Temple Coral - Lombok & Gili Islands

White Reef is one of our favourite spots in the Bay of Islands, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed dive that still feels alive. It's a short hop from Paihia, and frankly, a bit of a miracle story. What was once a pretty barren, kina-eaten rock has bounced back beautifully thanks to the Rahui. Now, you drop in, and the shallow depths, around 15 metres max, are just covered in life. We love drifting along here, keeping an eye out for the friendly Hiwihiwi kelp fish poking out of the fronds. The reef structure itself is interesting, a mix of rock and burgeoning coral growth, all interspersed with swaying kelp. You’ll see schools of snapper cruising by, and if you’re patient, a short-tail stingray might glide out from under a ledge. Visibility averages around 10 metres, sometimes more, giving you a good view of the transformations. It's a perfect dive for newer divers or anyone who just wants to slow down and really appreciate a thriving temperate reef.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.274700, 115.594500
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 Temple Coral

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 Temple Coral

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 Temple Coral dive site?
The maximum diving depth at Temple Coral is 18 meters. This makes it suitable for various certification levels and offers a comfortable depth range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Temple Coral?
Temple Coral is notable for its extensive artificial reefs, rather than natural coral formations. Divers will encounter structures made of concrete and steel, including more than 100 concrete blocks strategically placed on a sandy slope. These artificial habitats are designed to attract and support local marine life, though specific species are not detailed in the provided information.
How difficult is the Temple Coral dive site for scuba divers?
The Temple Coral dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. It is often utilized as a drift dive, particularly for those undertaking Advanced Adventurer specialty dives. This suggests divers should have some experience with current conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Temple Coral for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Temple Coral for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, you may refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Temple Coral?
While not explicitly stated as a requirement, the Temple Coral dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. It is also frequently used for Advanced Adventurer specialty dives, particularly as a drift dive. Therefore, an Advanced Adventurer certification or equivalent experience with drift diving is highly recommended to fully enjoy this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Temple Coral dive site?
The Temple Coral dive site typically offers an average visibility of 16 meters. It is often conducted as a drift dive, indicating that divers can expect to encounter currents at this location.