Batu Bolong, meaning “Stone and Hole,” is marked by a small rock with a hole breaking the surface of the water in the strait between Tatawa and Komodo. Renowned as the most famous dive site in Central Komodo, it offers an incredible underwater spectacle of biodiversity, dramatic topography, and vibrant coral life.
The Dive Route
The South Wall:
Begin your dive on the south side, descending along a deep, vertical wall covered with hard and soft corals. Schools of fish swirl around as you zigzag upwards, making gradual ascents from 20 to 25 meters. The south wall is rich in macro life, so keep an eye on the corals for tiny treasures like nudibranchs and crustaceans.
The North Wall:
The north wall is more gradual, resembling a hill that slopes into the depths. Hard corals dominate this side, creating a stunning backdrop for schooling fish and pelagic species. The dive follows a similar pattern to the south wall, with slow ascents allowing divers to explore the extensive coral-covered rock.
Current Navigation:
Due to strong and unpredictable currents, divers must always enter on the protected side of the rock. Downward currents along the pinnacle’s edges make this dive unsuitable for beginners when conditions are challenging. Dives may be canceled during especially strong currents for safety.
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Common Sightings:
- Napoleon wrasse, large turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks.
- Giant trevally and occasional manta rays.
- Macro species such as nudibranchs and shrimps, especially on the south wall.
- Vibrant hard and soft corals teeming with smaller reef fish.
