Alamanda - Lombok & Gili Islands

Alamanda on Lombok’s west coast really gets us excited. It’s one of those spots we love for its sheer simplicity and unexpected finds. You jump from a local *jukung* right onto the reef crest, and the coral starts pretty much immediately. We usually drop to about 18-20 metres, hugging the wall as it curves, looking into every nook. Our favourite part is the hunt for the little things. This wall is perfect for macro fanatics. We’ve spent entire dives here just hovering, eyes peeled for Shimada's pygmy gobies tucked into crevices, or the delicate frills of a Gardiner's headshield slug inching across a coral branch. Keep an eye out for Indian seahares too, they often blend in perfectly with the algae. The table corals are impressive, sometimes hosting a blotchfin scorpionfish waiting in ambush. Visibility averages around 17 metres, which is decent, but it’s the lack of strong current that makes it so enjoyable for photography. It's a relaxed drift, often with almost no current at all, making it a fantastic site for those who prefer to take their time and really explore. The shallower parts, around 5-10 metres, are lovely for a safety stop, bathed in sunlight, with plenty of smaller wrasse darting about.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.278100, 115.599400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Karangasem

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Alamanda

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Alamanda

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 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 are the typical depths for diving at the Alamanda dive site?
The Alamanda dive site offers diving to a maximum depth of 24 meters. Divers will find vibrant coral growth starting immediately in the shallow areas after descent, with the shallow reef extending up to 50 meters from the shore. This allows for exploration of both shallower and moderately deep reef environments.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Alamanda?
At Alamanda, divers can expect to explore a vibrant reef environment. A significant feature is the coral growth, which begins immediately after descent in the shallow water and extends into deeper sections. While specific marine life is not detailed, reef dives typically offer a diverse array of fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our Wildlife Database.
How difficult is the Alamanda dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Alamanda dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without prior experience or additional training. Divers should possess adequate skills and comfort in various conditions to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Alamanda for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at Alamanda for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Alamanda?
As the Alamanda dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should possess adequate skills and experience beyond entry-level certifications. It is always recommended to consult with a local dive operator in Lombok & Gili Islands to confirm specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Alamanda dive site?
Divers at Alamanda can typically expect an average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of the reef. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. Always check with local dive centers for real-time conditions.