Close Encounter

Close Encounter is a popular dive site at Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park, named for the intimate marine life encounters that this protected reef consistently provides. The site features a stunning wall dropping from a shallow coral-covered plateau at 3 meters to about 40 meters, decorated with massive gorgonian sea fans, barrel sponges, and black coral trees. The wall's many crevices and overhangs shelter sleeping white-tip reef sharks, large lobsters, and moray eels. Schools of batfish hover near the wall edge, and banded sea kraits are frequently seen hunting in the shallows. Excellent visibility—often exceeding 25 meters—makes Close Encounter a superb site for wide-angle photography. The calm conditions and easy boat access from the Menjangan pier make it suitable for intermediate divers, while the wall's depth and rich biodiversity keep advanced divers thoroughly engaged.