If you love diving, Batu Bolong should be on your bucket list. This dive site in Komodo National Park offers a world full of colourful marine life and coral. Many scuba enthusiasts call it a must-visit spot for its rich marine life and exciting underwater landscapes. You will see reef sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish. The currents make the underwater experience thrilling. Every submersion feels like an underwater ride.
The site is not just beautiful; it’s also unique. However, you don’t want to go there without some knowledge. The diving site has its own characteristics you’d better learn about. In this article, you will learn about its location, including the dive types and water conditions, complete with the best time to visit.
Location and water condition
Batu Bolong sits in the Lintah Strait, between Komodo Island and Tatawa Kecil. Some maps also refer to nearby Tatawa Besar. Rinca Island lies farther north. This means it is more central in Komodo National Park. Divers usually reach it from Labuan Bajo on Flores Island by using speedboats, which takes about 1–2 hours. Some liveaboard trips include the site as a key stop. Although day trips are possible, it can get challenging due to strong currents, so careful planning is essential.
The dive site name is directly translated as “Hollow Rock” due to its conical peak with an arch. It rises steeply from the deep sea, forming dramatic walls, gullies, and slopes. Because of this shape, Hollow Rock stands out as one of the most visually striking scuba sites in the park. Moreover, currents flow along the pinnacles, so drift diving is common. Scuba practitioners can explore shallow areas around 5 metres. Meanwhile, the deeper sections drop sharply, reaching up to 85–90 metres.
Water conditions of Batu Bolong:
- Depth: 5–30 metres for most dives, maximum 85–90 metres.
- Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F).
- Current: Moderate to very strong; drift diving is typical.
- Visibility: 15–30 metres, which can be reduced after heavy rain.
Dive types
You can try various dive types as you explore Batu Bolong. Its unique conical pinnacle, steep walls, and surrounding slopes create natural areas for different submersion styles. The shape of the reef and the strong currents allow both relaxed reef exploration and thrilling drift along the walls.
The unusual structure of the site allows you to choose between calm and shallow reef dives or deeper and adventurous wall submersion. Moreover, the combination of water conditions and pinnacles in each zone features an enjoyable variety of marine life. These differences give Batu Bolong its reputation as a versatile and exciting dive site.
Reef diving
As the reef area is shallower, diving here will give you a view of colourful soft corals and small reef fish. The coral garden has plenty of nooks where nudibranchs, shrimps, and small crabs live. Although currents can still appear, reef diving here is rather calmer than wall diving.
Wall diving
The walls at the Batu Bolong drop quickly, while the currents often run along the wall. This makes drift diving common. Divers can float along the wall and watch pelagic fish pass by. Visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres. Due to its depth that can reach over 40 metres, it is recommended to be done by advanced scuba practitioners.
What is the best time to visit Batu Bolong?
The best period aligns with Komodo’s dry season, from April to October. First, it’s important to note that this specific site is an underwater pinnacle dive site, not a surface beach. Many do not realise this at first, so planning is essential. Only a small exposed rock is visible above water, and strong currents surround it. Therefore, timing your visit carefully is key to a safe and enjoyable underwater experience.
During the best months, the Batu Bolong sea is calmer, visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres, and water temperatures stay around 24–29°C. These conditions also improve underwater photography and make navigation easier. Drift diving works particularly well in these conditions, letting divers ride the currents along the pinnacles.
Within this window, each period has its perks. If you visit around April and May, there will be fewer crowds and a great chance to see manta rays. June to August gives the most reliable weather, perfect for exploring Batu Bolong’s pinnacles. Meanwhile, September and October offer quieter and more visible conditions. Avoid November to March, as this is the rainy season. At this time, expect rough seas, less visibility, and dangerous currents.
Dive with Experts at Diving FIRST
Batu Bolong is a must-visit dive site for its vibrant marine life, dramatic pinnacles, and versatile submersion options. From calm reef to thrilling drift wall, it offers experiences for many skill levels. Plan carefully, visit during the dry season, and enjoy one of Komodo National Park’s most iconic underwater adventures.
Experience Batu Bolong like never before with Diving FIRST. Our passionate local instructors guide you safely while sharing their knowledge of Komodo’s underwater world. Join us for unforgettable dives and explore the pinnacle’s marine wonders with experts who care about your safety and the ocean. Visit our homepage for more information!