scuba diving and underwater photography (as well as normal photography) are activities I really enjoy. Since I have dived in some of the more exotic parts of the world (Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Indonesia), and as these areas are also incredibly interesting for non-divers, I might be able to help DPers who are interested in finding out more. The great thing about scuba diving is that it's a sport for young and not so young people - I am one of the "not so young" , and I have seen 3 generations of the same family participating - not many sports I can think off where you can do that.
Hi There! I love scuba diving as well, and notice that you are currently in Bali! What is the diving like in Bali? I heard it's better to visit the outer islands...I think they are called the Gili Islands? Would love to hear more about diving in and around Bali.
Hi Sunnedaize good to hear from you! Well, it really depends how experienced a diver you are. The Gilies are ok for divers who have not dived much in the tropics or for people who want to do their Open Water certification. The diving there is pretty sedate (ie doesnt really get your adrenaline going), not much colourful soft coral around either. In the end it really depends on what you prefer. If you dive off the cost (s) of Bali you can find whatever it is you really like. There is an easy wreckdive called the USAT Liberty, it's pretty, lot's of fish diversity, fun. Then you have the Nusa Penida dive sites which are mainly drift diving, currents which can be quite challenging, manta ray cleaning stations, and between July and October it's mola mola season. Mola mola are these amazing looking, huge fish which are also called oceanic sunfish, if you don't know what they are, just google and check them out! There is muck-diving, which I normally call "treasure hunt", as you never know what you are going to find, and on and on. To me Bali is a perfect travel destination, because there is so much to see and do, and I am not just talking about diving. So, it's a great place to visit should you be traveling with a non-diver. I have dived in some of the more exotic places around, but Bali is still one of my favourite places because of what I said before, and it's really good value for money!