For a truly alluring underwater experience, descend to this iconic vessel, struck down by a Japanese tornado in WWII, that’s rightfully gained a reputation as one of the best wreck dives in the world. Swim directly from the shore and head below the surface towards the haunting wreck where you can hover above the engine room smothered in coral and glide past a series of portholes.

Travellers arrive on this off-grid island searching for utopia and signs of the old Bali. Head straight to Crystal Bay, a serene stretch of fine white sand, backed by a thick tangle of forest and book yourself onto one of the diving trips. Technicolour marine life stalks the exceptionally clear water, and if you’re here from July to October you might spot the elusive Mola Mola fish.

Whilst you’re on Nusa Penida, beeline south to the vast waters swishing around this spot where manta rays flock in squadrons to feed and mate and cleanse themselves of parasites by tiny reef fish. You may also spot blue spotted sting rays, eagle rays, bamboo reef sharks, turtles and molas as you hover close by.

Strung off Bali’s northwest, in water a thousand shades of blue, is this largely uninhabited pinprick island. And if you’re seeking something extraordinary in a place few people know about, you need to add this to your bucket list. Descend below the waves and you’ll discover some of the most pristine coral reefs and kaleidoscopic marine life in all of Bali.

You’ll find this tranquil strip on Bali’s north coast, far beyond the thrum of its party scene and away from the thrilling surf of the south. Which makes it a dreamy spot to float in its calm and colourful waters. Fix on your tank and hover around the USAT Liberty shipwreck and lose yourself amid vast schools of Napoleon fish.

The currents here are strong and unpredictable making it one for the experienced divers only who drift around the gnarly rock formations clinging to the seabed of this dive site. There are caves and crevices to explore and buzzing swarms of sweetlips, jacks and grouper swirling about its breathtaking vertical walls. Sightings of reef sharks moving silently through the water are often on the cards too.

Backpackers often miss the true magic of this tiny beach town as they connect through here to catch a ferry ride to Lombok and the Gilis. But hidden below the waves is the Blue Lagoon, a mellow and spectacular site drawing snorkellers and divers (beginners and pros) to its sandy plateau, dropping into a hazy abyss of reef and rock, where critters scuttle out of crevices and morays slip out of sight.

Guarded by two tiny islands, Secret Bay horseshoes next to the strait of Java, catching thriving swarms of marine life to linger in its nutrient-rich waters. The water is only around 8-10 metres deep, making it a fascinating spot for muck divers to hover above the seabed in search of seahorses, shrimps, leaf scorpion fish and other peculiar creatures hidden in the sand and sediment of the bay.