Komodo National Park
Komodo & Rinca
Butterflyfish - Chaetodontidae
Some of the most colourful and graceful of all tropical fishes, the Butterflyfish family encompasses some of the reefs most famous inhabitants.
Bali South
Dive
There are quite a few dive centres and the dive industry here is well established. Day trips are usually made to Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan. It is also possible to arrange trips to other areas in Bali, especially trips to Tulamben. Due to the travel times however, some people prefer to make an overnight trip or longer.
Southern Bali is also the departure point for Liveaboards making trips to Komodo National Park to the east, as well as the pick-up point for visiting Wakatobi by Liveaboard.
There are now quite a few well-established Liveaboard operators making trips to Komodo & Rinca. Trips run throuhgout the year & usually last for around 7-10 days, taking in Lombok & Sumbawa in addition to the sites of Komodo, before returning to Bali.
Stay
There is a huge range of accommodation available in this area, from top-end luxury hotels to simple guest houses. Kuta is the main tourist hub of the area, with the biggest range of accommodation and the most amenities. Nusa Dua and Sanur are a little quieter and a little more upmarket.
Travel
The area has its own international airport in Denpasar, the capital, with flights all over Asia plus Australia & Europe. From the airport, a bus or taxi can take you to any of the well-toursited areas. Antiquated ferries run between all of Indonesia's major islands, including Lombok directly to the east of Bali and Java to the west.
Do
Aside from diving, there is a huge amount to do here. Activities include great shopping, amusement parks, surfing, all sorts of adventure sports and plenty of other attractions. There are some very nice beaches in the area, especially to the south and Kuta is known for its lively nightlife.
Maumere
Dive
There are 3 dive centres in resorts spread out along the coast near Maumere, making daily trips to the nearby islands & dive sites. Liveaboards sometimes visit the area's dive sites too, and Liveaboard tripss also leave from Maumere heading to Alor & other locations further to the east.
Stay
Most accommodation is along the coast near Maumere and the few dives shops here tend to be in resorts. The accommodation tends to be comfortable mid-range cottages & bungalows.
Travel
Maumere has an airport which connects to Bali and a few other spots in Indonesia. From here it is not far to most of the resorts or to Maumere town centre. Maumere is connected by bus routes to Ende and a few other points on the island. Indonesia's ageing ferry network also ply's routes to other islands - this is a very slow way to travel though.
Do
On land, Maumere is surrounded by beautiful scenery. One of major attractions is Mount Kelimutu, a volcano that has 3 lakes, all of which are a different colour. There are also fascinating villages and peoples dotted around the countryside and an interesting market in Maumere town. There is little in the way of nightlife and the main reasons to visit Maumere is to dive & explore the surrounding area.
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