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Monkey Reef

Monkey Reef isn't huge, but it's one of those spots that consistently delivers. We like it for a relaxed morning dive, particularly if you’re staying on Lombok itself and want to avoid the Gili crowds. The entry is pretty straightforward, starting over some stones from the beach, then a sandy slope that leads to the main event. The real magic happens once you hit that small coral block and head left. That's where you'll find the best reef, topping out around 20 meters. We’ve had some fantastic nudibranch encounters here; Cobb's winged murphydoris and Brown-blotched okenia often pop up if you’re looking closely. The Staghorn corals are plentiful, creating shelter for swarms of Glassy Cardinalfish. Keep an eye out for Freckled Anglerfish too – they blend in beautifully. Visibility averages 15 meters, which is usually plenty to enjoy the show. Deeper, around 30-40 meters, you might catch a glimpse of bigger pelagics cruising by, but the shallower reef is where the action is for most. We’d suggest it for divers who appreciate macro life and a calmer pace.