SafariBali offers 15 days on the magical island, a total immersion between moon fish, mantas, rice paddies, sweetness of life and impression of being almost alone in the world: an itinerant stay to discover at the same time the most beautiful spots of diving and all the richness of Balinese culture.
MANTAS, SHARKS AND MOON FISH
Bali, let us remember, is at the junction between two worlds, Asia and Australasia, on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The result is an exceptional biodiversity, a host of endemic species, abundant corals, dives to discover the infinitely small but also large pelagics such as manta rays. And between July and October, enormous moose fish, which can measure more than 3 meters of span, cross in the waters of the island.
MEL DIVING AND DISCOVERING THE ISLAND
But as beautiful as the dives are, Arnaud and Anne-Sophie have always considered that coming to Bali without taking advantage of the earth's riches was a real shame. They were therefore the first to imagine the concept of the diving safari, combining the most beautiful depths of the island with a discovery of its culture, its landscapes and especially its inhabitants. They organize exclusively French-speaking stays, to ensure the good cohesion of the group. The safaris are guided by a French speaking instructor and Indonesian dive guides with a maximum of 4 divers per guide. The hotels chosen are of the charm category, if possible not too large, with air conditioning, hot water and swimming pool.
HOSTS INVOLVED IN LOCAL LIFE
Proof of their involvement and their integration into local life, Anne-Sophie and Arnaud provide their support to an association www.pedulialam.org which collects and sorts waste in the east of Bali. Recently, they have also been training orphans from Kuta (Peduli Anak www.ykpa.org) from Open Water to Divemaster to introduce them to the underwater world and maybe a job as a diving guide. Anne Sophie is State Patent and Padi instructor, she worked for several years in France, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam, before creating a diving center in Bali. Arnaud is also a state patent and Padi since 97, he has worked in the Caribbean, the Philippines, Madagascar, Costa Rica and the Maldives. Before settling their suitcases together in Bali in 2004.
THE PROGRAM: 15 DAYS - 12 NIGHTS - 22 DIVES
As a preamble, we would like to stress that non-divers are welcome and that a car is at their disposal with a Balinese guide for additional visits.
ARRIVAL
Seminyak, at the edge of the beach, 1 night at Grand Balisani Suites
DAY 1
Airport-hotel transfer, 30mn. Rest by the pool. Meal at the hotel. Menjangan, vertiginous falling island, 3 nights at Aneka Bagus
DAY 2
Transfer by bus from Seminyak to Pemuteran, 3h30. Visit of the flower market and the Bedugul temple on Lake Bratan. Lunch in Bedugul, dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3
2 dives in Menjangan, lunch on the island. A third dive in Pemuteran, in search of Mandarin fish. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4
2 muck dives at Gilimanuk to discover new species. Lunch in a Warung. Visit the Pulaki Temple in the late afternoon. Dinner at the hotel with Balinese dance show by the children of the village. Tulamben, at the foot of the Agung Volcano, 4 nights Mimpi Resort
DAY 5
Bus transfer from Pemuteran to Tulamben, 3h30. On the way, ceremony at Batu Ponjok temple. 2 dives in Tulamben, including a night dive on the beautiful wreck of the US Liberty. Lunch and dinner at Sandya restaurant.
DAY 6
3 dives around Tulamben. Lunch and dinner at Sandya restaurant.
DAY 7
2 dives at Amed. Afternoon relaxation and visit the Salines. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 8
2 dives on Bunutan / Amed, plus a night dive. Dinner at the hotel Candidasa, in the middle of rice fields, 3 nights at Puri Bagus
DAY 9
2 dives around Tulamben. Transfer by bus from Tulamben to Candidasa crossing the rice fields of Tirtagangga, among the most beautiful in Bali
DAY 10
2 quick boat dives on Candidasa, lunch on board. Visit the Aga village of Tenganan. Dinner at the hotel
DAY 11
2 fast boat dives on Penida / Lembongan to cross the Mantas rays and the famous moonfish (Mola Mola). A night dive at Padang Bai. Dinner at the Manggala restaurant. Seminyak, Balinese epilogue, 1 night at Grand Balisani Suites
DAY 12
Visit Ubud, cultural and artistic center of Bali lunch at Café Wayan for its famous dessert "Death by chocolate". Meal at the hotel.
DAY 13
Choice of surfing or shopping, airport transfer
POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS
Bali has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, landscapes and other cultural tours. If you wish to extend your stay, after the dives, Safari Bali can organize you various excursions of one or more days like the visit of the temples Uluwatu, Tanah Lot or Besakih (3 of the main Balinese temples), visits of Bali Aga Village (village origin of the first inhabitants of the island), Ubud (artistic city of Bali) or ascents of Mount Batur or Agung volcano (3142 m) ...
On the island of Java (minimum three days), it is possible to visit beautiful archaeological sites such as the famous Borobudur temple built between the 750 year and 850 according to the cosmic vision of Buddhism, the Prambanan temples, one of the most beautiful representations of Hindu art. The ascent of the Merapi Volcano (the most active in Indonesia) or some walks on the Dieng Plateau, at 2000m altitude with its unique landscape of terraced culture surrounded by volcanoes.
Also in Java, do not miss the splendid panorama of the volcano Kawa Ijen and the meeting with the sulfur carriers. On the island of Lombok, it is nice to relax in the Gili islands or climb the Rinjani volcano (3726m ). Superb trek of 3 days including 2 nights in bivouac with superb panoramas.
The tariffs of SAFARI BALI:
From 2500 euros * for 12 nights full board and 22 dives.
Or 15 days Paris-Paris - Flights and taxes included.
Text: Safari Bali
Photos: Didier Brandelet