Gili Tepekong North

The more accessible face of Gili Tepekong — healthy hard and soft corals, turtles, and whitetip reef sharks with manageable current.

Overview

Gili Tepekong is the largest of the three volcanic islets in Amuk Bay off Candidasa, and its north face offers a more sheltered diving experience compared to the exposed southern sections. The northern reef features steep drop-offs, swim-throughs, and walls covered in blood-red sea fans, table corals, and various sponge species. Schools of sweetlips, bannerfish, and grouper are resident, and whitetip reef sharks are commonly found resting among the coral bommies. The site is accessible to intermediate divers on most days, though currents can still be significant and require monitoring throughout the dive.

Site Information

• Location: Amuk Bay, Candidasa area, east Bali
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 10–20 m
• Current: Moderate; can increase significantly
• Best Time: May to October

Marine Life

Whitetip reef sharks, turtles, octopus, and cuttlefish are regular sightings. Schools of sweetlips, jacks, and grouper gather in the current-swept areas. Bargibanti pygmy seahorses are found nestled in the pink and yellow gorgonians, taking on their host’s colour for camouflage. Nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps inhabit the reef rubble. The cooler water occasionally brings mola mola in season (July–October).

Dive Profile

Descend on the north face and follow the reef slope from 5–25 m. Swim-throughs between 10–18 m add variety to the dive. Spend time on the reef crest examining gorgonians for pygmy seahorses before dropping to the deeper sections. Ascend gradually and complete a 3-minute safety stop at 5 m, watching for current changes during ascent.

Entry and Exit

Boat from Padangbai or Candidasa (approximately 20–25 minutes). Entry via back roll. Currents are more predictable on the north face than the south, but monitor throughout. SMB deployment essential for drift ascent.

Tips and Recommendations

• Gili Tepekong North suits intermediate divers; save Tepekong South for when conditions and experience align
• Look methodically at pink gorgonians for Bargibanti pygmy seahorses
• The canyon and swim-throughs between boulders are a highlight — follow your guide
• Mola mola are possible July–October on the current-swept sections
• Combine with Gili Mimpang for a full Candidasa diving day

Safety Considerations

Currents can intensify quickly and may reverse without warning near the island. Down-currents are possible near rock faces. Always carry an SMB. Maintain sight of your buddy and guide throughout. Abort the dive and surface in a sheltered location if current exceeds your ability to control depth.

Photography

The swim-throughs provide dramatic frame shots with divers silhouetted against the light. Pygmy seahorses in gorgonians require macro lens and careful focus. Wide-angle captures the schools of sweetlips and the coral wall character.

Sources: Bali AQua - Gili Tepekong, Mimpang & Biaha, Indopacific Images - Gili Tepekong, PADI - Gili Tepekong. Last updated 2026-07-17.