Top 7 Dive Sites in Indonesia From A Proudly Bias Local
Hi, I’m Nita, born and raised in Indonesia, proudly biased, and possibly 80% saltwater at this point. And let me tell you: diving in Indonesia? It ruins you for life (in the best way possible).
We’ve got over 17,000 islands sprinkled across the Coral Triangle, which is basically the marine version of Willy Wonka’s factory but wetter, wilder, and with way more fins. Whether you’re into graceful manta rays, psychedelic nudibranchs, or hammerheads that casually photobomb your dive shots, Indonesia delivers.
So buckle up (your BCD, obviously), because I’m about to walk you through the Top 7 dive sites in Indonesia that you really, truly, absolutely shouldn’t miss, unless you're afraid of fish, fun, or falling in love with the ocean.
1. Raja Ampat, West Papua
Where the Coral Throws a Rave and Everyone’s Invited
Why I’m Obsessed:
If marine biodiversity had a capital city, it’d be Raja Ampat. This place is next-level. We’re talking 600+ coral species, 1,300+ fish species, and underwater scenes that feel like a live-action National Geographic special.
My Top Dives Here:
Cape Kri – Record-holder for most fish species on a single dive. Feels like being mugged by a thousand fish.
Blue Magic – Manta rays come here for their spa day. You come here for your entire personality to change.
Melissa’s Garden – Coral so pretty it makes you forget your dive buddy’s birthday.
Best Time to Go:
October to April. Visibility hits 30 meters, aka full-on eye candy mode.
2. Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara
Mantas, Currents, and Dragons—Oh My!
Why It’s Epic:
Diving in Komodo is like getting invited to an exclusive underwater rave. The currents? Strong. The pelagics? Plentiful. The topside Komodo dragons? Straight-up prehistoric. This place doesn’t play.
Don’t Miss:
Batu Bolong – Looks small on the surface, hides a universe of fish below.
Manta Point – Manta rays putting on balletic performances around you. Try not to cry in your mask.
Castle Rock – Schooling fish, reef sharks, heart-pounding current. Just... chef’s kiss.
Best Season:
April to November, when the seas calm down and the big stuff shows up.
3. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi
Weird, Wonderful, and Definitely Not Instagram-Filter Friendly
Why I Love It:
This is where the weirdos hang out and I say that with so much affection. Lembeh is muck diving royalty. The creatures here look like they crawled out of someone’s dream journal. Or nightmare diary. It’s hard to tell.
Go For:
Nudi Falls – Nudibranchs everywhere. Little neon blobs of joy.
Hairball – Yes, it’s called that. Yes, it’s full of hairy frogfish.
Jahir – Frogfish convention. All attendees are strange and fabulous.
Best Time:
July to October has the best viz, but honestly, Lembeh is weird and wonderful year-round.
4. Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi
Wall Diving with a Side of Sea Turtles
Why It’s Underrated:
Everyone talks about the big names, but Bunaken is lowkey amazing. Massive vertical walls dripping in coral, turtles gliding past like chilled-out bouncers, and macro life galore.
Don’t Skip:
Fukui Point – Nudibranchs, orangutan crabs, and turtles galore.
Lekuan Walls I–III – So pretty, you’ll forget to check your air gauge.
Best Time:
March to October. Dry season = lazy drift dives + crystal views.
5. Alor, East Nusa Tenggara
Remote, Raw, and Rewarding
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Alor is not for the faint of heart or the lazy packer. It’s remote, the currents can be spicy, and the water’s cold but it’s soworth it. The reefs? Unspoiled. The critters? Rare. The diving? Unforgettable.
Personal Faves:
Kal’s Dream – The current here is not messing around. Expect big schools and the odd thresher shark.
Clown Valley – Anemonefish so abundant you’ll start naming them.
Best Time to Dive:
April to November for calm seas and happy fish.
6. Banda Sea, Maluku Islands
Where History Meets Hammerheads
Why It’s Wild:
The Banda Sea is spicy. Remote. Historical. Hammerhead-y. You’ve got old volcanoes, spice trade ruins, and sharks that show up like they own the place (which, fair). It’s a liveaboard dream.
Go Here For:
Manuk Island – Sea snakes everywhere. They’re chill. You should be too.
Batu Kapal – Coral wonderland with reef shark cameos.
Gunung Api – Dive a volcano. Marvel at lava rocks. Try not to scream when a snake slithers by.
Best Time:
September to November. Hammerhead central.
7. Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi
Luxury Meets Jaw-Dropping Coral
Why It’s Fancy:
Think five-star resort, but underwater. Wakatobi’s coral reefs are so pristine, I feel like I should tip them. The water is ridiculously clear, and the biodiversity is next-level lush.
Must-Dive:
House Reef – Right off the resort. It's unfair how good it is.
Roma – Absolute sensory overload in the best possible way.
Best Season:
March to December. Peak coral candy time.
Am I Biased? Yes. Do I Care? Absolutely Not.
Listen. I’m Indonesian. I grew up knowing that this country is special, but it wasn’t until I dove all over it that I realized just how next-level it is.
From the spooky sand critters of Lembeh to the coral cathedrals of Raja Ampat, every region has its own brand of underwater magic. You could spend a lifetime exploring it and honestly, I’m trying.
So if you're ready for diving that’ll spoil you forever, pack your gear, book the trip, and prepare to fall head over fins in love.
Bonus Tips for Diving in Indonesia (From Someone Who Knows Her Nasi Goreng From Her Nitrox):
Bring a reef hook – especially if you’re tackling Komodo currents.
Leave the marine life alone – that flamboyant cuttlefish does not want to be your underwater influencer collab.
Consider a liveaboard – some of these spots are remote AF, but so worth the effort.
BYOG (Bring Your Own Gear) – if you’re picky. But rental stuff is usually solid.
Got a favorite Indonesian dive site I didn’t mention? Think I’m wrong? (I’m not.) Or want help planning your dream underwater trip? Slide into my DMs but don’t blame me if you end up quitting your job and becoming a full-time sea creature.
See you in the blue!