Hi everyone…
I have posted several articles on diving sites in Lampung so far but surely that is not all. I sincerely hope you enjoy them as much as I do! This one is submitted to travel experience challenge held by @TsekoV . Hope it’s not too late to share some.
For me, who doesn’t have the luxury of traveling around the country anytime I want, going back home to Lampung and have a day or two diving with my club there is heaven! So after taking you to enjoy the underwater beauty of Indonesia , have a glimpse at underwater flag hoisting ceremony during Indonesia’s Independence Day, and enjoy snorkeling and diving at several places like Tanjung Putus and Pahawang Island and Kiluan, this time I will take you to Tegal Island.
Tegal Island is one of the many islands dotting Lampung Bay. I have to admit that I have a ‘romantic’ relationship with this place, as this is the island where I first did my first diving ever as part of the test I have to do to get the certificate back in 2012. After learning the theories and testing some of them at the pool for 3 days, I passed the test and was declared as a diver. One of the proud moments of my life indeed!
So, how about a little underwater adventure here?
To reach Tegal Island, there are several choices that we can take. All the starting points stretched out along Hanura and Ketapang area in Pesawaran, Lampung. It takes around 40 minutes to go to this place from Bandar Lampung, the city center. It’s not because it’s far but mostly because there is only one road with two lanes for everything, trucks, public angkot or minivans, tons of motorcycles and cars. Here are the choices we have
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From Ringgung beach. You can rent the boat here and chances are you won’t have any problems as many fishermen live in this area and they offer you the service to take a-day tour to Tegal island, back and forth They will usually wait for you until you finish
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From Balai Benih Lampung. This is not really a public area but if you can contact the boat man beforehand and ask them to come and pick you up here, then it will be closer to go to Tegal island. I usually go to Tegal island with my diving group from here.
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From Mutun beach. Mutun beach is a popular place, especially during weekends and holidays. The good thing is, you will always find a water taxi or a boat to rent from here. But then it will be a bit further from Tegal island and the boat ride will be slightly longer. Moreover, you will have to pay the entrance ticket and the parking for your car here. But it’s still not that much. So, in case you change your mind and you just wanna stay on the beach instead of going to the island, then Mutun will be a good place.
The boat ride will take approximately 30 - 40 minutes from the three starting points I’ve mentioned above. The cost of the boat rent varies, but usually around Rp 500.000,- for medium, regular boat accommodating up to 10 people and around to Rp 800.000,- for larger one which can take up to 15 people. Fast boat costs you around Rp 600.000,- for maximum 6 people. The fee might be higher during the peak season such as long weekends and big holidays. I have my own diving and snorkeling gear, but if you don’t, you can also rent it. The snorkeling set minus fins will cost you around Rp 50.000,- while diving gear varies depending on the dive center or club you go with. Depending on the size of the trip, the numbers of divers joining, my diving trip usually costs around Rp 500.000,- per person. It includes the boat trip, oxygent tanks, and lunch.
Make sure you got your logistics ready. Do not expect to have cafes or restaurant to cater your appetite in the island although some big ones might have warung or food stall offering instant noodles and coffee/tea. Better bring your delicious lunch boxes, chips and munchies as well as plenty of water and fruits. And please, please, please, bring back all your garbage and toss them away to the designated bins. Do not throw them to the ocean, okay!
So now…lemme put some lovely photos I got from my last trip there (but now living me with the agony of missing diving in Lampung more and more terribly). We did have 2 dives that day, approximately 1 hour-ish on each dive.
Tell you what… it’s obviously not enough. As an amateur underwater photographer, I really like to stay longer down there, if the oxygen permits of course.
Enjoy…and don’t forget to breath 
Let me start with this crowded spot, where I found this cute skunk anemone fish trying to run away from me and my camera.
I was saying hi to Mr. Turtle as well as we met these amazing creatures several times.
Then we saw the elegant yet dangerous lion fish and flocks of clown fish, gingerly shooing me away from their nest.
More sea creatures such as lion fish, star fish, giant clamps and nudi branches were there as well. Here is a collage of what I managed to capture.
So, all in all it was a lovely day indeed. Being underwater gives me an extra kick of energy to run my days. I bet @ravindus and @JoniG know exactly what I am talking about LOL.
Stay safe, happy and healthy, everyone!
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