Having just returned from my 4th visit on Lembong ...
Having just returned from my 4th visit on Lembongan, I just wanted to share some information and good memories with my fellow divers in Germany and others who read articles on Taucher.net.
I stayed on Lembongan in the guest house associated with the divecenter. Pondok Baruna has added a swimmingpool to their facilities and soon 6 new rooms with air condition will be available. The atmosphere on Pondok Baruna is very friendly and laidback. The prices are more than reasonable and the food is quite all right (Don´t miss the Chicken Breast Sandwich). Their old accomodation is basic but clean and really ok, unless you need luxury badly.
The Divecenter run by Sue and John has added a new speedboat to their fleet. So now they have 3 boats, which makes it possible to fulfill individuel wishes, like diving on Blue Corner (reserved for experienced divers). One thing that I very much appreciate is, that the center will listen and try to fullfill individual wishes. They also take into consideration the divers experience. For example had we one diving day with an almost full boat. Since I was quite experienced and like to take photo´s, I had a divemaster dedicated to me. Just great.
The divesites visited can be divided into 3 main areas. The North of Penida Island. Sloping reefs with nice coral (don´t forget to look after Frogfish), the channel between Penida Island and Ceningan Island (small bays and walls) and finally Manta Point on the dramatic South coast of Nusa Penida. Oh, I almost forfot the infamous Blue Corner off Lembongan Island. A dive that is always fulfilled with some thrill. This time around one dive with no current and little action and one dive with some current and a couple of Whitetip Sharks and Eagle Rays.
The main objective was to experience the Manta Rays. We did 3 dives down there. First, just a glimpse of a black beauty. Second and third 100% action for the full 60 minutes. Manta´s cleaning in 5 meters of water right in front of you and some really close encounters. They came within touching distance.
I have a theory about full moon and Manta Rays, and haven´t been disappointed.
Be aware, that the divesite can be exposed to high waves, so it is not always possible to go down there.
In general, this time around I had the strongest currents that I have experienced in this area. Probably due to the time of year and the full moon (no currents on Manta Point). Don´t let this put you off. These guys know what they are doing and follow the tidetables and it is rather fun gliding with the current at full speed and enjoy the Aquarium.
In conclusion, if you demand individual space to your equipment, you might be dissapointed, but if you are looking for a friendly, safety oriented divecenter with some very experienced guides, I would definately reccommend World Diving. Lembongan is also a really nice place to relax. However you won´t find nightlife, apart from the odd chicken.
Many thanks to Sue, John, 2 * Made, Nyoman, 2 * Wayan and the rest of the staff for a great holiday.
I stayed on Lembongan in the guest house associated with the divecenter. Pondok Baruna has added a swimmingpool to their facilities and soon 6 new rooms with air condition will be available. The atmosphere on Pondok Baruna is very friendly and laidback. The prices are more than reasonable and the food is quite all right (Don´t miss the Chicken Breast Sandwich). Their old accomodation is basic but clean and really ok, unless you need luxury badly.
The Divecenter run by Sue and John has added a new speedboat to their fleet. So now they have 3 boats, which makes it possible to fulfill individuel wishes, like diving on Blue Corner (reserved for experienced divers). One thing that I very much appreciate is, that the center will listen and try to fullfill individual wishes. They also take into consideration the divers experience. For example had we one diving day with an almost full boat. Since I was quite experienced and like to take photo´s, I had a divemaster dedicated to me. Just great.
The divesites visited can be divided into 3 main areas. The North of Penida Island. Sloping reefs with nice coral (don´t forget to look after Frogfish), the channel between Penida Island and Ceningan Island (small bays and walls) and finally Manta Point on the dramatic South coast of Nusa Penida. Oh, I almost forfot the infamous Blue Corner off Lembongan Island. A dive that is always fulfilled with some thrill. This time around one dive with no current and little action and one dive with some current and a couple of Whitetip Sharks and Eagle Rays.
The main objective was to experience the Manta Rays. We did 3 dives down there. First, just a glimpse of a black beauty. Second and third 100% action for the full 60 minutes. Manta´s cleaning in 5 meters of water right in front of you and some really close encounters. They came within touching distance.
I have a theory about full moon and Manta Rays, and haven´t been disappointed.
Be aware, that the divesite can be exposed to high waves, so it is not always possible to go down there.
In general, this time around I had the strongest currents that I have experienced in this area. Probably due to the time of year and the full moon (no currents on Manta Point). Don´t let this put you off. These guys know what they are doing and follow the tidetables and it is rather fun gliding with the current at full speed and enjoy the Aquarium.
In conclusion, if you demand individual space to your equipment, you might be dissapointed, but if you are looking for a friendly, safety oriented divecenter with some very experienced guides, I would definately reccommend World Diving. Lembongan is also a really nice place to relax. However you won´t find nightlife, apart from the odd chicken.
Many thanks to Sue, John, 2 * Made, Nyoman, 2 * Wayan and the rest of the staff for a great holiday.