When you have had a number of dives below your belt, you’ll know that the ocean needs our help. Coral bleaching, loss of fish habitats, and declining of healthy marine ecosystem has long been some of major concern between divers and conservationists. That’s why artificial reefs was build—to promote the marine life on an area. Artificial reefs provide hard structure for invertebrates such as barnacles, oysters, and our favourite, corals to attack. Over time, they accumulate and the previously sunken object is bloom with life, which in turn attract fishes to visit the areas to feed and seek home. Artificial reefs help to rebuild the marine population and they can be just as beautiful as natural reefs. Bali, as part or the world’s Coral Triangle and prominent dive destination, has also made several attempts to help the marine ecosystem by building artificial reefs. Various projects has been done either by government institution and NGO, which later become some of the best dive sites in Bali.
Have you ever been diving in artificial sites in Bali before? It’s mesmerising to see manmade items claimed by the sea! These sites are also favourites among macro divers. There are just a lot of things to observe around the structures, from smallest critters to large school of fishes patrolling the area. They are such a delight to see, and here are our recommendation if you want to hit up the best artificial dive sites in Bali on your next vacation!
The Pemuteran Bio Rock, Best Dive Sites for Human Made Reef in Bali
Do you know that the Pemuteran Bio Rock is the largest biorock project in the world? The site os located to a humble and laid back village in north coast of Bali. The project was a proposed solution to fix the badly damaged reefs and empty marine flora and fauna as a result from dynamite and cyanide fishing. The site consist from more than 115 boric structures in various shapes installed at the seabed. Today, the coral reefs has replenished and millions of fishes, shrimps, and critters are happily calling it home.
The Underwater Temples, Amed’s Pyramid
One of the best dive sites in Bali to visit when you are in Amed is obviously the Pyramids. Here you will see numerous underwater temples, made of stacked concrete resembling a pyramid. Each pyramid is beautifully covered with corals, seaweed, sponges, and gorgonian fans. The Pyramid are not only helping the marine life to thrive, but also become the most iconic dive site in the island.
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The Ocean Buddha, Nusa Penida
Bali certainly live up to its nickname, the Island of God. This island has not only thousands of temples on the land, but also God and Goddess statue under the sea! The Buddha Point consist of groups of underwater buddha statue between Nusa Cenengan and Nusa Lembongan. The eerie feeling when you dive between these enormous buddha, seeing light from the water reflected on their serene faces is truly otherworldly. This is hands-down one of the best, must visit dive sites in Bali.
The Phenomenal Sunken Wreck USAT Liberty Bali, Best Dive Sites for Beginners
Another iconic dive site in the island, the USAT Liberty Bali settled in Tulamben waters with great history. Starting off serving the Allies in World War II, got torpedoed by the Japanese, left deserted in Tulamben beach, and sunk to the water due to enormous earthquake from the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, the USAT Liberty has gone through a lot before becoming an adorable home to corals and fishes. The wreck is nestled in a gentle slope, just in three meters depth going down to 30 meters below. This make the USAT Liberty as the most accessible shipwreck in the world—even beginners can dive with ease.
Of course, these are not the only artificial reefs dive site in Bali. There are more to discover once you come to the island, and you’ll fall amazed at how manmade structures help the ocean flourish!