Padang Bay - Lombok & Gili Islands

Padang Bay, specifically the Pura Jepun site, is a nice, relaxed dive, especially if you’re looking for something shallower. It’s right off the shrine, an easy 50-metre swim from shore. The reef starts at 10 metres, a gentle slope dotted with big, vibrant anemones, black and yellow featherstars, and clusters of sea squirts. You’ll often spot oriental sweetlips, boxfish, and the occasional yellow trumpetfish meandering through the corals. Keep an eye on the sandy patches for lizardfish. It’s a good spot for newer divers or those who prefer a longer bottom time without the pressure of deep profiles.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.550000, 115.500000
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 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 Padang 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 dive depths at Padang Bay dive sites?
At Padang Bay, specifically at Pura Jepun, divers can expect a shallow reef ledge starting at 10 metres. The reef then slopes down to 20 metres, eventually leveling out to a sandy bottom at 40 metres. This offers a range of depths suitable for various dive profiles.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in Padang Bay?
Divers exploring Padang Bay will encounter a vibrant reef environment, featuring magnificent anemones, black and yellow featherstars, and sea squirts on the slopes. Common fish species include oriental sweetlips, boxfish, and yellow trumpetfish, while lizardfish can often be spotted on the sandy bottom. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Padang Bay suitable for beginner divers, or are there more challenging sites?
The dive sites in Padang Bay are generally rated as intermediate difficulty. While the site offers a range of depths from 10 to 40 metres, its intermediate rating suggests it's best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Padang Bay for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions in Padang Bay is not available in the provided context. For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to explore the different dive sites in Padang Bay?
The specific dive certifications required to explore the various sites in Padang Bay are not detailed in the provided information. Given the intermediate difficulty and depths up to 40 metres, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would likely be beneficial for full exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like when diving in Padang Bay?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and water visibility for diving in Padang Bay are not provided in the current data. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive.