South Pangah Balang - Flores

South Pangah Balang starts with a sloping wall, thick with huge leather corals. We often find ourselves kicking a bit here; the current can be lively, which is great for the soft corals that bloom in impressive sizes and colours as you descend. The wall eventually plateaus around 28 metres, offering a good chance to explore the colourful array. It’s a site that rewards divers who enjoy a drift and appreciate healthy coral landscapes, particularly the large, swaying soft corals.

Location
Flores, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.567000, 122.317000

Marine Protected Area: Teluk Maumere

Best Time to Dive in Flores

The warmest water temperatures in Flores occur in January, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.6°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 30.6°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 30.6°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • April: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 30.6°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 30.6°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • October: 30.6°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • November: 30.6°C (air: 29.2°C)
  • December: 30.6°C (air: 28.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Flores

Nearest Dive Centres to South Pangah Balang

Marine Life in Flores

Home to 169 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for South Pangah Balang

Based on average water temperature of 30.6°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 31°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for recreational diving at South Pangah Balang?
The dive at South Pangah Balang features a sloping wall that plateaus at approximately 28 metres. While the overall maximum depth for the site is not explicitly stated, this plateau depth gives an indication of the typical recreational diving range. Divers should always plan their dives within no-decompression limits.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at South Pangah Balang?
At South Pangah Balang, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant coral reef environment. The site is characterized by a mass of large leather corals along the sloping wall, complemented by an abundance of soft corals in impressive sizes and spectacular colours. This rich coral diversity creates a breathtaking underwater landscape.
How challenging are the dives at South Pangah Balang, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at South Pangah Balang are rated as intermediate difficulty. Divers should be prepared to deal with currents, which may require significant finning to combat. Therefore, this site is generally not recommended for beginner divers due to the potential for challenging current conditions.
What is considered the best time of year to dive at South Pangah Balang for optimal conditions?
The provided data for South Pangah Balang does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you may wish to consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended to dive at South Pangah Balang?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for South Pangah Balang, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should possess experience beyond basic open water certification. Given the potential for currents, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience in drift diving would be highly recommended to safely enjoy this site.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility like at South Pangah Balang?
At South Pangah Balang, divers should anticipate dealing with currents, which may require considerable finning. The description highlights that combating these currents can be a significant aspect of the dive. Unfortunately, the provided data does not include specific details regarding typical underwater visibility at this site.