Melasti

Melasti is a muck dive site located in the Tulamben/Amed area of Bali, Indonesia, accessible directly from shore. The bottom consists of volcanic sand with small areas of natural relief and no coral reef structure, giving it a distinct character compared to traditional reef dives. The terrain runs as a sand slope with patches of algae and sponges, and the site is typically dived between 5 and 15 metres, with a maximum recorded depth of 15.6 m. The shallow profile and low current contribute to reduced air consumption, making extended dives straightforward.

Melasti is a dedicated macro and muck site, and its volcanic sand bottom rewards slow, patient searching. Regularly encountered animals include wonderpus and mimic octopus, harlequin shrimp, tiger shrimp, skeleton shrimp, honeycomb moray eels, frogfish, seahorses, and a variety of nudibranchs. Green turtles are sometimes seen feeding on seagrass. Sightings vary by season and conditions, and no specific species can be guaranteed on any given dive.

Entry is from shore, and the site suits a slow, observation-focused pace, making it particularly attractive to macro photographers. Good buoyancy control is beneficial to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom. Current runs from nil to light, visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres, and water temperature sits between 26 and 30 °C. The site is rated intermediate in difficulty and is suited to certified divers; the depth profile is adapted to the diver's certification and experience on the day.