Padangbai

Padangbai is the ferry port for Lombok and the Gilis, but it is also a handy, good-value dive base on Bali's east coast. Blue Lagoon is a sheltered bay that suits beginners and snorkellers, with turtles, reef fish and frogfish, while Jepun's artificial reef and small wrecks are ideal for training dives. More exposed sites such as Tepekong, Mimpang and Gili Biaha (Shark Point) bring stronger currents, whitetip reef sharks and the chance of mola mola in season, and are better suited to experienced divers. Padangbai's dive centres run courses and daily trips locally and to Amed, Tulamben and Nusa Penida.