Therefore, if we have to highlight the five strongest points of Indonesia, those that differentiate it from other diving destinations and make it the best place in the world for this sport, they would be:
- The country has over 54,000 kilometers of coastline spread across more than 17,500 islands, with most of them covering a significant portion of the renowned "Coral Triangle". This provides it with underwater richness exceeding 3,000 different fish species, compared to the 1,500 species found off the coast of Australia.
- Thanks to Indonesia's geographical distribution and the diversity of each island, it's possible to observe specific species and practice various dives based on your skill level (novice, intermediate, and expert). You can go from diving in more touristy locations to immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters that have seen minimal human impact.
- Diving in Indonesia also allows you to observe sunken wreckage and objects, remnants from World War II (galleons, ships, etc.). These are sights you've likely only seen in movies or documentaries. You can also explore underwater volcanoes and the depths of ocean trenches.
- Any Indonesian island allows you to dive at any time, regardless of the season. With an exterior tropical climate that doesn't exceed 31 degrees Celsius, and relatively warm water temperatures. The paradise-like beaches with white sand and clear water help maintain the marine flora and fauna in good condition, ensuring extraordinary visibility conditions for diving (generally between 25 and 30 meters).
- In certain Indonesian islands, you have the opportunity to observe marine creatures in the silence of the night (night diving), or pursue the strangest and lesser-known species hiding in less clear waters (muck diving practice).
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The Best Diving Destinations in Indonesia
Raja Ampat
Possibly the best place in the world for diving is Raja Ampat. In its deep waters, you can see over 1,000 species of fish, manta rays, frogfish, mimic octopuses, orangutan crabs, sharks, dolphins, and the exclusive dugong, a critically endangered species. The marine life inhabiting its waters centers around protected coral colonies, which make up 75% of all known coral species underwater in the world.
Bali Island
One of the most explored places by divers in Indonesia is Bali. Bali offers several diving areas, all of which feature colorful underwater landscapes and moonfish (the largest in the world). You can also spot whale sharks and abundant coral reefs. In Bali's deep waters, you'll find the remains of one of the most valuable wrecks in the world, the USAT Liberty, a US Navy cargo ship sunk during World War I.
Komodo
Komodo is an ideal destination for night diving due to its high underwater visibility. It's a great place for professional divers accustomed to strong ocean currents. Komodo's underwater world is filled with ringed octopuses, manta rays, and a wide variety of colorful invertebrates, along with natural reef areas.
Sulawesi
This island, located to the east of Indonesia, boasts one of the world's most beautiful coral reefs. Its warm and crystal-clear waters create an underwater paradise teeming with small species such as parrotfish, mandarinfish, nudibranchs, starfish, and more. The Lembeh Strait (in Sulawesi) boasts more than 50 dive sites and is one of the best places in the world for muck diving.
Dare to dive in Indonesia and enjoy the wealth and diversity of its marine environments, the best in the world. An experience that not many will have the opportunity to live, and if you're one of the fortunate ones, you won't be able to forget it. Are you up for it?"
