Batu Bolong Komodo is one of Komodo National Park’s most sought-after dive sites and is a popular stopover on Mikumba Diving’s Best of Komodo itinerary.
Thanks to its astounding biodiversity and stunning marine life, Batu Bolong Komodo is often ranked among the world’s top ten dive sites, offering a thrilling underwater adventure for experienced divers.
Where is Batu Bolong Komodo Reef?
The Batu Bolong dive site is situated in Lintah Strait or Selat Lintah, the channel between the islands of Tatawa Kecil and Komodo Island.
It’s an unassuming outcropping of rock, and from the surface, may not seem like it has much to offer at all. Part of Batu Bolong Komodo is visible from the surface – underneath the waves, the rock descends to a depth of approximately 85 metres.
The first thing you’ll notice is the raging currents that are sweeping all around Batu Bolong Komodo, but it’s no cause for alarm. These turbulent currents only hide the stunning underwater beauty and diverse marine life that makes Batu Bolong Komodo one of the most sought-after dive sites in the world.
Here, divers will come face-to-face with Napoleon Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Barracuda, Tuna, Snappers, various shark species and even Manta Rays cruising by.
Read more: Why Should You Dive in Komodo?
What is The Batu Bolong Dive Site Famous For?
Source: Ludovic – Flickr
Batu Bolong Komodo is most famous for its vast and visually striking underwater landscape as well as a wide variety of marine creatures and coral species. There are hard corals and large sponges on the reef, walls and slopes that present an incredible array of colours and shades.
A diving experience here is nothing short of visually striking, with hundreds upon thousands of large and small fishes swimming about in the reef, coral gardens and in the open waters.
Divers can spend hours here at Batu Bolong dive site just watching the astonishing volume of fish and marine species swimming about above and around you.
What Can You See Diving in Batu Bolong Komodo?
Source: Ludovic – Flickr
Diving in Batu Bolong Komodo is like diving in a stunning aquarium. Imagine an amazing variety of dazzling tropical fish of all shapes, colours, patterns and sizes playing and swimming about in the corals and the currents alongside large predators and charming marine creatures.
Here are some of the underwater species you’ll see when diving in Batu Bolong dive site:
Tropical Fish: Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Anthias, Lionfish, Clownfish, Triggerfish, Moorish Idol, Tang, Damselfish and many more.
Large Pelagic Species: Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Trevally, Barracudas, Giant Sweetlips and Dogtooth Tuna as well as schools of Reef Fish like Fusiliers and Surgeons swimming about in the currents.
Macro lovers and underwater photographers will be in seventh heaven here with all the great macros present with all their intricate patterns and vibrant colours, including Pygmy Seahorses, Nudibranchs, Tiny Orangutan Crabs, Harlequin Shrimps, Frogfish, Sea Apples and many more.
Other Sea Creatures: Keep your eyes peeled for Manta Rays, Hawksbills and Green Turtles at the cleaning stations here at Batu Bolong Komodo. A variety of shark species are also often spotted including White Tip Reef Sharks and huge Moray Eels with their sharp teeth and snake-like bodies.
Diving Safety at Batu Bolong Komodo
Due to the strong currents crashing around Batu Bolong Komodo, this dive site would be best recommended for experienced divers only. Strong currents hit the rock on either side.
Depending on the tide and the time of day, you’ll be descending on the lee side of the rock – or the side of the rock without the strong currents – when diving.
As mentioned above, Batu Bolong Komodo descends underwater for about 85 metres, and it is large enough to keep the cross currents at bay while you’re diving.
For your safety, please remember to follow your dive guide closely and listen carefully to instructions – your dive guide will know where the currents end and begin here at Batu Bolong Komodo.
Dive Batu Bolong Komodo with Mikumba Diving
Join Mikumba Diving on a thrilling and unforgettable sailing adventure to the Komodo National Park, as we explore some of the world’s most sought-after dive sites like Batu Bolong Komodo from aboard our luxury mid-range liveaboard Jelajahi Laut.
Built from the ground up by experienced divers, Jelajahi Laut – which means “Explore the Sea” in Indonesian – can accommodate up to 12 guests with six cabins and en-suites with hot water and AC, a large sun deck with air-conditioned dining and living rooms.
Don’t forget to check out our hot offers page for unmissable deals and discounts. Go through to our website for more information and book your diving trip with Mikumba Diving now!
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