Explore Bali’s underwater world! The best snorkeling and diving near South Bali shows a stunning world with lots of sea life. You can easily have incredible adventures during your stay in Nusa Dua. Bali’s beautiful land and culture are amazing, but an even more beautiful world waits under the waves. From colorful corals to manta rays, the ocean here is special.

Many visitors dream of seeing this underwater magic. Luckily, you can reach several great snorkeling and diving spots on easy day trips from Merusaka Nusa Dua. As your friendly guides, we’ve made this introduction to the best options to help you plan your underwater fun.

Why Discover Bali’s Underwater Wonders?

Bali is in the Coral Triangle, known for having the most diverse sea life on Earth. This means amazing underwater experiences for you:

• Lots of Sea Life: See colorful fish, bright corals, and maybe bigger animals like turtles, manta rays, and even the unique Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) at certain times.
• Different Dive Spots: The nearby spots have different underwater landscapes, like sloping reefs, walls, bays, and chances for drift diving.
• Good Conditions (Seasonally): While you can enjoy it all year, the dry season (around April to October) often has calmer seas and clearer water, perfect for snorkeling and diving trips.

Getting Ready: Snorkeling vs. Diving & Staying Safe

Before you go in, let’s explain the options and focus on safety:

• Snorkeling: You swim on the surface, breathing through a snorkel and using a mask to see underwater. Anyone who can swim can do it with simple gear (mask, snorkel, fins). It’s great for seeing shallow reefs and sea life near the top.

• Scuba Diving: You breathe underwater with air tanks, letting you explore deeper reefs for longer.

  • Certified Divers: If you have a diving license (like PADI Open Water), you can join guided “fun dives.”
  • Beginners: If you don’t have a license but are curious, many dive centers offer “Discover Scuba Diving” (DSD) or “Try Diving.” You can try diving with an instructor in shallow water after a basic lesson – no experience needed!

• Choosing a Safe Operator (Very Important!): Whether you snorkel or dive, always pick good, professional tour companies or dive centers. Your safety and fun depend on it.

  • Look for Licenses: For diving, make sure the center is with known groups like PADI or SSI.
  • Check Reviews: Read recent good reviews online (Google, TripAdvisor) about safety, gear, guides, and service.
  • Check Safety Rules: Good companies care about safety. They give good briefings, have well-kept gear (including emergency oxygen on boats), have small groups with guides, and respect the environment.
  • Book Ahead: Especially during busy times, book your snorkeling or diving trip early to save your spot. Our team at Merusaka can help you find and book trips with trusted, good local companies.

Great Day Trip Spots from Nusa Dua

While Nusa Dua has calm waters for swimming near the beach, the best snorkeling and diving need a short boat ride. Here are the most popular day trip spots:

A. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan (Top Choices)

These islands near Bali have some of the most famous underwater spots.

• Getting There: You’ll usually get a ride from your Nusa Dua hotel (often included by tour companies) to Sanur Harbour (about 30-40 minutes). From Sanur, a fast boat takes you to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan (about 30-45 minutes).

• Key Underwater Spots:

  • Manta Point (Nusa Penida): This is a big attraction! It’s a place where Manta Rays come to get clean. Seeing these gentle giants (they eat tiny plankton and are safe for people) swimming around you is amazing. Snorkelers can often see them from the surface, while divers see them a bit deeper. Note: The water can sometimes be rough here, so boats only go if it’s safe.
  • Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida): Known for its very clear water! It has a beautiful coral reef sloping down. You’ll see many different reef fish here. This bay is also the best place in Bali to maybe see the incredible Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) during its season (usually July to October). These giant, strange fish come up from deep water then. Seeing them is special, but not guaranteed! Good for both snorkeling and diving.
  • Gamat Bay (Nusa Penida): Often less crowded than Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay has bright coral gardens on a slope. It’s great for seeing smaller sea life and maybe turtles. There can sometimes be currents here, so it might be better for divers or experienced snorkelers depending on the conditions.
  • North Coast Drift Snorkels/Dives (SD Point, PED, Sental, Mangrove Point): The water between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan has great drift diving and snorkeling. You gently float with the current along bright reefs with lots of colorful fish like fusiliers and surgeonfish. Turtles are also often seen here.

• The Usual Trip: Most day trips will visit 2 or 3 different spots around Penida and Lembongan. They’ll give you snorkeling or diving gear, include lunch (often on the boat or at a restaurant on Lembongan), and handle all the rides from and back to your Nusa Dua hotel.

Panorama of Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida island, Bali, Indonesia

B. Padang Bai (East Bali – Easy Reefs & Small Creatures)

Located on Bali’s east coast, Padang Bai offers a different, often calmer, underwater experience.

• Getting There: It’s a longer drive from Nusa Dua (about 1.5 hours or more depending on traffic) to the town of Padang Bai. From there, short rides on traditional boats (jukung) take you to the nearby dive/snorkel spots. It’s doable as a day trip, but longer than going to Nusa Penida.

• Key Spots:

  • Blue Lagoon: This is a pretty, sheltered bay with calm, clear blue water. It has a shallow, sandy bottom with coral areas full of fish. It’s a great, easy spot for snorkelers of all levels and new divers. You might see clownfish, angelfish, pufferfish, eels, and sometimes turtles or small sharks.
  • Jepun: Often visited with Blue Lagoon, this spot has natural reefs and some artificial structures (like a small shipwreck). It’s especially good for finding small, interesting creatures like frogfish, ghost pipefish, and sea slugs, along with regular reef fish.

• The Usual Trip: Usually includes two dives or long snorkeling times at spots like Blue Lagoon and Jepun. The calm water makes it great for beginners and people who like taking pictures of small sea creatures. Lunch is usually at a local restaurant in Padang Bai.

Further Away (Better for Longer Stays: Amed & Tulamben)

When planning your underwater trips from Nusa Dua, you’ll probably hear about Amed and Tulamben on Bali’s northeast coast.

• Great Diving Spots: These areas are famous, especially Tulamben for the amazing USAT Liberty Shipwreck. This big World War II ship is close to the shore and starts in shallow water, so snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba divers of all levels can see it. It’s covered in coral and has lots of sea life. Amed has beautiful coral gardens, wall dives, and great “muck diving” for finding rare small creatures.

• Day Trip from Nusa Dua?: Because it takes a long time to drive there (about 2.5 to 3+ hours each way from Nusa Dua), going to Amed or Tulamben isn’t really a good idea for a comfortable day trip. You’d spend more time driving than underwater!

• Our Suggestion: These places are definitely worth a visit, but it’s better to go as part of a trip where you stay overnight in Amed or Tulamben, or if you’re staying in the east or north of Bali for part of your holiday.

Landscape of Bali north coastline at sunrise, with Mount Agung volcano peak and forest slopes, and Java sea, from hilltop near Amed, Bali, Indonesia

What Sea Life Might You See?

Bali’s nearby underwater spots give you a chance to see amazing sea creatures:

• Big Animals: Manta Rays (especially at Manta Point), Mola Mola / Oceanic Sunfish (at certain times, Crystal Bay), Sea Turtles (often seen).
• Colorful Fish: Big groups of fusiliers and bannerfish; beautiful angelfish and butterflyfish; clownfish (Nemo!) in their homes; funny pufferfish and boxfish; triggerfish; parrotfish, and many more.
• Interesting Small Creatures: Eels hiding in cracks, cuttlefish changing colors, octopus hiding, sea slugs with amazing patterns, frogfish, ghost pipefish, scorpionfish (look carefully!), and maybe even tiny seahorses for those who look closely.
• Bright Corals: Healthy coral gardens that are homes for all the sea life.

(Remember, you might not see all of these every time, but these are common in the areas mentioned!)

Tips for a Great Underwater Trip

• Best Time to Go: Generally, the dry season (April-Oct) might have clearer water and calmer seas, making boat trips nicer. But you can have good diving and snorkeling all year. Mola Mola season is usually July-October.
• Listen to Guides: Always pay attention to safety talks. Follow your divemaster or snorkel guide – they know the spots, currents, and safety rules.
• Respect the Ocean: Never touch, chase, or stand on coral. Watch animals from a safe distance. Don’t feed the fish. Help keep Bali’s underwater world beautiful for the future.
• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: If you use sunscreen in the water, please use the kind that’s safe for reefs. Wearing a rash guard is even better for sun protection.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water before and after your boat trip.
• Know Your Limits: Be honest about how well you swim and how comfortable you are in the open ocean. If you feel tired or worried, tell your guide right away.

Conclusion: Enjoy Bali’s Underwater Beauty!

Bali’s underwater world offers truly amazing experiences, and luckily, great spots like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Padang Bai are easy to reach on day trips from Nusa Dua. Whether you’re snorkeling with Manta Rays, drift diving over colorful reefs, or exploring the calm waters of Blue Lagoon, you’ll be amazed by the beauty under the waves.

Remember to choose a good tour company, put safety first, respect the ocean, and get ready for an incredible adventure! After your day in the water, you can relax in the pools and comfortable surroundings of Merusaka.

If you’d like help choosing or booking a good snorkeling or diving trip, please ask our team. We hope you have an amazing time exploring underwater!

Bali visitor fees explained! Knowing the Bali tourist tax and other holiday costs helps you plan your budget and have a smooth trip. Bali offers great value, but knowing about required fees, visas, and entrance costs avoids surprises.

Clear information helps you relax and plan! As your friendly team at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we want to explain the main fees for international visitors to Bali in 2025. This guide covers the tourist tax, visa costs, entrance fees for popular places, and other costs to remember.

1. The Bali Tourist Tax (Mandatory Levy)

This is a new rule for all international visitors.

• What is it? This official fee started in February 2024. The Bali government charges it to tourists entering the island. It’s separate from visa fees.
• Purpose: The tax helps fund projects that protect Bali’s culture and nature for the future, making visits better through good tourism.
• How Much? The fee is currently IDR 150,000 per person each time you enter Bali. In April 2025, this is about USD $10 / AUD $15 / GBP £8. (Exchange rates can change, so check current rates).
• Who Pays? Almost all international visitors pay, no matter their age (even babies) or visa type (including VoA and Visa-Free). Some exceptions exist (like diplomats, KITAS/KITAP holders, airline crew – you usually need to apply for these on the official website). It’s per entry, so if you leave Bali and come back, you pay again.
• How & Where to Pay (IMPORTANT):
  • Recommended: Pay Before Arrival: The easiest way is online through the official “Love Bali” website: lovebali.baliprov.go.id or their app. You enter your passport details and arrival date, then pay securely. You’ll get a QR code voucher by email – save it on your phone and maybe print it.
  • Payment on Arrival: You can pay at counters at Bali’s airport (DPS) or Benoa Harbour, but this can take time. Paying online makes arrival smoother.
  • Beware of Scams: Only use the official lovebali.baliprov.go.id website/app. Be careful of other websites.

2. Visa Fees for Indonesia

Depending on your country and how long you stay, you might need a visa that costs money. (See our full visa guide for details).

• Visa on Arrival (VoA / e-VoA): Many tourists use this. It costs IDR 500,000 (about USD $30 / AUD $48 / GBP £25 in April 2025) for a 30-day stay. You can extend it once for another 30 days for an extra fee at the Immigration office. Applying online for the e-VoA (molina.imigrasi.go.id) includes this fee.
• Visa Exemption: Some countries (mostly ASEAN) don’t need a visa for stays up to 30 days. This is free.
• B211A Visit Visa: For longer stays or some countries, you need to apply before traveling. It costs more and might include agent fees. Check the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate or Immigration websites for details.

3. Entrance Fees for Attractions (Tiket Masuk)

Most popular temples, nature spots, parks, and some beaches in Bali charge an entrance fee (tiket masuk). This money helps maintain these places and supports local communities.

• Important Note: Prices below are estimates from around April 2025 and are for international adults. Prices can change. Child prices are usually lower. Always check the fee when you arrive. Having small amounts of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash is good, but some places take cards or online payments.

• Popular Temple Fees:

  • Uluwatu Temple: About IDR 50,000 per adult. (Kecak dance here costs extra, about IDR 150,000) [link to Uluwatu post].
  • Tanah Lot Temple: About IDR 75,000 per adult.
  • Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Spring): About IDR 50,000 per adult (usually includes sarong rental).
  • Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): About IDR 50,000 per adult.

• Nature & Culture Fees:

  • Ubud Monkey Forest: About IDR 100,000 (weekday) / IDR 120,000 (weekend) per adult. (May need electronic money/cards).
  • Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Ceking): Small fees at different spots, maybe IDR 15,000 – 25,000. Popular photo spots might cost more (e.g., IDR 50,000). Farmers might ask for donations.
  • Waterfalls (like Tegenungan): Often about IDR 20,000 per person, but can vary.
  • GWK Cultural Park: Higher fee, often IDR 150,000+ per adult depending on what you see.

• Budget Tip: If you plan to see many places with fees, include these in your daily budget. They can add up!

4. Other Costs to Keep in Mind

Besides the main fees, remember these smaller costs:

• Parking Fees: If you drive to places, you’ll likely pay a small parking fee (parkir). It’s usually cheap, like IDR 2,000 – 5,000 for scooters and IDR 5,000 – 10,000 for cars. Have small IDR bills.
• Toll Roads: Bali has one main toll road connecting Nusa Dua, the Airport, Benoa Harbour, and Sanur. You pay at toll booths, usually with Indonesian electronic money cards (like Flazz, e-Money). Ask about getting these if needed, but your driver usually handles it. The fee is low.
• Activity & Tour Costs: Things like surfing lessons, rafting, cooking classes, diving, spas, or Kecak dance tickets cost extra.
• Optional Tipping: Tips are appreciated for good service. This is separate from fees or service charges.

Conclusion: Plan for a Smooth Trip

Knowing the fees for your Bali trip helps you have a smooth and well-planned holiday. Remember the IDR 150,000 Bali Tourist Levy, paid once per entry (best online before you arrive at lovebali.baliprov.go.id). Also, consider visa costs and entrance fees for the places you want to visit. These fees help protect Bali’s amazing culture and nature.

By knowing these costs, you can plan well and enjoy all the wonderful things Bali offers. If you have questions about these fees or need help planning your trip, our team at Merusaka is always happy to assist.

Have a great time planning your Bali adventure!

Dreaming of incredibly romantic moments often marks the start of planning your Bali honeymoon itinerary 5 days Nusa Dua. Serene settings and unforgettable shared experiences await you. The Island of the Gods offers a captivating blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and gentle spirituality. This provides the perfect canvas for celebrating your love. For couples choosing Nusa Dua, particularly Merusaka, as their base, a layer of tranquility and sophistication enhances this special getaway.

While five days might feel short for exploring all of Bali, this duration offers ample time to create lasting memories with your loved one. A perfect trip balances iconic island experiences with intimate moments and essential relaxation. As your friendly guides, we’ve thoughtfully crafted a suggested Bali honeymoon itinerary (5 days based in Nusa Dua). It focuses on romance, connection, and discovery, easily enjoyed from your Nusa Dua sanctuary. Allow this to be the starting point for your unforgettable journey together.

Nusa Dua: An Ideal Setting for Romance

What makes Nusa Dua stand out as an ideal spot for couples and honeymooners seeking a perfect Bali honeymoon itinerary?

• Serene Beaches: Nusa Dua boasts beautiful stretches of white sand and exceptionally calm, swimmable waters. These are perfect for relaxed days by the sea during your 5 days in Nusa Dua.
• Sophisticated Ambiance: Well-maintained landscapes, inviting walking paths, and a collection of refined resorts characterize the area. These features offer excellent service and facilities, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious Bali honeymoon.
• Tranquility & Privacy: Compared to some of Bali’s busier areas, Nusa Dua generally provides a more peaceful and private atmosphere. This makes it perfect for couples seeking quality time together during their 5-day Bali honeymoon.
• Wellness Focus: Numerous high-quality spas await you, including our own serene offering at Merusaka. They provide ample opportunities for couples’ pampering as part of your Bali honeymoon itinerary.

Settle into your comfortable room or suite at Merusaka. You’ll immediately feel the sense of peace that makes this area so special for a romantic escape.

Create unforgettable moments with a romantic Bali honeymoon itinerary.

Saraswati Temple is authentic evidence of the daily religious life of Balinese Hindu society.