Underwater adventure in Bali

The best-known of Indonesia's islands is Bali; an island as famous for its beaches as its friendly people and culture.

Though it has steadily been gaining a reputation as a lost paradise thanks to overdevelopment, the northern coast of Bali remains relatively untouched.

This side of the island, split from the south by a volcanic mountain range, is also an ideal place for an active holiday in Indonesia, particularly if you are looking for a Bali diving holiday.

An ideal time to visit is September, as the summer holiday visitors head home, the rainy season is yet to begin and temperatures start to cool.

Among the diving holiday specialists with breaks to Bali are Regaldive, which have a scuba diving break staying at the Pondok Sari in Pemuteran, a resort manned entirely by local people.

The hotel's lava beach is a good hub for exploring nearby reefs thanks to a dive centre, which is also by a colourful coral reef.

Within a short boat ride is Gondol Reef, a recently discovered dive site where you can encounter larger open water dwelling marine life.

Other bigger varieties of sea life can be seen at Menjangan Island, considered one of Bali's best dive areas.

Located on the west of the island, among the thickly forested area of Bali Barat National Park is Menjangan Island - around 50 minutes journey by boat from the resort.

Among the 12 dive site off the island, divers can explore caves, sheer drops, and a blue lagoon where camouflaged ghost pipefish can be picked out.

And if you do not make it to the island in September, a visit during the rainy season (October to March) could mean a higher chance of seeing manta rays and, if you are very lucky, young whale sharks.

For divers who cannot get enough of the water there are also opportunities to go on dawn fishing trips where you can see dolphins and coral reefs as well as the rising sun.

Other sights and activities available in Pemuteran include trips to historic temples, mountain bike rides and relaxing in the spa.

The Regaldive Bali holiday costs £949 per person for a week at the Pondok Sari, including flights from London Heathrow, with ten dives costing an additional £220 per person.

Other tour operators with diving holidays in Bali include Diving World and Iglu Tropical