Belongas Bay is one of South Lombok’s most dramatic and untouched coastal destinations. Known for its world-class dive sites like The Magnet and The Cathedral, it is a haven for divers and adventurers seeking raw nature, steep cliffs, and deep blue waters far from the crowds.

Tucked away on the southwestern coast of Lombok, Belongas Bay is a hidden sanctuary renowned for its thrilling dive experiences. With dramatic pinnacles, exhilarating currents, and encounters with majestic pelagic species, this remote locale has earned a place among Indonesia’s most sought-after dive destinations.

History & cultural roots of Belongas Bay

Long before Belongas Bay became a hidden gem for adventurous divers, it served as a quiet anchorage for local fishermen and sea nomads from the Sasak and Bugis tribes. For generations, these coastal communities have lived in tune with the tides, relying on small wooden perahu boats to fish in these deep, current-rich waters.

A few oral histories speak of Portuguese trading vessels stopping in this area in the 16th century, taking shelter from storms in the bay’s natural curve. Ancient trails in the surrounding hills, now mostly used by local farmers and buffalo herders, hint at older trade routes linking the coast to inland villages.

Despite its rich underwater life, Belongas remained off the map for decades due to its isolation and rugged terrain. It was not until the late 1990s that divers began to explore its dramatic seascapes, and even then, only a handful of locals knew what lay beneath.

Signature dive sites: The Magnet & The Cathedral

The Magnet

This offshore pinnacle ascends from depths of around 80 meters, creating a natural magnet for marine life. Schooling hammerhead sharks, barracuda, tuna, eagle rays, and reef sharks congregate here between June and November, making every dive an unforgettable spectacle. The strong surge and down currents require a negative entry and advanced diving skills.

The Cathedral

A majestic underwater marvel, this twin-peaked formation descends 40 meters, hosting Napoleon wrasse, sea snakes, white-tip reef sharks, and vibrant schools of pelagics such as tuna and barracuda.

Other memorable dive spots

In the local Sasak language, the word “Gili” means “small island”, a term that captures the beauty and simplicity of the islets dotting the coastline of Lombok. While many visitors are familiar with the northern Gilis, the southern Gilis near Belongas Bay remain serene and largely undeveloped, offering a different kind of experience: one focused on marine biodiversity, quiet exploration, and raw natural beauty.

Among these, Gili Sarang is a must for discerning divers and underwater photographers. Surrounded by vibrant coral gardens, the area is a sanctuary for macro marine life. Keen eyes can discover flamboyant nudibranchs, well-camouflaged pygmy seahorses, and even graceful mobula rays.

Further out, Boulder City and the Blue Hole present dramatic underwater landscapes shaped by nature’s hand. Towering rock pinnacles, winding swim-throughs, and soft coral-covered canyons create an atmosphere that is both thrilling and tranquil. Schools of reef fish shimmer through the light-filled passages, and encounters with trevally or barracuda are not uncommon.

Together, these southern Gilis offer a spectacular underwater contrast to the deep currents and big pelagics of the Magnet, showing that the Belongas region holds treasures for every type of diver, from thrill-seekers to slow observers.

Why diving in Belongas is exceptional?

1. Rich biodiversity: Expect hammerheads, mobulas, tuna, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, sea snakes, and thriving coral communities.
   
2. Exclusive access: The rugged location ensures dive groups remain small and untouched by mainstream tourism.
3. Visual spectacle: Descend through blue drifts to vibrant soft corals and witness natural formations that feel almost sculpted for photography.
4. Important note: Due to challenging conditions such as strong currents, down drafts, and technical entry requirements, diving in Belongas Bay is strictly reserved for experienced divers.

Best time to visit

• June–November: Peak hammerhead season; enhanced currents and marine activity.
• July–September: Prime period with excellent visibility (15–20 meters) and warmer water (26–30 °C).
• Off-season (May, October): Slightly calmer.

Final word: a dive like no other

Belongas Bay sets itself apart as an elite diving destination. Its allure lies in the perfect storm of awe-inspiring marine life, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and limited-access exclusivity. It is not for casual dive tourism, it is for experienced divers seeking intense, uncompromised adventure.

Here, every plunge into the deep blue reveals a hidden world: hammerheads gliding in formation, mobulas dancing overhead, and the silent grace of the ocean floor. And when the surface returns, moments of serene reflection await on untouched beaches and cliffside sunsets.

If the goal is to experience Indonesia’s most dramatic underwater theatre, Belongas Bay is the destination. For the diver who seeks depth, both in ocean and experience, it is nothing short of transcendent.