Page 39 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Gili Tepekong, Mimpang and Biaha Gili Tepekong, Mimpang and Biaha

GILI TEPEKoNG, Snorkeling and Freediving Highlights

MIMPANG AND BIAHA These three rock pinnacle regions do not lend themselves
exceptionally well to snorkeling and freediving. Swell from the open
ocean creates surge around the base of the pinnacles which can be
hazardous to those on the surface.

Snorkelers and freedivers who are staying on the east coast of Bali are
recommended to explore nearby Tulamben, Amed or Padang Bai.

Dive Site and Marine Life Highlights of
Gili Tepekong, Biaha and Mimpang
Gili Tepekong offers a view is hard to beat. Other sightings
number of different dives here include moray eels, napoleon
which include walls, steep wrasses, tuna, barracuda, turtles,
slopes and drop offs. The octopus and broadclub cuttlefish.
hese rocky islets and pinnacles off the east coast of Bali offer some of current swept corals here are home to
the most rugged topographies in Bali – they are also well known for an array of critters – despite the strong Gili Mimpang is a series of three main
Ttheir impressive marine life sightings including white tip reef sharks, currents which circle this pinnacle. Look rock pinnacles which, underwater, give
mola (from August – November) and even an occasional passing manta ray. out for leaf scorpionfish among the way to slopes and walls characterized
Divers who are more interested in macro-marine life will find an abundance branching corals, nudibranch clinging by ledges and overhangs. The “Shark
onto rocks and even frogfish laying
of critters here too but the draw card is the big fish, exhilarating currents camouflaged in wait of prey. Turn your Point” here is where it’s possible to
see white tip reef sharks circling in the
and incredible reef scenes. eye out to the blue for schools of silver blue and this is also a good spot for
fish which stream by and patrolling mola sightings during the season. The
predators including barracuda and black corner of the wall can be challenging
Conditions cooler thermoclines. The warmest time and white tip reef sharks. Mola are a and is often prone to down currents.
for diving here is from December to April. highlight here during the season.
As open ocean sites, these Currents in general here can be tricky
dive sites are best suited Visibility at Tepekong, Mimpang and Biaha is best known for its Shark Cave due to the small size of the site which
to experienced divers – Biaha is generally excellent and isn’t which is a large cavern at around 12 prohibits drifting. For experienced
divers, the varied and abundant marine
particularly those who affected by rainfall like sites located on meters, usually occupied by resting life combined with the interesting
are comfortable diving in the mainland, however, seasonal plankton white tip reef sharks as well as spiny topography make this one of the most
currents. Some sites require negatively blooms can lower visibility considerably. lobsters. The view from inside the memorable dive sites in Bali.
buoyant entries from the boat to enable a cavern, looking out to the action packed
quick descent through the surge which is
often present in the shallower depths.
Water temperatures here tend to be in
line with those found around Nusa Penida
and cold water and thermoclines should
be expected from August through to the
end of October when temperatures can
drop to 21 degrees Celsius with even

74 Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory 75