Gerombong - Lombok & Gili Islands

Landing Bay at the Poor Knights, for us, is all about the afternoon light. We’ve done it in the morning, and it’s fine, but wait for that sun to spill over the cliffs. It transforms the place. The slope drops pretty steeply, sure, but the magic here, we think, is really between 5 and 15 metres. That’s where you’ll see the schools of blue maomao and pink maomao, thick enough to make you feel like you're swimming through a living curtain. We’ve seen kingfish here, too, slicing through the shoals, and occasionally a bronze whaler just gliding by, giving you that proper Poor Knights shiver. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff though; crested blennies are always amusing to watch, and the vibrant colours of eastern king wrasse really pop in that afternoon glow. Visibility is usually a comfortable 20-25m, so you get a good sense of the scale of the place. It's a dive that rewards slowing down and soaking it all in, perfect for those who appreciate the interplay of light and marine life.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.235500, 115.562200

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 Gerombong

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 Gerombong

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 Gerombong?
The maximum depth for diving at Gerombong is 24 meters. This depth allows for exploration of its two distinct reefs and a small cavern, offering various diving options. Divers can expect an average visibility of 16 meters at this site.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Gerombong?
Divers at Gerombong can expect to encounter beautiful corals, including impressive gorgonian formations. The site is also home to a variety of fish life, such as big snappers, fusiliers, garden eels, and morays. Exploring the two reefs and a small cavern offers excellent opportunities to observe these species.
How difficult is diving at Gerombong, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Gerombong is rated as intermediate difficulty. The site features a tricky, rocky entry that requires flat sea conditions, making it less suitable for absolute beginners. Divers should have some experience to comfortably navigate the entry and explore the two reefs and cavern.
When is the best time of year to dive at Gerombong for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Gerombong for optimal conditions. However, it notes that a flat sea is necessary for the tricky, rocky entry. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Gerombong?
The specific dive certifications required to dive at Gerombong are not explicitly stated in the provided data. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 24 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended for sites of this nature to fully explore the reefs and cavern. Always check with a local dive operator for precise requirements.
What are the typical current and surface conditions like at the Gerombong dive site?
The provided data indicates that the Gerombong dive site has a tricky, rocky entry that specifically requires flat sea conditions. This suggests that surface conditions can be a significant factor for entry and exit. Information regarding typical current strength is not detailed in the available data.