Bat Cave - Lombok & Gili Islands

Bat Cave is a surprisingly cool drift dive, best done when the current is running parallel to the coast. You drop onto the reef at about eight meters, then let the water pull you into the cave mouth. It’s not a deep cave, maxing out around 21m, and the entrance is wide enough that you never feel squeezed. Inside, the light plays off the walls, creating this amazing, almost theatrical effect. We love gliding through, spotting juvenile sweetlips and batfish taking shelter, along with the occasional moray eel peeking out. The real highlight, though, is at the back. After about 200 meters, the cave opens into a huge air pocket, and you can surface inside. The air is warm, humid, and there are literally hundreds of bats flitting around above you. It's an incredible sensory experience – the sound of their wings, the smell of the guano, the dim light filtering down. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light is better then, and the currents tend to be more predictable. It's a dive that really sticks with you.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.713800, 115.457300
Type
cave
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: KK Nusa Penida

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 Bat Cave

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 Bat Cave

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 the Bat Cave dive site?
The typical depth range for diving at the Bat Cave dive site is between 5 and 20 meters. The mouth of the cave itself is located at a depth of 8 meters below sea level, with a maximum recorded depth for the site being 21 meters.
What kind of marine life and geological formations can divers expect to see inside and around the Bat Cave?
Divers exploring the Bat Cave can expect to encounter a unique geological formation, including a horizontal cave stretching about 200 meters, culminating in a large open space inhabited by bats. The cave also serves as a shelter for various juvenile marine life such as sweetlips, batfish, grouper, snapper, eels, crabs, and lobsters, offering a glimpse into the local marine ecosystem.
How challenging is the Bat Cave dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Bat Cave dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally suitable for divers with some experience, but may not be recommended for absolute beginners due to its cave environment. Advanced divers will find it a rewarding and unique experience.
What is the best time of year to dive the Bat Cave for optimal conditions and bat sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or peak bat sightings at the Bat Cave. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Bat Cave?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the Bat Cave is an intermediate level cave dive, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and potentially a Cavern or Cave Diver specialty certification, depending on the operator and the planned dive profile. Always check with your dive center for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive at the Bat Cave?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 16 meters at the Bat Cave dive site. However, there is no specific information available regarding strong currents or other particular water conditions such as temperature or surge that divers should be aware of. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators for the most current conditions.