Batam is an island city west of Indonesia. It’s a major tourist destination, offering a perfect mix of modern amenities and unspoiled natural wonders. Visitors come here to experience a tropical paradise and explore the pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. It is home to some of the world’s most colorful coral reefs that provide a rich habitat to diverse aquatic species.
If you’re looking for a perfect underwater adventure, plunge into the waters of Batam and its neighboring islands. Here are four snorkeling and diving spots for your next holiday:
1. Diving in Abang Island
Abang is located in the far south of Batam. You will need to spend a combined four hours traveling by bus and boat to reach this island from the central city. Once you get here, however, the reason it is one of Batam’s top snorkeling and diving spots will immediately be clear. You’ll be welcomed by fantastic views of clear oceans and unspoiled beaches.
The waters here are teeming with life. Even the shallow parts will be filled with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fishes. Abang Island’s waters are also home to the Blue Coral, a rare species found only in the freshest and cleanest tropical oceans.
2. Diving in Petong Island
Petong Island’s waters boast of excellent visibility. It offers several popular diving sites, including the Coral Reefs Garden, White Sand Coral Bay, and Clown Fish Nemo Sanctuary. These are great spots for beginners to learn scuba diving. A short introductory dive is enough for you to fall in love with Petong’s dazzling marine life. From spotted stingrays to clownfish, you’ll find amazing underwater creatures you thought you’d only see in pictures.
Just a word of caution: the ocean bed is full of sea urchins, so it’s best to wear protective gear even while snorkeling. Be sure to ask your resort or tour guide about the weather as well. There are times during the year when the beaches are full of jellyfish.
3. Diving in Labun Island
Labun is the most accessible of the surrounding islands. For this reason, be prepared to rough it up with many tourists here all year-long. Still, it’s the perfect snorkeling and diving destination if you don’t have that much time to spend on boat rides.
Aside from its beautiful diving spots, there are plenty of activities above the surface. There’s never a dull moment in Labun Island, whether underwater or above. People of all ages can find something to do here—from kayaking and fishing to banana boat rides.
4. Diving in Kerang Gelang
If you’re a seasoned diver, consider heading to Kerang Gelang. Kerang Gelang’s expansive reef is home to the Codd Wreck site. This 100-year-old vessel carried bottles of Codd, hence its name. Now, all of its 30-meter-long past glory lies on the ocean floor. It sits upright, allowing divers to explore its rooms.
The wreck has now seamlessly blended into the life underwater. It’s wholly encrusted in hard coral and is home to vibrant marine life. You’ll be able to spot schools of angelfish, parrotfish, cuttlefish, stingrays, and yellow snappers. Lucky divers may also see giant sea turtles.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a total beginner, you can find numerous snorkeling and diving spots in Batam.
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