Places to Learn to Dive in Indonesia

1. Tulamben, Bali

Located in eastern Bali, Tulamben boasts one of the best shipwreck dive sites in the world. Set just 40 metres off the village's shore, the USAT Liberty shipwreck is a hauntingly beautiful former US cargo ship that has been lying on the seafloor since 1941. The wreck starts at just over five metres deep, making it perfect for budding divers, and is conveniently close to some colourful coral gardens. There are also some excellent shallow macro dive sites nearby, so beginner divers can observe a range of marine life in one place.

2. Learn to Dive in Bunaken National Park, Northern Sulawesi

If you prefer a quieter stay, then head to Northern Sulawesi. This Indonesian province still lies relatively under the tourism radar, meaning budding divers can begin their underwater journey without the pressure of big crowds. Northern Sulawesi is part of Bunaken National Park, a lively marine park featuring colourful coral and diverse marine life. As this area is quieter than other parts of Indonesia, you'll likely have dive sites all to yourself - what better way to learn to dive? Spend some time exploring the pristine coral reefs and familiarising yourself with the sea turtles, dolphins and giant clams that call the park home.

3. Halmahera

Next up on our list of the top places to learn to dive in Indonesia is Halmahera, a lush volcanic island located between Lembeh Strait and Raja Ampat. The island is largely untouched, usually quiet and surrounded by clear waters and pristine reefs, making it a fantastic spot for beginners. Although this area is historically under-researched, estimates suggest that it's home to a whopping 800 species of fish and 450 species of coral. This incredible biodiversity, combined with fewer crowds, means that new divers can experience quiet dives jam-packed with marine life encounters.

4. Lombok

Sail just 40 miles east of Bali and you'll reach the island of Lombok, a tranquil destination surrounded by shallow sites perfect for learning to dive. Pop on your diving mask and take the plunge into the crystalline water to explore underwater sculpture parks and colourful coral gardens. Lombok's waters are home to a range of incredible marine wildlife, including manta rays, barracuda and tuna, meaning that you can learn the basics while also observing incredible underwater sights.

5. Komodo

Despite Komodo often being paired with liveaboard diving, it also has some wonderfully remote resorts with the perfect conditions for mastering your scuba skills. One of our favourites is Sudamala Resort in Seraya, where you'll find white sand beaches, stellar views and an abundance of marine critters. The resort boasts its very own house reef, meaning that you don't have to stray far to see kaleidoscope coral, tiny turtles and even the occasional reef shark. What better way to kick off your diving career?