Blessed with captivating natural beauty, Indonesia boasts countless fascinating places just waiting to be explored. From its landmasses to its vast oceans, each region holds its own unique charm and allure.
Underwater, for instance, Indonesia is home to hundreds of world-class diving spots scattered across the archipelago, from its western reaches to its eastern frontiers. From the globally renowned Raja Ampat to the historic Banda Neira, Kumparan has compiled a list of five of the best diving destinations in Indonesia, promising an unforgettable marine adventure:
1. Raja Ampat, West Papua
For avid divers, Raja Ampat is undeniably a destination not to be missed. This extraordinary region is widely recognized as a habitat for approximately 75 percent of the world’s marine species, a testament to its unparalleled wealth of vibrant coral reefs. Beyond its breathtaking panoramas, the waters of Raja Ampat teem with over 1,318 fish species, 699 types of mollusks, and 537 mesmerizing coral species. It’s no wonder that this area has become one of the most coveted diving destinations and a dream for tourists from across the globe.
2. Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi
A visit to Wakatobi is an essential experience for any diver, as it is celebrated as one of the premier diving locations in Indonesia and home to the nation’s largest barrier reef. Its coral reefs rank as the second best worldwide, surpassed only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Within these pristine waters, you can discover around 942 species of fish and 750 types of enchanting corals. Furthermore, Wakatobi serves as a vital habitat for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. All this combined solidifies Wakatobi’s reputation as a true underwater paradise, waiting to be explored.
3. Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara
Gili Trawangan, located in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, offers a remarkable diving experience defined by its beautiful and diverse underwater panoramas. Here, you can enjoy exhilarating snorkeling or diving sessions in crystal-clear waters, observing vibrant marine parks, intricate coral reefs, and an abundance of colorful fish. Equally enticing, you can also explore the neighboring Gili islands, such as Gili Meno, Gili Air, Gili Kedis, and Gili Kondo, all of which boast their own extraordinary underwater splendor.
4. Banda Neira, Maluku
Banda Neira is renowned for its exceptional underwater beauty, a reputation that has spread far and wide, even reaching international acclaim. One of the top diving spots here is Pulau Sjahrir, just a 30-minute journey from Banda Neira. Its waters offer captivating sightings of various fish species, eels, gobies, morays, and stunning coral formations. Not to be overlooked, the surrounding islands, including Pulau Hatta, Run, Nailaka, and Suanggi, also conceal remarkable underwater treasures that captivate every diver.
5. Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan
The Derawan Islands are widely recognized as one of the premier diving destinations in Indonesia. This exquisite region comprises 31 small islands, each boasting exceptionally beautiful landscapes. The harmonious blend of pristine white sand, remarkably clear seawater, and an enchanting underwater panorama makes this place truly special. Among its many highlights, Pulau Kakaban stands out as a famous spot for both diving and snorkeling, offering the unique opportunity to swim alongside thousands of fascinating, non-stinging jellyfish.
Ringkasan
Indonesia offers diverse world-class dive sites. Raja Ampat, in West Papua, is renowned for its biodiversity, housing approximately 75% of the world’s marine species. Wakatobi, in Southeast Sulawesi, boasts the nation’s largest barrier reef, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in size and coral diversity.
Other notable dive locations include Gili Trawangan in West Nusa Tenggara, known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish; Banda Neira in Maluku, famous for Pulau Sjahrir’s diverse marine life; and the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan, offering unique encounters with non-stinging jellyfish in Pulau Kakaban.