Bali’s Padangbai Offers Tourists Access To Hidden Snorkeling Sites

Share The Article

East Bali is home to some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Bali.

With historical dive sites and expansive coral reefs off the coast of Amed and Tulamben, East Bali is known as a marine lover’s paradise.

Yet, there are dozens of overlooked dive and snorkeling sites across the east, and Padangbai is perhaps the best of all.

For most tourists familiar with Bali, Padangbai is best known as the gateway to the Nusa Islands and Gili Islands.

The busy and bustling Padangbai Port is visited by tourists who simply pass through. Many feel that the port town has little to offer when compared to other coastal resorts in Karangasem, such as Candidasa, Amed, and Tulamben, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Stay in Padangbai for a few minutes longer than it takes to catch a fast boat, and you’ll see that this coastal village is a real authentic travel gem. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MyTravel Indonesia (@mytravel.indo)

Padangbai’s Blue Lagoon is a picture-perfect, almost textbook lagoon in the heart of Padangbai.

This secret lagoon glistens crystal clear waters and gentle waves and offers stunning views out into the open ocean.

Snorkeling in Blue Lagoon is not to be missed, as the area is home to one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the province. 

The Head of Padangbai Traditional Village, Jro Made Sudiarta, told reporters that Blue Lagoon is not only home to stunning, colorful coral but is also home to resident turtles.

Sudiarta said that many of the corals have grown in a unique terrace formation. He noted, “It was formed naturally and has been there for a long time.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OK Divers Bali (@okdiversbali)

Sudiarta said that there is currently a good balance of day beach visitors and overnight tourists who want to snorkel, with around 200 people visiting the Blue Lagoon every day.

Over the last few years small but significant improvements have been made to the supporting infrastructure around Blue lagoon making a visit easier and more enjoyable for tourists. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mbok Gek Magda (@mbokgekmagda)

Sudiarta added, “Currently, the beach has received additional facilities. Especially the road access is already good.”

It is important for tourists to be aware that while Blue Lagoon is home to stunning marine life and offers great snorkeling for all ages, it is essential to talk to local dive and snorkeling providers or local community members before entering the water.

Swimming outside of the Blue Lagoon area can quickly become dangerous, the sacred waters are shrouded in local folklore and a current has been known to pull fishermen and swimmers out to sea. Always check the tide times and be mindful of weather conditions, especially the wind. 

For travelers looking for a beachfront vacation free from crowds and with plenty of activities and access to cultural wonders, East Bali has to be the destination of choice.

Beachfront resorts like Amed and Tulamben have effortlessly retained their fishing village charms, and for a touch of oceanfront luxury, Candidasa is home to a fantastic selection of 5-star hotels and luxury private villas. 

Padangbai, once a fishing village that offered very modest accommodation to passers-through, is now home to a selection of affordable and comfortable guesthouses and locally run hotels.

Bloo Lagoon Eco Village is a 3-star resort offering guests rustic-chic villas with breathtaking sea views and has proven to be a favorite amongst travelers returning to East Bali. 

East Bali is home to many of the island’s most spiritually significant temples and natural landscapes. Karangasem Regency is home to the Besakih Great Temple, also known as the Mother Temple, the complex features 23 temples and is the most important point on the island for Balinese Hindus.

The temple complex is open for tourists to visit, though visitors must be respectful and observe the temple etiquette.