Lombok

Mainland Lombok is far quieter than its neighbours, and its diving is still something of a secret. From Senggigi on the west coast, boats reach the reefs between Lombok and the Gilis, while the southwest's Sekotong peninsula and the secret Gilis offer healthy hard coral and very few other divers. The south coast near Kuta Lombok is wilder: Magnet and the Blongas Bay sites are known for strong currents and seasonal schooling hammerheads and mobula rays, and are best left to experienced divers who go with a local operator. Lombok makes a good base for divers who want to combine a few days on the Gilis with less crowded sites, and its dive centres run courses and trips for all levels.