Dive Site: Pos II Menjangan

About Pos II Menjangan

Pos II is a prominent dive site located off the south coast of Menjangan Island, renowned for its spectacular wall diving. As part of the West Bali National Park, this area boasts crystal-clear waters and a diverse underwater landscape. The site is famous for its vertical walls that plunge to significant depths, creating a rich habitat for various marine species, including pelagic fish and reef sharks. The topography features impressive walls, numerous overhangs, small caves, and crevices, all adorned with a high concentration of soft corals, sponges, and diverse gorgonian fans. These structures provide shelter and feeding grounds for a wide array of marine life. The visibility here is often exceptional, reaching up to 50 meters, enhancing the experience of exploring the intricate wall details. While Menjangan Island can be dived year-round, the period from April to November generally offers the best conditions. Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 28-31°C. Pos II is particularly noted for its gentle drift dives, making it accessible to a range of diver levels while still offering excitement for experienced divers. The site can also feature an underwater structure and small caves, perfect for photographers. Diving at Pos II typically involves exploring the extensive wall, with opportunities to encounter turtles and various reef fish. The calm conditions, coupled with the rich coral gardens and diverse marine inhabitants, make it a highly rewarding dive for both new and experienced divers seeking a serene yet vibrant underwater experience.

Dive site facts: Pos II Menjangan

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Zero to mild, sometimes moderate drift

Visibility

15–50 m

Water temperature

28–31°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Open Water and above

Dive type

Wall, drift

Region / port

Menjangan Island, West Bali National Park

Coordinates

-8.09, 114.51

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Pos II are generally mild to gentle, making it suitable for drift diving along the wall. However, moderate currents can occasionally occur, particularly when crossing open sandy areas, which tend to attract larger pelagic species such as barracuda and trevally. These currents are usually manageable, contributing to an enjoyable drift experience rather than posing significant challenges. Entry is typically by boat, allowing divers to be dropped directly onto the site and drift with the prevailing flow. Exit points are flexible, with the dive boat often following the group. Visibility remains consistently excellent, with little to no surge or thermoclines, ensuring a clear and comfortable dive. Divers should be mindful of current changes, especially if planning extended bottom times or venturing into deeper sections of the wall.

Marine life & sighting chances

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Green sea turtle

common

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Giant trevally

occasional

Reef shark

occasional

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Fusilier

common

Napoleon wrasse

rare

Garden eel

occasional

Gorgonian

common

Soft coral

common

Sponge

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Pos II typically commences with a boat drop-off directly onto the site, allowing for a gentle drift along Menjangan Island’s south coast. The dive begins at the top of the impressive wall, often around 5-10 meters, before descending gradually to explore the numerous crevices, overhangs, and small caves. Divers follow the natural contours of the wall, admiring the dense growth of soft corals and gorgonian fans. Depending on the current and individual diver preferences, the depth can range from 15 meters for recreational divers to beyond 40 meters for those with appropriate certifications. The route generally progresses along the wall, with the current gently guiding divers. The turn point is flexible, often dictated by air consumption or the extent of the drift, leading to a slow ascent along the wall's shallower sections. The safety stop is typically conducted at 5 meters, often in areas rich with reef fish and smaller coral formations, before surfacing for boat retrieval.

Underwater photography

Pos II offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens will capture the grandeur of the vertical walls, extensive gorgonian fans, and schooling fish. The excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, means natural light can illuminate subjects well, but strobes are crucial for restoring lost colors and adding definition, especially in deeper sections or within caves and overhangs. For macro enthusiasts, explore the numerous cracks and crevices along the wall for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and other small critters. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to maintain stable shots during gentle drifts. Patience is key when photographing shy marine life, and remember to respect the natural environment by not touching or disturbing subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Menjangan Cave Point

  Menjangan Cave Point, located on the south coast of Menjangan Island, offers divers a unique blend of impressive wall diving and intriguing…

• Mangrove Point

  Mangrove Point is a captivating dive site situated on the north coast of Nusa Lembongan, directly opposite a lush mangrove forest.

• Anker Wreck

  A 19th-century wooden boat wreck at 40m depth

• Garden Eel Point

  Known for a large colony of garden eels and a rich wall

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pos II and other Menjangan Island dive sites typically involves a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Bali, usually departing from Pemuteran, which is a 3-hour drive from Denpasar International Airport (DPS). Dive trips are commonly offered as full-day excursions from Pemuteran or integrated into multi-day Bali dive safaris. A daily entrance fee for West Bali National Park, approximately 200,000 IDR (higher on weekends), is generally included in dive package prices. Liveaboard options are less common for Menjangan, with most divers opting for resort-based stays in Pemuteran. Most dive operators will handle all necessary permits and transportation, making the logistics relatively seamless. It is advisable to book with a reputable dive center in Pemuteran for organized transfers and diving arrangements.

Safety & environment

Menjangan Island diving, including Pos II, is generally considered safe due to calm conditions, but divers should be aware that the area has a higher reported incidence of Decompression Sickness (DCS) in Bali. Adhering to safe diving practices, such as slow ascents and mandatory safety stops, is crucial. The nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, requiring a potentially lengthy evacuation by boat and then road, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive dive insurance. Site-specific hazards are minimal, but divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the fragile coral walls. Always dive with a certified guide who is familiar with the site's conditions and adhere to national park regulations, which prohibit touching marine life or taking souvenirs. Personal locator beacons are recommended for remote locations.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pos II Menjangan FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pos II Menjangan

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$272/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$350/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$476/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$190/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$473/day