Dive Site: Batu Kelebit

About Batu Kelebit

Batu Kelebit is a captivating dive site located near Tulamben Bay in northeast Bali, a short 15-minute journey by local jukung (outrigger fishing boat). This site is celebrated for its stunning topography, featuring two prominent rocks just offshore that transition into a gently sloping reef, becoming more dramatic as depth increases. The dive unfolds across three steep ridges exquisitely adorned with a rich diversity of hard and soft corals, including fire and table corals, alongside numerous vibrant sea fans and sponges. Between these impressive ridges, channels of grey and white sand extend to depths of 25–40 meters. These sandy expanses are prime locations to spot schools of big-eyed trevallys, fire dartfish, gold-specs jawfish, starry puffers, and cuttlefish. The unique steepness of the site, combined with its ridge formations and plankton-rich waters, creates an environment where pelagic encounters are more frequent than in Tulamben Bay. Divers here often encounter barracudas, large tunas, white-tip reef sharks, turtles, and dogtooth tunas, with occasional sightings of manta rays and even the elusive mola-mola (ocean sunfish) at deeper levels. Batu Kelebit offers a distinct marine ecosystem compared to nearby Tulamben Bay, with different species of common reef fish thriving here. Currents can range from mild to quite strong, with occasional deceptive down currents, necessitating careful depth monitoring and staying close to the dive guide. The water temperature is often cooler, around 26°C, due to cold upwellings, and visibility typically ranges from 15 to 20 meters or better. This site is ideal for intermediate to advanced divers seeking diverse coral structures and the thrill of encountering larger marine life.

Dive site facts: Batu Kelebit

Depth

3–60+ m

Typical dive

25 m average, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat / shore (high tide)

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift, deep

Region / port

Tulamben, Bali

Coordinates

-8.26, 115.598

Conditions & Currents

Batu Kelebit is known for occasional strong currents, which can make it a challenging dive site, better suited for advanced divers. While currents are often mild, divers should be prepared for varying strengths and directions, particularly at depth. This site demands attention to current planning, negative entry skills, and effective communication with dive leaders. Stronger currents can lead to excellent drift diving opportunities, but also require diligent buoyancy control and awareness of depth changes. Divers should be comfortable with currents to fully enjoy the site's rich marine life and dramatic topography.

Marine life & sighting chances

Scorpionfish

common

Southern Eagle Ray

occasional

Green Humphead Parrotfish

common

Napoleon Wrasse

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Trevally

common

Barracuda

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Shrimp

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Batu Kelebit often begin with a boat entry, or a shore entry at high tide, leading to the deep coral walls. You'll typically descend along the wall, observing the vibrant coral and sponges that adorn it. The profile often involves exploring the various overhangs and deeper sections, where larger pelagic species may cruise by. Given the potential for currents, a drift dive is common, requiring divers to move with the flow while maintaining good buoyancy control. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption and current direction, allowing for a gradual ascent along the reef. Safety stops are conducted in shallower, more protected areas of the reef or in the blue, depending on current conditions, before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Batu Kelebit offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of its impressive coral walls and schooling fish to macro subjects hidden within the reef. For wide-angle photography, a fisheye or wide-angle lens will capture the grandeur of the deep walls and the expansive coral formations. When currents are present, stability is key, so consider using strobes to bring out vibrant colors, especially in deeper sections. Macro photographers will find plenty of critters like nudibranchs and shrimp in the intricate coral crevices, best captured with a dedicated macro lens and a snoot for precise lighting. Due to the deep nature and potential currents, excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem and to maintain stable shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tulamben Drop-Off

  A dramatic wall dive plunging to over 70 meters, known for vibrant corals and reef fish.

• USAT Liberty Wreck

  Iconic 120m WWII cargo ship, a teeming artificial reef accessible to all levels.

• Seraya Secrets

  Premier muck diving site known for rare macro critters on black volcanic sand.

• Pyramids Amed

  Artificial reef structures attracting diverse fish life, good for macro and wide-angle.

• Amed Wall

  Shallow coral garden leading to a vibrant, deep wall, suitable for various skill levels.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tulamben, the nearest dive hub for Batu Kelebit, is typically via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. From there, it's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Tulamben. Dive operators in Tulamben offer day trips to Batu Kelebit, usually involving a boat transfer from the shore or other nearby dive sites like the Tulamben Drop Off. There are no specific marine park fees for this site, but dive packages generally include boat fees and guide services. Trips often combine Batu Kelebit with other Tulamben sites like the Liberty Wreck or the Drop Off to maximize dive time in the area.

Safety & environment

While diving Batu Kelebit, it is crucial to carry appropriate dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as the nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, requiring significant travel time. Due to the site's depth and potential for strong currents, advanced certification and experience are mandatory. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions closely, especially regarding entry, exit, and current management. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the fragile coral ecosystem and be aware of boat traffic if surfacing away from the designated entry/exit points. Emergency procedures and communication methods should be thoroughly reviewed before the dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Batu Kelebit FAQ

Liveaboards diving Batu Kelebit

These liveaboards may visit Batu Kelebit on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$309/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$350/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$542/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$216/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$473/day