Question 1

Why is Belongas Bay considered an advanced dive site?

Accepted Answer

Belongas Bay sits at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the Alas Strait, creating powerful and often unpredictable currents that sweep around submerged volcanic pinnacles. Down-currents and sudden temperature drops from deep upwellings are common. Divers must be comfortable with negative entries, rapid descents, and using reef hooks on pinnacle summits. The reward for handling these conditions is encounters with large pelagic species that congregate in the nutrient-rich flow.

Question 2

When is the best time to see hammerheads at Belongas Bay?

Accepted Answer

Hammerhead shark sightings peak between June and September when cooler upwellings from the Indian Ocean bring water temperatures down to 20 to 23 degrees Celsius at depth. The cold nutrient-rich water attracts baitfish, which in turn draw hammerheads to the pinnacles. Morning dives tend to produce the best encounters as sharks move through the shallower sections before retreating to deeper water. Sightings are never guaranteed but this period offers the highest probability.

Question 3

How do I get to Belongas Bay?

Accepted Answer

Fly to Lombok International Airport then drive approximately two hours south to the Kuta Lombok area. Several dive operators in Kuta and Selong Belanak run day trips to Belongas Bay, with the boat ride taking 30 to 45 minutes depending on sea conditions. The southwest coast is exposed to Indian Ocean swell, so crossings can be rough outside the calm season. Most operators require proof of advanced certification and a minimum number of logged dives.

Question 4

How do I reach Shark Point from Gili Trawangan?

Accepted Answer

Shark Point is located on the northern tip of Gili Trawangan, accessible by a short five to ten minute boat ride from the island's main harbour on the eastern side. All dive operators on Gili Trawangan include Shark Point in their regular rotation, with morning and afternoon trips running daily during the dive season. The site can also be reached by a long surface swim from the northern beach, though boat access is standard and more practical for carrying equipment.

Question 5

What types of sharks are seen at Gili Trawangan Shark Point?

Accepted Answer

Whitetip reef sharks are the most common species, resting on sandy patches between coral heads at depths of 20 to 28 metres during the day. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallower reef edge and are seen on approximately half of all dives. Occasionally, leopard sharks are spotted on the deeper sandy areas. The sharks here have become accustomed to diver presence over years of managed tourism, allowing relatively close observation without disturbance. No feeding or baiting takes place.

West Nusa Tenggara dive sites

Best Season

Skill Levels

Nearby Cities

All dive sites

Belongas Bay

Gili Trawangan Shark Point

Hu'u Bay

Moyo Island North Reef

Sangean Island

Dive centers in West Nusa Tenggara

Gili Scuba Diving

Trawangan Stingray Divers

Dive Central Gili

Gili Divers - Gili Trawangan

DSM Dive Gili Trawangan & Lombok

Laguna Gili Dive Center

Trawangan Dive Centre

Dpm Diving Gili Trawangan

scuba froggy dive center

3W Dive Center

Blue Marlin Dive - Gili Trawangan

GoDiving Gili T - Open Water, Try Scuba & Private Snorkeling

DSM Dive Mini

Blue Marine Dive Trawangan

Signature Scuba Gili Trawangan SSI & PADI Dive Center

Manta Dive Gili Trawangan

Gili Island Diving Center

Mango Dive & Bungalow

Gili Air Divers - Freedive Gili Air

Divine Divers

Diving in West Nusa Tenggara

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