Bali December 2008

**ScubaJedi** · 11-25-2008, 12:12

Greetings and Salutations!

I've been lurking for a bit and thought it would be a good time to make my first post given a couple of questions in my mind, and a desire to share my thoughts with this friendly and informative community.

I've booked a trip to dive Tulamben over the 5th to 10th December, and will be staying at Tauch Terminal. I am intending to spend a day on the Liberty and then explore the surrounding area such as the Drop Off and Kelebit Rocks.

Critter spotting is a priority, as we're (my wife and I) are quite used to muck diving in our 'backyard' here in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Spotting pelagics would also be good, but we're going into this trip and much-hyped area with eyes open.

If anyone has any insight into what we can expect in terms of diver density at this time of year, and possible sightings, and things to do in the evenings in the area, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

LEE

**Travelnsj** · 11-25-2008, 15:12

I second what scubasean says. Bali has some great diving....a few things he did not mention are the Cuttlefish, Fire Urchins, Sea Pens and if you are very lucky perhaps a Mola Mola at the Liberty wreck...but that is usually in Sept-Oct.....have fun, you will love the Bali diving!

**ScubaJedi** · 11-25-2008, 22:19

Thanks for the replies guys.

As for evening activities, I think we'll be more concerned with resting up for the following days' diving but would be good to have somewhere to hang out other than the resort bar!!

We'll be doing some night dives too and hope to get some diversity into our photo albums by the end of the trip.

Will definitely check out Seraya to see how it shapes up.

**teerlkay** · 11-26-2008, 12:03

Originally Posted by ScubaJedi

Thanks for the replies guys.

As for evening activities, I think we'll be more concerned with resting up for the following days' diving but would be good to have somewhere to hang out other than the resort bar!!

We'll be doing some night dives too and hope to get some diversity into our photo albums by the end of the trip.

Will definitely check out Seraya to see how it shapes up.

if you have a down day - do the mountain bike tour. They truck you up in the mountains and you pretty much only have to coast down. you go through little villages, rice fields, etc. It's really cool. The bikes are crap but you aren't really mountain biking.

**ScubaJedi** · 11-26-2008, 18:13

Teerlkay,

I've done the mountain bike thing in the past, up in Ubud. We'll be returning to Ubud after diving, but that will be mostly bargain/treasure hunting in the market.

I'm also wondering about the tipping policy in Bali. Does one tip the divemaster/guide after each day's diving or does one wait till the end of the trip? And how much is the acceptable range?

**Aussie** · 11-26-2008, 23:45

I would have Seraya on my list to do. Its basically the next beach around the headland from Tulamben. As everyone has said not much to do at night (besides night diving and eating). I basically tried the different places to eat and I believe that the Tauch Terimal had good food there anyway.

The dive site gets busy during the day with divers coming from everywhere else around Bali. I would try and get in early and then dive late in the afternoon. Its less busy with other groups and more critters.

There is normally a nice big old Barracuda that lives onto of the wreck and schools of jacks often cruise by.

Regards Mark

**Quero** · 11-29-2008, 08:33

Another recommendation for diving at Scuba Seraya's house reef, which is called "Seraya Secrets". It's no problem to dive from their beach (it's an easy shore entry), but there is a nominal fee which allows you to use the rinse tanks, etc. at the dive centre.

Seraya Secrets is THE place at Tulamben for critter hunting. I have dived several times a day for several days in a row at that site and never tired of all the weird and wonderful stuff to be spotted.

**Travelnsj** · 11-29-2008, 09:56

Quero Have you stayed at either Scuba Seraya or the Mimpi resort? If so which one do you prefer?....making plans for next November!

**ScubaJedi** · 11-29-2008, 10:26

Originally Posted by Quero

Another recommendation for diving at Scuba Seraya's house reef, which is called "Seraya Secrets". It's no problem to dive from their beach (it's an easy shore entry), but there is a nominal fee which allows you to use the rinse tanks, etc. at the dive centre.

Seraya Secrets is THE place at Tulamben for critter hunting. I have dived several times a day for several days in a row at that site and never tired of all the weird and wonderful stuff to be spotted.

Definitely it's on my list Quero.

We're there for 4 days in total including day of arrival, before we head to Ubud on Day 4, but there is every chance we'll extend if weather and conditions permit.

We're a little short of pelagics and wide angle opportunities on the west coast of Sabah, so will be sure to also spend some time floating around the wreck.

**Quero** · 11-29-2008, 18:30

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

Quero Have you stayed at either Scuba Seraya or the Mimpi resort? If so which one do you prefer?....making plans for next November!

Mimpi is nice and I do use the resort, but I personally prefer Seraya. The dive center is very good for photographers with lockers for gear and even air guns to dry housings. You can dive right from a sandy beach steps from the dive center whenever you want, whereas at Mimpi you have to get to the shore, hand your gear to a porter (included in the cost of the dive) and enter/exit on a stony beach. Seraya has a little boat to dive the Liberty and further spots.

There is a new place going up on the next-over sandy beach from Seraya, so if you're thinking of further-in-the future plans, it may be an option. I use the op that is building the resort quite frequently and have very good results from them.