Gili Tepekong

Gili Tepekong is a small island off Bali's east coast, located near Padang Bai in front of Candi Dasa, reached by jukung (traditional outrigger boat) in 20 to 25 minutes. The site is best known for two distinct dives: a canyon dive called The Toilet Bowl, and an east wall that drops to 40 metres. Both are rated Advanced only.

The terrain combines the canyon feature with a wall extending to 40 metres, where cleaning stations attract pelagic visitors. Mola mola (ocean sunfish) appear at this site from July to October, and the highest recorded single-dive count at any Padang Bai site — 18 mola mola — was logged here at Tepekong. Fewer dive boats visit compared to Nusa Penida, which generally results in less crowded encounters at the cleaning stations.

Conditions at Gili Tepekong are demanding. Current can be strong and a surface check is required before each dive to adjust the plan and briefing. The site requires slack tide and low swell; when conditions are not right, divers should change to a less challenging site. Water temperature ranges from 18 to 28°C, driven by the same cold upwellings that attract mola mola to Nusa Penida. Visibility varies considerably, from low visibility up to 40 metres.