2025 Internship End of Programme

Posted on December 6, 2025December 8, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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AquaMarine’s 2025 Divemaster Internship Programme Comes to an End

AquaMarine Diving – Bali is pleased to mark the end of our 2025 PADI Divemaster Internship Programme, which finished on 30 November 2025. Since 2011, the programme has offered opportunities to young Indonesians who wish to start a professional career in the dive industry. This year, we proudly worked with two interns: Hafid and Alfari.

A Year of Growth and Achievement

Hafid and Alfari began their training in January. They entered with limited diving experience, yet they progressed quickly. Throughout the year, they completed PADI Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and finally Divemaster. Each stage brought new skills, and both interns embraced every challenge.

They also learned essential daily tasks. These included guest interaction, equipment care, briefing practice, and safety procedures. As a result, they grew more confident both underwater and on land.

Supporting Indonesia’s Diving Community

The internship focuses on developing capable, responsible, and environmentally aware dive professionals. Hafid and Alfari showed strong commitment to these values. They demonstrated good teamwork, consistent curiosity, and a positive attitude throughout the programme.

Because of these qualities, we believe they will contribute well to Indonesia’s growing marine tourism sector.

Reflections from the Interns

As part of their final review, Hafid and Alfari shared their thoughts:

– “I’m grateful for the support and guidance I received this year.” — Hafid

– “Step by step, I gained confidence and reached Divemaster level.” — Alfari

Acknowledging the Team

We extend sincere appreciation to our Instructors, Guides, and Office Staff. Their steady guidance helped Hafid and Alfari succeed. Their support remains a key part of the programme each year.

We congratulate Hafid and Alfari on completing their Divemaster training. We wish them success as they begin the next stage of their diving careers.

Coral Restoration at Mushroom Point

Posted on November 28, 2025November 28, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Mushroom Point: A Journey of Coral Restoration and Renewal

Mushroom Point, tucked between Turtleneck and Jepun in Padangbai, is known for its colourful marine life. When parts of the reef began to decline, conservation teams launched a coral restoration project in 2023. Their goal was simple: restore the reef and protect the area for future generations.

Restoring Life With Acropora Corals

The team chose Acropora corals because they grow quickly and adapt well to Bali’s changing waters. They collected healthy donor fragments from nearby colonies and moved them to a small nursery close to Mushroom Point. Here, the corals had time to stabilise and grow.

After several weeks, divers brought the young corals back to the reef. They attached each fragment to eco-friendly structures placed on the seafloor. These bases gave the corals a firm surface to settle, spread, and eventually form new reef branches.

A Thriving Reef by 2025

By 2025, Mushroom Point showed clear signs of recovery. The new Acropora branches created fresh shelter for many marine species. Damselfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and juvenile fish returned to the area and made the growing reef their home.

As the coral cover increased, larger species followed. Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, and reef sharks began patrolling the site again. Their return showed that the food chain around Mushroom Point had strengthened and stabilised.

Benefits for Marine Life and the Community

The project also supported the local community. With more fish around, fishermen noticed healthier catches and more sustainable opportunities. Invertebrates such as crustaceans, sea slugs, and anemones also returned. Each species added new balance and diversity to the recovering reef.

Growing Beyond 2025

Mushroom Point now stands as one of Bali’s most successful coral restoration stories. Conservation teams, dive operators, and the community continue to work together to protect this coastline. As the project expands, Mushroom Point offers hope for a stronger and more resilient marine ecosystem in the years ahead.

By Alfari, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Internship

Bali Travel Essentials

Posted on November 21, 2025November 21, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Bali Travel Essentials: What to Know Before You Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Bali – whether for diving, sightseeing, or a bit of everything – here’s a simple guide to help you prepare. A little planning goes a long way towards ensuring your time on the Island of the Gods is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Entry Requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date and has two blank pages. You’ll also need proof of onward travel.

Most nationalities can enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VoA). The paid VoA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once; the free VoA cannot be extended. Travellers intending to stay longer may prefer to arrange a 60-day tourist visa before arriving.

Foreign Tourists Levy: To help preserve Bali’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty, the Bali Provincial Government has introduced a Foreign Tourists Levy. The fee is IDR150,000 per person, paid once per trip.

We recommend settling this online before you travel. You can make the payment through the official Love Bali website or app; once completed, you’ll receive a Tourism Levy voucher with a QR code sent directly to your email. Simply present this upon arrival.

If you prefer to pay on the spot, there is also a payment counter at the airport – although paying in advance is usually the quicker, easier option.

Health & Safety

Bali’s tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bottled or filtered water is the way to go. While Bali is malaria-free, dengue fever does occur, so we recommend a reliable mosquito repellent with a high DEET content.

There are good international medical clinics in south Bali, but treatment can be costly. Bring any essential medication and ensure your travel insurance covers medical care – including dive insurance if you’ll be joining us underwater.

Getting Around

If you’d like to drive a car or scooter, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit. Traffic can be lively, so many guests tell us they prefer hiring a car with a driver – it’s affordable and far more relaxing.

Money Tips

ATMs are widely available in the south, but limited in more rural areas such as Tulamben. The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). If you’re bringing foreign cash, use newer, clean banknotes and exchange money only at reputable places.

Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted, though small surcharges are common.

What to Pack

Bali is very easy to shop in, so pack lightly. Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal medication are the main essentials.

Bali is a welcoming, vibrant island with plenty to discover. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment.

Ready to explore Bali’s incredible underwater world?
👉 Plan your next dive with AquaMarine Diving – Bali and see the island from a whole new perspective.

Bali Diving 1 Day Trip

Click below for more Bali Diving Information:

Diving in Bali