Swept away by Bali's underwater adventures

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Bali is a haven for divers. The island is home to beautiful and rare marine life comparable to that in Hawaii and other excellent dive sites in the world.

With clear water and a moderate temperature of 27 to 28 degrees Celsius all the year round, Bali offers great underwater adventures.

The island of Bali offers numerous diving and snorkeling areas mostly located on the east coast, such as Padang Bai, Candi Dasa, Tulamben and Amed.

On the north coast, Lovina Beach is another option. While in the west, Menjangan Island, Bali Barat National Park, and Labuan Lalang offer excellent alternative diving sites.

Demands for underwater sport activities have been growing since the late l970s, with a number of companies now competing to draw divers to Bali.

Baruna was established in l978 as the first Diving Operator in Bali.

The company has facilities at Sanur and Nusa Dua near Denpasar, Nusa Penida and Lembongan, Gili Biaha and Menjangan National Park.

Tulamben, 100 kilometers northeast of Sanur is one of the most beautiful diving locations in Bali. On location, you can see an American ship sunk during World War II. The wreck is now filled with various species of anemones and corals.

Another interesting location is Menjangan National Park, a tiny island 120 kilometer west of Denpasar. The area, accessible by boat, is rich with all kinds of sponges, sea plants, corals and fishes inhabiting a reef which stretches for miles. The area is considered a divers's paradise not just in Bali but by knowledgeable divers around the world.

Divers looking for a more complete view of Indonesia's underwater marvels should embark on a live-aboard journey on the Baruna Adventurer. Baruna dive cruises provides divers the opportunity to experience a variety of destinations in comfort.

Divers can explore the underwater wonders of Eastern Indonesia on seven to eight days cruises to the islands of Komodo, Alor, Flores, Sumbawa and Lombok.

For beginners who are eager to explore the beauty of the underwater world, the company offers a short introductory course for US$78 per day.

Various courses are offered such as the Padi open water course, advanced courses and several others. The courses cost from $120 to $300.

Other companies including Daiju Dive Operation and Sea Star Padi Dice Center also offer diving and other marine sports.

The companies' diving locations are in Nusa Dua, Sanur, Padang Bai, Amed and Menjangan National Park.

If diving is not your forte, other companies offer white-water rafting, sailing and cruises.

The Bali Rafting, the Action Plus has a spectacular white water adventure on Telaga Waja river in East Bali.

Surfing is another popular water sport for visitors to Bali. Since Robert Koke found a surfing paradise at Kuta Beach and built the Kuta Beach Hotel, enthusiasts now flock to the beach to try the surf.

There are numerous popular enclaves along Kuta and Legian beaches, Uluwatu and Sanur. On sunny days, these spots are crowded with surfers and swimmers.

When you visit Bali, don't miss its beautiful underwater adventures and challenging water sport activities.