Pohon Miring

Pohon Miring (“Leaning Tree” or “Crooked Tree”) is a drift dive on the northeastern tip of Banda Besar, named for a distinctive leaning tree visible on the shore above the site. The defining features are a colourful swim-through at around 26–30 m depth and a current-swept plateau where north and south current systems converge.

Overview

A large crack in the reef at approximately 26–30 m depth forms a swim-through (one source describes it as roughly 6 m tall and almond-shaped) lined with orange dendronephthya soft corals, sea fans, and large barrel sponges — one of the more visually striking structures in the Banda Islands. Moray eels, scorpionfish, and ghost pipefish inhabit the tunnel and the surrounding reef structure.

Above and beyond the swim-through, the north and south current systems meet, creating an upwelling that concentrates bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, dogtooth tuna, and sweetlips in large numbers. This is a drift dive: divers descend, transit the swim-through, and are carried along the reef in the combined current flow. Black snappers and sweetlips aggregate on the outer reef edge; emperor angelfish, redtooth triggerfish, and damselfish are also reported on the surrounding reef.

Strong currents at the convergence zone can be significant. The combination of a deep swim-through and open-water drift exit elevates this site to Advanced despite the 30 m maximum depth.

Dive Profile

Drift dive on the northeastern tip of Banda Besar. The swim-through is at approximately 26–30 m; the current-swept plateau above is at 15–20 m. Currents can be strong where north and south flows converge. Plan a drift exit and coordinate pickup with the liveaboard tender. Visibility: 20–30 m. Water temperature: 27–29°C. Best season: September to April.

Marine Life

• Bumphead parrotfish (schools on current-swept plateau)
• Napoleon wrasse, dogtooth tuna
• Sweetlips, black snappers
• Emperor angelfish, redtooth triggerfish, damselfish
• Moray eels, scorpionfish
• Ghost pipefish in and around the swim-through
• Orange dendronephthya soft corals, sea fans, barrel sponges lining the swim-through

Entry / Exit

Boat dive with drift exit. Entry at the uptide end of the site; pickup at the end of the drift. Strong current and the swim-through depth make this an Advanced dive despite the 30 m maximum depth.

Tips

• The swim-through is the centrepiece — follow the guide through in single file
• Station yourself on the upcurrent side of the tunnel exit to watch bumphead parrotfish on the plateau
• Best current for fish action: moderate incoming push from either direction

Photography

The dendronephthya-lined swim-through makes a striking wide-angle frame with a diver or school of fish visible at the exit. The bumphead parrotfish on the plateau are a classic wide-angle subject.

Sources: Bottles Up Diving - Banda Islands, Dive The World - Banda Islands, X-Ray Mag - Indonesia’s Banda Sea, Merapi Tours - Banda Archipelago Dive Spots. Last updated 2026-07-17.