Seraya Tulamben - Lombok & Gili Islands

The Sisters, two craggy rocks poking out of the water northeast of Barney's Rock, are a Kaikōura favourite of ours, especially when the conditions line up. It’s a 15 to 20 minute ride south from South Bay Marina, and while the average visibility is around 8m, we’ve had days where it’s pushed 15m, letting you really appreciate the scale of those pinnacles. Dropping in, you feel the cool bite of the water, a stark contrast to the vibrancy you find amongst the rocks. We love exploring the crevices and overhangs, often spotting nudibranchs clinging to the walls, their colours popping against the darker rock. Keep an eye out for crayfish tucked into the shadows – they're everywhere here. There’s a certain thrill to finding a curious seal pup darting between the kelp fronds. We’ve even seen dusky dolphins pass by on the surface as we're gearing up, a real treat. This site suits divers who appreciate a good hunt for macro life and aren't put off by cooler water or the occasional surge. It’s a raw, wild kind of beauty, a true taste of New Zealand diving.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.291700, 115.609000
Type
pinnacle

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 Seraya Tulamben

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 Seraya Tulamben

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 Seraya Tulamben?
At Seraya Tulamben, divers can expect a maximum depth of 22 meters. This depth range makes it accessible for various certification levels while providing ample opportunity to explore its rich macro life. It's a comfortable depth for enjoying the site's unique features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Seraya Tulamben?
Seraya Tulamben is a renowned macro dive site, often called a paradise for photographers. Divers can expect to spot an incredible array of marine life, including pygmy seahorses, seahorses, frogfish, octopus, cuttlefish, various species of nudibranchs, and tropical reef fish. The site itself is a pinnacle, offering a unique structure for these fascinating encounters.
How difficult is diving at Seraya Tulamben, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving at Seraya Tulamben is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is best suited for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should be comfortable with their buoyancy control to fully appreciate the delicate macro life found here.
What is the best time of year to dive at Seraya Tulamben for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Seraya Tulamben for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive section on DivePlnr.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving Seraya Tulamben?
Given that Seraya Tulamben is rated as an intermediate dive site, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. This ensures divers possess the necessary skills for navigating the site and fully enjoying its maximum depth of 22 meters. While Open Water divers may be able to dive with a guide, additional experience enhances the overall dive experience.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Seraya Tulamben?
Divers at Seraya Tulamben can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of its abundant macro life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.