Dive Site: Pillarsteen

About Pillarsteen

Pillarsteen, located near the southern coast of Padar Island, presents one of South Komodo's most visually striking and atmospheric dive sites. Its name derives from the colossal underwater stone pillars and sheer walls that characterize its topography, offering a moody, cinematic underwater experience. The site is a labyrinth of deep crevices, impressive overhangs, and intricate swim-throughs, all carved by centuries of relentless ocean surge. This dive is best suited for advanced divers due to its exposed location, significant depth range, and the presence of occasional strong surge and downcurrents. The volcanic structures create a rich habitat, supporting a diverse array of marine life, from delicate macro creatures sheltering in the reef to larger pelagic species patrolling the blue. Visibility is often excellent, especially when sunlight penetrates the swim-throughs, casting a golden glow on the rock formations. The walls are adorned with vibrant sponges, sea fans, and soft corals, providing refuge for various small invertebrates. In the crevices and ledges, you can discover hidden lobsters, schools of glassfish, and sometimes an octopus. Keep an eye on the open water for reef sharks, trevally, and turtles navigating the currents, making Pillarsteen a captivating destination for those seeking both dramatic reefscapes and abundant marine encounters. Diving here typically involves navigating the dramatic underwater landscape, often utilizing the current to explore its features. The unique light and shadow play within the formations also make it a prime location for underwater photography, capturing the raw beauty of this Komodo gem.

Dive site facts: Pillarsteen

Depth

12–35 m

Current

Strong, occasional surge and downcurrents

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

20–25°C

Entry

Tender / Negative entry possible

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Wall / Swim-through / Topography

Region / port

South Komodo

Coordinates

-8.7123, 119.4567

Conditions & Currents

Pillarsteen is known for potential surge and downcurrents, necessitating careful planning and experienced diving. Currents can vary in strength, particularly in exposed areas, requiring divers to stay close to their guide and the reef formations to avoid being swept into the blue. While visibility can be excellent, the powerful currents that shape this site demand respect and advanced dive skills. Entry techniques may need to account for strong surface chop and surge, and divers should be prepared for dynamic conditions throughout the dive. Thermoclines are less common in the southern sites compared to the north, but water temperatures can range from 20-25°C, potentially requiring thicker exposure protection. This dive requires excellent buoyancy control and awareness of changing water movements.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nudibranch

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Leaf Scorpionfish

occasional

Reef Shark

occasional

Turtle

occasional

Trevally

occasional

Glassfish

common

Lobster

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Ghost Pipefish

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Pillarsteen typically begins with a negative entry due to the exposed nature and potential for surge. The dive then follows the dramatic wall, exploring the numerous crevices, overhangs, and swim-throughs that characterize the site. Divers usually descend to depths of 12-35 meters, focusing on the vibrant soft coral growth and macro life inhabiting the rock formations. The route often involves navigating with the current, using the natural contours of the reef for shelter. Turn points are usually dictated by air consumption and current conditions. The safety stop is conducted along the shallower sections of the wall, often in calmer areas, allowing for a final observation of the reef's inhabitants.

Underwater photography

Pillarsteen offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, though managing buoyancy in potentially surging water is crucial. For wide-angle shots, capture the dramatic underwater pillars, deep crevices, and the interplay of light and shadow within the swim-throughs; a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal. For macro subjects, a macro lens will reveal the abundant nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and glassfish hiding in the corals and cracks. A powerful torch is essential for illuminating the darker recesses of overhangs and crevices, bringing out the vibrant colors. Patience is key when strong currents are present; position yourself carefully to stabilize and capture clear images without disturbing marine life or kicking up sediment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Manta Point (South)

  Known for manta ray aggregations, located in the same southern region.

• Cannibal Rock

  A pristine reef with a high diversity of colorful corals, found in South Komodo.

• Nusa Kode

  Offers beautifully pristine reefs similar to Cannibal Rock, located in the south.

• Secret Garden

  Features unique corals not found elsewhere, with frogfish and seahorses.

Getting there & logistics

Komodo National Park diving trips typically depart from Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. The closest airport is Komodo Airport (LBJ), which has connections to major Indonesian hubs like Denpasar (DPS) and Jakarta (CGK). Pillarsteen, being in South Komodo, is primarily accessed via liveaboard trips, often requiring at least a 6-7 night itinerary to reliably reach this more remote region. Shorter 3-4 night trips often focus on North and Central Komodo. Liveaboards provide full board accommodation and diving services. Park fees are applicable for entry into Komodo National Park, and these are usually included in the liveaboard package. Itineraries are carefully planned around tides and currents to optimize diving conditions at sites like Pillarsteen.

Safety & environment

Diving at Pillarsteen, like many sites in Komodo, requires careful attention to safety protocols due to the potential for strong and unpredictable currents, surge, and depth. Divers should always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a dive computer. A dive guide is essential, and strict adherence to their instructions, especially regarding entry, current management, and exit, is paramount. The nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, Bali, requiring air evacuation in case of a serious incident. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering emergency evacuation and medical treatment, is non-negotiable. Always stay within your training and experience limits, and ensure your equipment is in excellent working order.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pillarsteen FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pillarsteen

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$391/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

Mikumba Dua

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$335/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day