Batumulapan - Lombok & Gili Islands

Criminal Rock, just north-east of Praslin, is one of those sites that always delivers. It’s a granite boulder field, pure and simple, but the way the rocks are piled creates these fantastic swim-throughs and gullies, all at a really comfortable depth, usually maxing out around 17 metres. We love dropping in here on a sunny morning; the light filters down through the cracks, making the water sparkle. You'll see so many fusiliers here, especially the Blue and Gold, schooling so thick they sometimes block out the view of the next rock. We’ve had a few calm days where the barracuda hung around the deeper edges, watching the chaos. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: we've spotted Flaming Blennies tucked into crevices and Zebra Eviotas darting around the sandy patches between the rocks. It’s a great spot for photographers who like to get up close with reef fish, and it’s generally sheltered enough that even newer divers will feel comfortable. Just be mindful of the boat traffic if you're exploring the shallower tops of the rocks.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.679400, 115.575700

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 Batumulapan

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 Batumulapan

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 diving depth range at Batumulapan?
At Batumulapan, divers can expect a maximum depth of 23m. The site features a sloping wall, with an amazing reef structure particularly vibrant in the shallows above 14m.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Batumulapan?
Divers at Batumulapan can expect to see a rich variety of corals, including soft fan corals, giant sponges, and diverse hard corals that form an amazing reef structure. While many species have been observed, infrequent sightings of unique marine life such as scalloped hammerheads, thresher sharks, and pygmy seahorses add to the excitement.
How challenging is diving at Batumulapan, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Batumulapan is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is best suited for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications, and may not be ideal for absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to dive Batumulapan, especially for Mola-Mola sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Batumulapan, or specific seasons for Mola-Mola sightings, is not available in our current data for this site. For general guidance on diving seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for Batumulapan?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, the intermediate difficulty rating for Batumulapan suggests that divers should ideally hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. This level of training would prepare divers for the site's maximum depth of 23m and its sloping wall characteristics.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at the Batumulapan dive site?
Our current data for Batumulapan does not include specific information on typical current conditions or water temperatures. Divers planning a trip should consult with local dive operators in the Lombok & Gili Islands for the most up-to-date local conditions.