Manggis and Padang Bai Diving: An Overview
An easy hour-and-a-half drive from Denpasar, in a quiet bay on the east coast of Bali, Manggis somehow feels worlds away from Bali's capital city. Resting in the shadow of Mount Agung and lined by dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, Manggis and Padang Bai are perfect for those divers who want to avoid the crowds and have access to world class diving a short boat ride away.
Crystal Bay and Manta Point, two of the most iconic dives in the area, are easily reached on a two tank dive trip. Year-round you can glimpse manta rays, turtles, eagle rays, nudibranchs and schooling reef fish, and between July and October you'll have a good chance of seeing the elusive mola mola in Crystal Bay's cool waters. While the water temperature in and around Bali is usually a balmy 28°C, the Bandung Strait between Bali and Nusa Penida ushers in colder water from the deep, bringing with it the enigmatic mola molas, giving divers the perfect opportunity to see these massive, weirdly wonderful fish.
For the land loppers and lay days there is just as much to love. Whether visiting temples, exploring nearby villages, learning Balinese cooking styles or cycling through rice paddies, there are endless ways to spend your days immersed in the Balinese way of life. Or, relax completely, lounging on the beach at your luxury hotel while you wait for the sun to set over another perfect day.
