Bali -- Liveaboard or Resort?

[bevanson]

We're thinking to plan a trip for next May/June to Indonesia, and are wondering whether we should stay top-side in Bali and do day trips or whether it would be better to hop on a liveaboard. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[kilo_fox]

I think top-side is better, because:

- the dive sites are close/not too far from the shore, many dive sites are even accessible from the shore, no need to hop on a boat.
- roads are relatively good, and Bali is small enough to make day trips possible.
- there is plenty of dive operators organising dive trips to all the corners of Bali, based on your preferences (where you stay, where and how many days you want to dive, etc.), if you want they combine it with top-side sightseeing).
(I have never done this kind of dive safari trip myself, but a few other Indonesia sub-thread regulars, sure they'll post soon their recommendations/experiences.. )
- on a LOB you'd miss the people/culture/food/nature of Bali (just don't go to the South, that's not Bali really...)

[frogfish]

I think top-side is better, because:

- the dive sites are close/not too far from the shore, many dive sites are even accessible from the shore, no need to hop on a boat.
- roads are relatively good, and Bali is small enough to make day trips possible.
- there is plenty of dive operators organising dive trips to all the corners of Bali, based on your preferences (where you stay, where and how many days you want to dive, etc.), if you want they combine it with top-side sightseeing).
(I have never done this kind of dive safari trip myself, but a few other Indonesia sub-thread regulars, sure they'll post soon their recommendations/experiences.. )
- on a LOB you'd miss the people/culture/food/nature of Bali (just don't go to the South, that's not Bali really...)

Fully agree - You even have great shore dives in Bali, so why go Live aboard ? The only advantage I can see is avoiding the speed boat rides to Penida.

[scottfiji]

I think top-side is better, because:

- the dive sites are close/not too far from the shore, many dive sites are even accessible from the shore, no need to hop on a boat.
- roads are relatively good, and Bali is small enough to make day trips possible.
- there is plenty of dive operators organising dive trips to all the corners of Bali, based on your preferences (where you stay, where and how many days you want to dive, etc.), if you want they combine it with top-side sightseeing).
(I have never done this kind of dive safari trip myself, but a few other Indonesia sub-thread regulars, sure they'll post soon their recommendations/experiences.. )
- on a LOB you'd miss the people/culture/food/nature of Bali (just don't go to the South, that's not Bali really...)

I fully agree! esp about south bal

[vladimir]

Bali itself can be dived nicely from shore, but a liveaboard originating or ending in Bali with 4 or 5 days left over might be the best plan. I flew to Bimi and sailed back through Komodo National Park, arriving in Bali 10 days later. I have also dived Bali alone, on other trips, from accommodations in Menjangan, Tulamben, and from the touristy Nusa Dua hotels. Skip the Nusa Dua/Kuta/Jimbaran area unless you really need another Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt, but don't ignore the good diving off Nusa Penida. Those other spots along Bali's north shore make for a great dive vacation.