It’s Dive O’Clock Somewhere: Sanur, Bali

Looking to get away on a Bali dive vacation? The seaside town of Sanur, home to Bali Scuba dive shop and Tandjung Sari hotel, has everything you need for exciting dives and relaxing nights. Get picked up at the hotel by your dive boat in the morning, and get dropped back off in time to enjoy the Balinese sunset.

Happy Hour Dive Site: Crystal Bay and Manta Point, Nusa Penida

Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Nusa Penida Island is known for some of the most thrilling marine encounters in Bali. With three-tank trips offered daily by Bali Scuba, you’ll have the chance to visit multiple exciting sites, including Crystal Bay and Manta Point. Both of these sites are just a 30- to 40-minute boat ride from Sanur, but they differ a bit in difficulty and necessary experience level.

Signature Experience: Crystal Bay is known for mola mola sightings from August to October, but only advanced divers should venture to see them — these oceanic rarities like to hang deep, at about 100 feet, and downward currents can be dangerous in the area.

At Manta Point divers of all levels have the chance to encounter gentle manta rays, especially from March to June. There’s little to no current — only some occasional surge — and the mantas tend to stay shallow, so max depth is almost never below 40 feet.

Night dives can undoubtedly be amazing, but kicking back with a refreshing cocktail one night mid-vacation (on the no-dive night before you fly out) can be just as spectacular.

Watch the Sunset during Happy Hour at: Tandjung Sari

Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Since 1962, Tandjung Sari has been offering travelers boutique accommodations with traditional Balinese touches that make each stay special. After your day of diving, come kick back at the iconic hotel’s beachside bar. Sip on fresh-made cocktails while enjoying views of the Mount Agung volcano and Nusa Penida in the distance. If you worked up an appetite on your undersea adventure, head over to Tandjung Sari’s restaurant. The open-air eatery is located right next to the bar and serves up traditional Indonesian fare like soto ayam soup and variations of a classic fried rice dish called nasi goreng.

Signature Drink: At Tandjung Sari, do as the locals do and order a drink made with Arak. This liquor, which is sometimes called the “rum of Indonesia,” can be made from a number of different ingredients, but in Bali, it’s typically made from palm or sugarcane. Tandjung Sari offers a Arak Madu, aka “poor man’s margarita,” made with lime and honey.