Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) - Lombok & Gili Islands

Amuk Bay, just southeast of Candi Dasa, holds Gili Tepekong. It's a small rocky islet, only 100 metres wide, but the diving here is a different beast. Expect steep coral walls and water that often feels brisk. The currents can pick up, sometimes a brisk 5 knots through the canyon, so it’s definitely one for the experienced divers. Drifting through that canyon at depths around 24 metres, with the water pushing you along, can be quite the ride. You’ll be looking for pelagics out in the blue as you go.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.520000, 115.570000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay)

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 Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay)

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 diving depths at Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) dive sites, and do they vary significantly between locations?
The typical diving depths at Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) dive sites range from 15-30m. Specifically, at Gili Tepekong, the canyon starts at 24m and descends to 32m. This indicates some variation depending on the specific site features, offering a good range for intermediate divers.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when diving in Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay)?
While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, divers at Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) can expect to explore diverse coral formations. The site is characterized as a reef, with Gili Tepekong featuring steep coral walls. This suggests a vibrant ecosystem typical of healthy reef environments.
How challenging are the dive sites in Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay), and are there options suitable for beginner divers?
The dive sites in Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) are generally considered intermediate in difficulty. Strong currents, potentially up to 5 knots, are common, particularly when drifting through Tepekong's canyon, making it an experience best suited for experienced divers. Therefore, options for beginner divers are not explicitly mentioned, and the conditions suggest it might be challenging for novices.
What is the best time of year to dive in Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) for optimal conditions and marine life sightings, especially for Mola Mola?
The provided information does not specify the best time of year for diving in Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay), nor does it mention optimal conditions or specific marine life sightings like Mola Mola. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at the various sites around Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay)?
While specific certification levels are not detailed, the intermediate difficulty and recommendation for experienced divers at Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) suggest that an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would be beneficial. This would prepare divers for potential strong currents and deeper sections like the canyon, which drops to 32m.
What are the usual current conditions and water visibility like at Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay) dive sites?
At Candi Dasa (Amuk Bay), divers should anticipate strong currents, which can reach up to 5 knots, particularly when exploring Gili Tepekong's canyon. The water is also noted to be cold. Information regarding typical water visibility is not provided in the available data.