Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area - Lombok & Gili Islands

Rose Garden Bali, off the coast of Lombok, is a good spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you appreciate the little things. It’s mostly hard corals here, with a few sponges and soft corals scattered about. We’ve seen Northern Bicoloured Triplefins flitting around, and there’s usually a clown anemonefish or two peeking out from their homes. The shallow water, around 12 meters, is where you'll find the namesake lettuce leaf corals that look like giant roses, which is a nice touch. It’s a comfortable dive, maxing out at 16 meters, and typically offers decent visibility around 19 meters, making it a good choice for newer divers or those who prefer a mellow pace.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.527100, 115.513200
Type
reef

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 Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area

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 Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area

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 at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area?
The maximum diving depth at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area is 13 meters. This makes it an excellent site for divers of various experience levels to explore the ongoing coral restoration efforts and observe the thriving reef ecosystem.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area?
Divers at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area can expect to encounter a variety of tropical Pacific fishes, including a resident porcupine fish. The site is particularly focused on corals, with species like staghorns coral being prominent as part of the Livingseas coral reef restoration project. You'll also find other resident fishes making this area their new homes.
How challenging is diving at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area for different skill levels?
Diving at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers who have some experience and are comfortable with typical reef diving conditions. It's a great opportunity to observe a thriving coral restoration project.
What is the best time of year to dive at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to participate in activities at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required for activities at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area. However, given its intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification or higher is typically recommended for such sites. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area?
Divers can expect good visibility at the Padang Bai Coral Restoration Area, with an average visibility of 13 meters. While specific current conditions are not detailed, the site's intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should be prepared for potential mild to moderate currents. This allows for clear views of the coral restoration efforts and marine life.