Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck - Lombok & Gili Islands

Baong Penyu, or Turtle Neck, always gives us a reliable dive when we're in the Lombok area. It’s a straightforward wall dive, dropping to about 18 metres, and we find it's best for divers who appreciate the smaller details rather than just the big pelagics. We’ve seen everything from coral catsharks tucked into crevices to the quick flash of a pelagic thresher out in the blue if you’re lucky. What we really love here is the sheer density of the coral growth on the wall. Soft corals bloom in purples and oranges, interspersed with hard coral formations creating plenty of hidey-holes. Take your time along the reef face; that's where you'll spot frogfish swaying with the current or maybe a camouflaged leaf fish. Visibility averages around 14 metres, which is decent enough for soaking in the colours. It’s a comfortable boat entry, making it an easy addition to a day's diving, especially if you want a relaxed second or third dive.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.705500, 115.261000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: KKP-07 Semawang Denpasar

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 Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck

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 Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck?
Diving at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck typically involves exploring a wall down to a maximum depth of 18 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with various certification levels, allowing for extended bottom times within recreational limits. You can learn more about this site at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck?
Divers at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck can expect to encounter a vibrant underwater landscape featuring a rich coral reef, adorned with both soft and hard colorful corals. Keep an eye out for exciting marine life such as reef sharks, which are often seen swimming along the wall on a good day, alongside fascinating smaller creatures like frogfish and leaffish. Explore more about marine species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it more suitable for certified divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. While the maximum depth is 18 meters, conditions or specific features of the wall dive may require a comfortable skill level. Divers should assess their comfort and experience before diving this site, which you can find more details about at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck.
What is the best time of year to dive at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. We recommend checking local dive operators or a comprehensive resource like our When to Dive section for region-specific seasonal information before planning your trip to Lombok & Gili Islands.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck?
Given that Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck has a maximum depth of 18 meters and is rated as intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient. However, divers should possess comfort and experience commensurate with an intermediate site, especially for wall diving. Always consult with your dive operator regarding specific certification requirements for this site in Lombok & Gili Islands.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck?
At Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant coral reef and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It is always advisable to check with local dive centers for up-to-date information on currents before your dive at Baong Penyu / Turtle Neck.