Have you heard about muck diving in Lembeh or Amed in Indonesia? Our operations in LEMBEH and AMED allow our guests to dive in TWO of the best muck diving locations in Indonesia.
At both locations there is an array of rare and bizarre-looking critters, many of which are endemic to their respective areas, making them a muck diver’s dream come true.
At different ends of the country, you’ll also be able to experience two incredibly unique cultures which Indonesia has to offer AND only a short flight apart!
But just what is muck diving, and why are Amed & Lembeh the best? Read on below for more….
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The paddleflap rhinopias (scorpionfish family) is an iconic Indonesian muck diving critter
WHAT IS MUCK DIVING?
Do you love finding weird and wonderful marine life? Do you have a bucket list of rare and unusual critters that you have heard of but never seen? Do you love taking underwater photographs? If you answered yes to any of the above then muck diving is for you!
Muck diving refers to the fine black sediment which can be found at the world’s best muck diving sites – such as those in the Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi and Amed in Bali. The black sediment is volcanic and it might appear dull at first but when your eyes adjust you’ll be amazed by the crazy critters that inhabit these sandy sites. Don’t say we didn’t warn you when you become addicted to muck! Hunting for critters is a lot of fun and when you find two eyes spookily staring back at you the thrill is hard to beat.

Coconut octopus are one of the most intelligent marine species – and great fun to watch!
Critters that live at muck diving sites have to rely on their camouflage skills to remain undetected by predators because they have little coral to hid in. Some of the weirdest critters are masters of camouflage and can change colours, shape and even the texture of their skin. Some of the world’s most iconic marine species choose to inhabit muck and not reefs.
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Here are just a few of our favourites that you might have heard of…
Hairy Frogfish:
That’s right, frogfish can be hairy! These iconic critters sit on the bottom disguising themselves as seaweed, grass and algae. Their camouflage is so good they remain still for long periods completely undetected before they launch an ambush attack on the prey. They also make incredible underwater photography species.

The hairy frogfish is one of the most iconic critters of the Lembeh Strait
Seahorses:
Seahorses are one of the prettiest muck critters and despite their unique body shapes and long tails they are also master of camouflage that can easily be mistaken for seagrasses! In Lembeh we also find three different species of pygmy seahorse!

In Lembeh we see three different pygmy seahorse species
Mimic Octopus:
Is it a flounder? A lionfish? A sea snake? No, it’s a mimic octopus! These crazy cephalopods mimic other marine species to warn off confuse predators.

The mimic octopus mimics a variety of sea creatures to confuse predators
Blue Ring Octopus:
One of the most venomous species in our oceans is the tiny blue ring octopus. While those vivid blue rings might look beautiful, beware, this octopus only flashes its colours when threatened.

The blue ring octopus is a very small species and one of the most deadly
Harlequin Shrimp:
Colourful, crustaceous and carnivorous! The exquisitely decorated harlequin shrimp lives in pairs which work together to hunt sea stars to feed on. The show no mercy and will use their claws to amputate an arm form the sea star to take back to their burrow!

Harlequin shrimps are found in pairs and are highly carnivorous!
Nudibranch:
If you thought nudibranch were boring sea slugs, think again, at Amed and Lembeh’s muck diving sites, nudibranch are known as the jewels of the sea and can be found in a rainbow of colours, sizes and shapes from smooth to spiky!

Between Lembeh and Amed you’ll see a treasure trove of nudibranch species
Flamboyant Cuttlefish:
Would you believe us if we told there is a cuttlefish that flashes yellow, orange, pink and purple? It’s true! The flamboyant cuttlefish might be small but it packs a colourful punch as it ‘walks’ across the seafloor hunting for prey.

The flamboyant cuttlefish might be small but it packs colour when it flashes
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More about diving Lembeh and Amed……
LEMBEH
Lush, green, Lembeh Island is separated from mainland Sulawesi by a long, narrow stretch of water known as the Lembeh Strait. Lembeh has been given a selection of nicknames by divers from around the world over the years, including “Critter Capital of the World and “The Twilight Zone” but it’s best known simply as the location with the world’s best muck diving and macro underwater photography opportunities on Earth. In Lembeh, you really need to see it to believe it, and on Lembeh’s black sandy slopes you’ll see everything from hunting and feeding through to mating and hatching – it’s all on display before your very eyes!

Tariser monkeys can be heard calling from the jungle behind our Two Fish Divers Resort
Reef seeking? Not a problem, when you are not muck diving in Lembeh, the North end of the Lembeh Strait is home to stunning coral reefs, the main harbour area of the strait is home to several wrecks and the staggering coral walls of the Bunaken Marine Park are just a short drive away.
On land, Lembeh is no less spectacular, the island is home to the world’s smallest primate – the tarsier monkey and in the nearby Tangkoko Nature Reserve, troops of endemic Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque in the wild.
AMED
Amed is on the east coast of Bali, an island famous for its rich culture and friendly people. Amed was traditionally a small fishing village which is now a muck diving hotspot. Amed has retained it’s traditional Balinese charm and is a quiet and peaceful getaway – nut underwater it’s bursting with life and packed with critters!

Dive the USAT Liberty WWII Shipwreck in Tulamben
Reef seeking? If you want to take a break from the muck, Amed has no shortage of incredible reefs and wrecks to explore. Just around the corner is Tulamben, home to the world-famous WWII shipwreck the USAT Liberty, and Amed’s vibrant reefs and drifts are right on our doorstep.
On land, Amed immediately captivates you with its traditional charm and friendly locals, this is a far cry from the tourist nightspots of the South. Amed is bordered by ocean on one side and rice fields on the other. You’ll see colourful ceremonies and daily offerings being made to the Gods, watch locals going about their daily lives and enjoy the spiritual vibes and stunning sunsets for which Bali is so famous.

Enjoy Indonesia’s famous sunsets at the end of a day of diving
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Experience two diverse regions of Indonesia; North Sulawesi and Bali in one incredible trip. These two locations are just over a two hour flight apart and we can take care of the logistics so you don’t need to! Both Two Fish Divers Resorts in Lembeh and Amed are seafront properties so you’ll wake up every morning to the waves breaking on the shore and a stunning house reef just a few steps off the beach.
To make a reservation or for more information about diving and staying with us, fill in the form below and we will get right back to you!