Most people might think that Indonesia is a country where you can travel for its volcanoes, beaches, surfing, and Komodo dragons. It’s true that those things are the icon of Indonesia, but you better don’t underrate its diving sites. Indonesia is blessed with one of the longest shorelines you could find in the world.
Moreover, Indonesia is also a part of the Coral Triangle which means you can find 20% of the world’s coral reefs in this certain country. There are so many diving sites you can choose in Indonesia and each of them will definitely give you a spectacular view of diverse maritime life. Here are some diving sites in Indonesia you should add to the bucket list.
- Wakatobi Island
Wakatobi is the most outstanding spot for scuba diving among the other four islands which are Kaledupa, Wangi-Wangi, Binongko, and Tomia. Wakatobi islands hold the status as a national marine park. With the beautiful diversity underwater, the islands have drawn passionate scuba divers as well as conservationists.
The house reef is the most known spot in the islands and recognized as the best diving site in the world. The fluorescent view underwater is just something that you should see yourself. It features gentle currents, so it would be perfectly fine for beginners. Additionally, the islands are not as crowded as many destinations in Bali. The perfect place to enjoy the beach and of course diving.
- Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is located at the northwest Papua, Irian Jaya. This is known as the best diving spot in Indonesia. Raja Ampat consists of 1,500 small islands which form an archipelago. Here, you can find a massive marine life full of diversity. You will be able to find any type of diving from the richest reef ecosystem to the settled fighter planes.
Some of the best diving spots in Raja Ampat are including Manta Sandy, Boo Rock, Muck Bay, and Kaleidoscope. Each diving site offers you a magnificent experience with a different beauty. You will be able to swim with more than 1200 different species of corals and fish. You even have the chance to come across a few whale sharks if you dive in the right season.
- Komodo Island
Komodo island in the East Nusa Tenggara is known as UNESCO world heritage site. This diving site has become the most favorite throughout the world and often referred to as a tropical paradise. There, you will be able to find an abundance aquatic ecosystem from the coral reef, deep walls, pinnacles, colorful shoal reefs to sharks. You can experience the unbelievable underwater life in some diving spots in Komodo island like Tatawa Kecil, Manta Point, Batu Bolong, and Batu Tiga which particularly offers you diving with big fish.
- Weh Island
If you want to explore an island which has similar beauty with Bali but in quiet circumstance, you should go to Weh island in Banda Aceh, northwest Sumatra. It’s really fascinating to see its beauty on the natural coral reef organisms as well as the large range of Indo-pacific maritime life. Some diving sites in this island are including Sophie Rickmers Wreck, Batee Tokong, Pantee Peunateung, and Rubiah Sea Garden.