Tanjung Bakau 3 - Halmahera

Watamula, only a boat ride away, feels like a secret garden. We love it for the sheer density of coral, a proper jungle of it starting just five metres down. It’s not just big, it’s alive. You’ll drift over massive starlet corals and blush-pink flower corals, then find yourself hovering above sandy patches dotted with huge soft corals, swaying like dancers. This place is a real treat for macro lovers and wide-angle photographers alike. Keep an eye out for the yellowline gobies darting around, and we’ve often spotted honeycomb cowfish here – they’re always a favourite. The visibility usually hovers around 23 metres, so everything feels crisp and clear. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light really pops on the corals then. Strong currents can occasionally sweep through, so it’s best for divers comfortable with a bit of movement.

Location
Halmahera, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.466600, 127.690900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KKP3K Pulau Sali, Gane Barat Utara

Best Time to Dive in Halmahera

The warmest water temperatures in Halmahera occur in November, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 29.5°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.0°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 29.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Halmahera

Nearest Dive Centres to Tanjung Bakau 3

Marine Life in Halmahera

Home to 141 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 48 hard corals, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 clams & mussels, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Tanjung Bakau 3

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 maximum depth for diving at Tanjung Bakau 3?
The maximum depth for diving at Tanjung Bakau 3 is 22 meters. This makes it suitable for a wide range of certified divers looking to explore its vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Tanjung Bakau 3?
Divers at Tanjung Bakau 3 can expect to encounter a beautiful reef teeming with life, including fascinating nudibranchs, impressive Giant Morays, and delicate feather stars. The coral garden features stunning stag coral, alongside schools of glassfish, Blue Triggerfish, and Titan Triggerfish.
Is Tanjung Bakau 3 considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
Tanjung Bakau 3 is classified as an intermediate dive site. While not typically recommended for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding and manageable dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Tanjung Bakau 3 for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Tanjung Bakau 3 for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are typically required to dive at Tanjung Bakau 3?
The provided data does not specify the typical diving certifications required for Tanjung Bakau 3. As an intermediate site, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, though local operators may have specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Tanjung Bakau 3?
At Tanjung Bakau 3, divers can expect an average visibility of 12 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site.