The silence. That is the first thing that hit me when we got out of our taxi at the Siddhartha Ocean resort and spa. After a weekend in the extremely noisy and crowded Nusa Lembongan and after three hours driving from Denpasar, this was a place of peace and serenity. The only sounds the breeze through the lush trees and the water from the fountains.
Bali is a beautiful island, rich in history and popular with tourists and it offers a lot. Clubs, discos, music, shopping, cool cocktail bars and yoga retreat, trendy healthy brunches to fireworks on the beach, there is something for everyone.
There is plenty of scuba diving too, yet I had never picked Bali as my single destination, always stopping over on the way to more diving focussed places such as Komodo. I was a little unsure of my decision to stay in Bali, indeed and I wondered if I was going to waste my time.
I needn’t have worried. Siddhartha was spectacular and the diving we did was excellent. My regret? Not staying longer!
Read below if you are keen to find out more about diving in east Bali.
The resort
Located on Bali’s northeast coast where local village life still retains a peaceful, more rural feel, Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa welcomes guests to a more authentic Bali. With easy access to many of the cultural and nature-based activities that Bali is famous for, the resort is surrounded by remarkable scenery along the coastline at the base of the islands’ sacred Mount Agung volcano. The oceanfront swimming pool, the Six Elements Spa, a small gym and a shop, plus direct access to world-class scuba diving and snorkeling right from the seafront through the resort diving center.
I couldn’t have loved the resort more. Perfectly manicured gardens on a gentle hill sloping towards the sea front. Each room (detatched) is spacious, comfortable, decorated in local style, with a beatiful patio to relax on and a semi outdoor bathroom with a waterfall shower.
The restaurant offers a la carte options to suit all tastes and some specials featuring balinese cuisine (we treated ourselves to the roasted duck feast) and the cocktails by the pool at sunset are a must.
Yoga by the seafront
The resort has a wonderful yoga pavilion by the sea front and hosts free yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset. I am not a yoga fan but I joined a couple of sessions because … where else do I get to do the sun salutation looking at the colours of the tropical sunset? Wonderful before or after a day’s dives.
The diving
The well organised on site dive centre takes divers on a morning boat dive and an afternoon boat dive. They have rinse tanks, locked equipment storage, personal boxes and drying racks as well as a study rooms and hire gear; what I felt was missing was a camera room however.
Occasionally they organise an early morning (5am!) trip to the Liberty Wreck as well as night diving and trips to Nusa Penida to see the mantas. The house reef however is available at any time even without guides (self guided) and it’s stunning! I regret doing this the very last day as I’d have treated myself to a daily dive otherwise. The entry point – for shore and for boat dives – is by swimming to the boat, due to the fact that a dock is not possible in a marine park area. This makes the diving sessions a bit hard core (even if local staff carries tanks and equipment) and you can’t bring much on the boat as it would get wet (eg sunlotion or towels).
Exploring the Depths: An Underwater Adventure in Kubu National Park, Bali
It is underwater paradise nestled in the heart of Bali – the Kubu National Park. Diving enthusiasts and adventurers alike flock to this beautiful marine sanctuary to explore its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater topography.
Dive into Kubu National Park
Located in the northeastern part of Bali, Kubu National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by avid scuba divers. The marine park boasts crystal-clear waters, impressive coral formations, and an abundance of marine species that call this underwater wonderland their home.
Encounters with Marine Life
One of the highlights of diving in Kubu National Park is the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of marine life but expecially macro subjects. From colorful reef fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish to larger species such as barracudas rays, and turtles, the waters of Kubu National Park are teeming with biodiversity.
I did not see as many nudibranchs as I had hoped but I did see two of my bucket list: Shaun the Sheep and the Ikea nudi! I was extremely happy. Plus, loads of shrimps, leaf fish, ribbon eels and a couple of blue spotted rays.
Exploring Sunken Wrecks
For the more adventurous divers, Kubu National Park offers the opportunity to explore sunken shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs teeming with life. One of the most popular wreck dives in the area is the USAT Liberty Shipwreck, a World War II-era cargo ship that now lies submerged just off the coast of Kubu. The wreck is adorned with colorful corals and is home to a fascinating array of marine creatures, making it a must-see attraction for divers of all levels.
We also dived the Boga wreck which is a few mins walk from Siddhartha and it’s a great easy dive with plenty of critters.
Tips for diving in Kubu National Park
- Dive with a reputable dive operator that is knowledgeable about the local dive sites and marine life.
- Respect the fragile marine ecosystem by practicing good diving etiquette and following responsible diving practices.
- Pay attention to the currents and tides, as they can be strong in certain areas of Kubu National Park.
- Carry a good underwater camera to capture the beauty of the marine life and coral reefs.
Conclusion
Diving in Kubu National Park is a truly unforgettable experience that allows divers to explore a diverse and rich underwater world. With its stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and unique dive sites, Kubu National Park is a must-visit destination for scuba diving enthusiasts seeking adventure and exploration beneath the surface. So grab your gear, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Kubu National Park at Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort and Spa. Happy diving!
