“A stunning underwater pinnacle in Komodo National Park, known for its fierce currents but housing one of the world's most vibrant hard and soft coral gardens, attracting sharks, tuna, and manta rays.”
Batu Bolong Dive Site is a dream destination for divers worldwide! Located in the heart of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site is a powerhouse of the ocean, featuring underwater arches and unique rock formations that rise above the water. As you dive in, you’ll discover a truly pristine underwater paradise. It’s a realm of incredibly rich ecosystems, carefully protected by West Manggarai Regency.
What makes Batu Bolong an unparalleled underwater treasure is its exceptionally healthy coral reefs—ranging from tower-like hard corals to vibrant purple and pink soft corals swaying with the currents. The real thrill comes from encounters with apex predators of the sea! Here, you may see majestic white-tip reef sharks, hundreds of tuna schooling together like a silver wall, and, if lucky, graceful manta rays passing by.
Diving here is an adventurous drift dive, where strong currents nourish the coral and attract large marine animals. It’s also a test of courage. A dive at Batu Bolong feels like floating through a living natural museum, with schools of fish swimming all around you. This is an adrenaline-pumping experience, rewarding only for experienced divers, allowing you to fully and safely enjoy the spectacular underwater scenery.
Batu Bolong isn’t just about large marine life—it’s also a macro photographer’s paradise. Underwater photographers will be delighted to discover colorful nudibranchs and tiny fish hiding among the corals. The biodiversity here ensures that every dive brings a new discovery. Whether you are an adventurous diver or a photographer seeking natural artistry, Batu Bolong will satisfy your underwater exploration dreams.
How to Get There
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Dive Boat/Speedboat: Requires travel by boat from Labuan Bajo Harbor on Flores Island (the gateway to Komodo National Park), which is located in the West Manggarai Regency, taking approximately 1-2 hours.
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Liveaboard Trip: Join an overnight liveaboard diving trip, departing from Labuan Bajo, which is the best way to access all the prime dive sites in Komodo.
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Plane: Fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo before transferring to a boat for the dive site.
Travel Tips
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Best Visiting Seasons: The period from April to December—especially April to June and September to December offers the calmest seas and best underwater visibility.
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Equipment: You should bring standard diving equipment and may need a Reef Hook to secure yourself to the reef in strong currents while observing large fish. (Dive only with licensed and experienced operators).
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Photography: Prepare a wide-angle underwater camera to capture the massive fish schools and bring extra batteries, as you won't want to stop shooting!
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Local Culture: Please respect the National Park regulations and do not touch any coral or marine life to help preserve the ecosystem's integrity.
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Travel Planning: Book your dive trips and liveaboards at least 6 months in advance, especially during peak season, as high-quality operators book up quickly
Komodo National Park Adimisson Fee (may be included in diving packages):
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Foreign Visitors: Adults approximately 3,878,000 – 7,756,000 IDR
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Detailed costs depend on the number of days, special area entrance fees, and the boat operator.
Operating Hours (Diving Schedule Based on Tides):
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General Diving Hours: Diving in the park usually takes place from around 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, depending on the optimal tide schedule.
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Special Note: Diving at these sites requires careful planning according to high and low tides, so the exact timing may vary daily.