For many travelers, the easiest all-round windows are April to May and September to November. Southern routes like Bali and Komodo often have better visibility and smoother crossings then. June to August can be excellent too, but wind can build to 25 km/h to 35 km/h on exposed coasts. For far eastern Indonesia, especially Raja Ampat, many people target October to April for calmer seas. Your operator's tide planning matters year-round.

Indonesia's most famous mola mola encounters are around Nusa Penida, typically in July through October when cooler upwelling water arrives. Sightings are never guaranteed, but these months give you the best odds. The trade-off is temperature: dives can include thermoclines dropping to 18°C to 24°C, especially on deeper sites. Bring a 5mm suit if you get cold, and choose an operator that brief currents carefully. A hooded vest helps on repetitive days.

Manta rays can be seen in several regions, but the easiest planning is to focus on Nusa Penida where encounters are possible year-round. In Komodo, manta activity is also frequent, and many divers report especially good action during plankton-rich months in December through March. Conditions depend on swell and currents more than air temperature, so ask your operator which bays are protected on the day. Keep distance, do not chase, and let mantas control the interaction.

Choose Komodo if you want dramatic current diving, big-animal chances, and a compact trip from Labuan Bajo. It is intense but efficient. Choose Raja Ampat if your priority is maximum biodiversity and reef scenery across many islands, and you can commit more travel time. Raja Ampat is usually pricier because transfers add up, but the reef density is unmatched. For a first-ever Indonesia trip, many people start in Bali first, then graduate to one of these.

Most routes to Raja Ampat fly into Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK) or sometimes via Bali (DPS) and a domestic connection. From Sorong you transfer by ferry or speedboat to Raja Ampat hubs, then continue by local boat to your homestay or resort. Because ferries have schedules and weather delays happen, many itineraries include an overnight in Sorong on arrival or departure. Pack essentials like masks and medications in carry-on in case checked bags arrive late.

For land-based diving, plan at least 3 days in Labuan Bajo to get 2 full days inside Komodo plus a buffer for weather. Four to five days is more relaxed and lets operators choose sites based on tides rather than forcing a schedule. If you want multiple zones of the park with less backtracking, consider a short liveaboard. In peak months, book boats early. Remember the no-fly window: leave at least 18 to 24 hours after your last dive before flying.

Yes, but choose the region carefully. Bali is a common start because Tulamben and Amed offer calm shore dives, and Padangbai and Candidasa have manageable day boats. The Gili Islands are also popular for courses. Ask for sites with gentle conditions and a shallow profile around 6 m to 18 m while you build buoyancy and confidence. Bunaken and Manado can also be beginner-friendly on the right sites. Save current-heavy areas like Nusa Penida and parts of Komodo for later.

Many divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit in Indonesia because surface water is often 26°C to 30°C. However, pack for the coldest part of your plan, not the average. Around Nusa Penida and southern Komodo, upwelling can drop temps to 18°C to 24°C at depth in season, so a 5mm suit (and even a hooded vest) can be worth it. Bring layers if you are doing repetitive dives, and pack a windproof boat jacket.

Often, yes. Many signature areas sit inside national parks or marine protected areas with mandatory entry fees. Komodo typically uses a daily park ticket system, while Raja Ampat is known for an environmental services card that supports local management. Some KKP-managed marine parks also use entry tickets with category-based tariffs. Your dive operator usually handles the practicalities, but you should budget extra for these fees and keep digital receipts accessible on travel days.

Base in Bali for comfort, food, and easy day-trip logistics, then add one island group that excites everyone. Good mixed-group combos include Bali plus Nusa Penida (mantas and viewpoints), Bali plus the Gili Islands (beach time and easy snorkeling), or Labuan Bajo plus Komodo (dragons and boat days). Build mornings for water activities and afternoons for temples, cafes, and rest so nobody feels dragged into the other group's schedule.

Snorkeling can be very safe with the right setup, but currents are the main risk. Choose sheltered bays, wear fins, and consider a buoyancy aid if you are not a confident swimmer. In current-prone regions like Nusa Penida and Komodo, go with a guide who will brief entry and exit procedures and keep the group together. Aim for early mornings when wind is lighter and visibility often improves. Avoid chasing wildlife and keep clear of boat lanes.

Carry a mix of cards and cash. In Bali and larger towns, cards are common, but smaller islands and ports often require cash in Indonesian rupiah. ATMs can run out of money or go offline, so withdraw before you leave major hubs like Bali, Labuan Bajo, Manado, or Sorong. Tipping is appreciated: many divers tip guides and crew at the end of a day or trip based on service quality. For restaurants in tourist areas, small rounding or a modest percentage is typical if service is not included.