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

Children and Diving: Start Your Child’s Underwater Adventure with PADI

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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PADI Youth Diving Programmes

Scuba diving isn’t just for grown-ups—children can dive too! Through PADI’s youth programmes, kids can safely explore the magic of the underwater world while learning about ocean life, teamwork, and self-confidence.

From first bubbles in a pool to their first open-water dive, every experience is guided by professional PADI instructors who make safety and fun the top priorities. Diving becomes more than an activity—it’s a journey of discovery.

Bubblemaker – The First Splash (Age 8+)

The PADI Bubblemaker programme is the perfect way to introduce children to diving. Held in a shallow pool, this fun and easy experience lets kids take their first breaths underwater using real scuba gear. There’s no pressure to learn technical skills—just pure excitement, laughter, and bubbles!

Many divers trace their lifelong passion back to this very first splash.

PADI Seal Team – Learning Through Fun (Age 8+)

Once your child is comfortable underwater, the PADI Seal Team takes the fun to the next level. Through exciting “AquaMissions,” kids learn diving basics, practise buoyancy, and explore marine conservation themes—all while having a great time.

Each mission builds confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection with the ocean. It’s an ideal next step before moving on to real open-water diving.

Junior Open Water Diver – The Real Adventure Begins (Ages 10–14)

For young explorers ready for the real thing, the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification opens up the ocean world. The course follows the same structure as the adult version, but with depth limits to ensure safety:

Ages 10–11: Up to 12 metres (40 feet)
Ages 12–14: Up to 18 metres (60 feet)

This is where the adventure truly begins—your child can join supervised dives alongside adults or PADI professionals and experience the thrill of real underwater exploration.

Building Ocean Awareness and Responsibility

Diving helps children see the ocean differently. Through direct experience, they learn why protecting marine life and reducing pollution matter. PADI’s youth courses naturally encourage eco-awareness, turning young divers into passionate ocean advocates.

Why Start Young?

Starting diving early helps children grow in confidence, patience, and respect for nature. It’s also a wonderful way to create lasting family memories—sharing dives, stories, and underwater adventures together.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a marine biologist or simply loves the sea, PADI’s youth programmes offer the perfect start to their underwater journey. Every bubble they blow brings them closer to becoming the next generation of ocean guardians.

Ready to Begin?
Give your child the chance to experience the magic of the ocean!
Contact us today to learn more or book their first PADI Bubblemaker or Junior Open Water Diver session. Let’s make their first dive unforgettable—because every young explorer deserves to discover what lies beneath the surface. 🌊

PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course

Click below for more Children’s Diving in Bali Information:

Children’s Diving

By Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern