As they say, “three times is a charm.” So I just finished my third “official” dive trip in Bali this year, 2013. I have been to Bali more than 3 times for sure. In fact, since this year I have spent at least 40 plus weeks in Bali up to my current age of 45. Why do I love Bali? For many reason. Even though southern Bali, Kuta and surrounding area, is touristville it still has a lot of things to do, especially dining and coffee / café shops. I also enjoy the swimming pool at the hotels I stay. But I usually use Bali as my starting time in Indonesia. After a long flight from the U.S. I like to spend two nights in Bali to catch up on sleep and get into the vacation mode. Then I am off to diving throughout Indonesia, including northern Bali. At the end of my vacation, I like to chill for a night or two in Bali before the long flight home back to Phoenix, Arizona. 
But for sure I have to go diving in Bali each year. I totally dig the great dive shop and diving agency, Aquamarine, http://www.aquamarinediving.com/. The folks there are above par. In fact, I hardly use anyone else when booking my dive travels in Bali and throughout Indonesia. I know that all the divers at Aquamarine are top notch. Yet, Mul, who is a Scuba Instructor, gives me 5 star plus service and have asked for his talents when I go diving since back in 2008. He evens helps me out with taking underwater pictures and finds all kinds of macro and other cool things to get pictures of. Next year I will have graduated from a “junior” grade Sealife underwater camera to a “high school” underwater camera. Yes, I am going with the big boys now! Now that means I still am going to be a novice underwater photographer. In the end one can have a souped-up camera but it still comes down to what the operator knows and does not know. Ira and her team also have taken care of me more than I deserve! Ira puts all kinds of goodies into my diving itinerary that even a cave man couldn’t say no to! Ira and her team are just awesome!
Even though I have dived throughout Bali I still love to spend most of my time at Tulamben Bay, Tulamben area (a new boat just was sunk to dive), and Amed. This area is really nice and quiet, chilled out, and just great diving. I usually do 10-12 dives each year just in these areas.
Next year I have a whole month of diving already set up. For sure Bali is also in this mix of diving so it will be my 4th official dive trip to Bali next year. I can’t wait! Cheers. Diving Doug / Doug Gulleson
