4. Current City, Batu Bolong

Batu Bolong is a tiny rock outcrop in the straits between Komodo Island and Tatawa Kecil. This is one of the top diving locations with steep drop-offs, but the current is strong. The top of the reef is covered in colorful corals, invertebrates and many reef fishes. Lower down in deeper water there are many large fishes including white tip sharks, giant napoleon wrasses and trevallies and large schools of rainbow runners.

We did the first dive in Current City when we were on our way to Komodo Island from Labuan Bago near Flores Island. On our return voyage from the south, we planned to have another go at Batu Bolong. Though we were informed of a very unfortunate mishap at this site earlier, we nevertheless decided to go ahead and do another dive here. We did it with some apprehension, but never regretted it.

5. Pantai Merah/Pink Beach

This is a very popular site as it is near Loh Liang where Komodo National Park Headquarters is located. There are a great variety of fishes here and a good selection of critters such as leaf scorpion fish, blue ribbon eels, crocodile fish and nudibranchs.

The site offers excellent macro-photography.

6. Castle Rock

This site is located off the northern tip of Komodo Island. The current is strong near the surface but is much calmer in the deeper water. However, on top of the rock at about 5m deep, it offers shelter from the current and hence the name "Castle Rock".

At about 30m there are big schools of barracudas, trevallies, batfishes, napoleon wrasses and mackerels swimming together, a sight, which is difficult to see elsewhere. At about 20m, the corals are beautiful with numerous sea fans where pygmy seahorses can be found.

7. Crystal Bommie

The name implies that the water surrounding this site is crystal clear though it is prone to current. It is located off the northern tip of Komodo Island, not far from Castle Rock. It is a beautiful site with excellent soft coral coverage. There are schools of sweetlips milling around while moray eels, scorpion fish and pygmy seahorses can be found amongst the corals.

8. Tatawa Kecil

A small rocky islet located southwest of Tatawa Island. Many coral reef fish including large groupers, trevallies, sweetlips can be seen. There are a couple of shallow caves, which are swamped with friendly batfish. Giant puffers can be seen hidden behind rocks and crevices. The whole reef is graced with beautiful coral gardens.