Absolute Scuba Bali Dive Resort

We used the resort as a base for three days of exploring and had been told to try Blue Lagoon for calm snorkeling. Padi pointed us to the place, and we were lucky enough to get a clean, tidy sea-view room with bulk bottled water. La Cabana had a wide choice of delicious food cooked to a high standard, and the swim-up bar was a nice extra. The best part came after we checked in and booked a snorkeling trip. Someone asked if I wanted to dive the next day. My partner snorkeled while I got to do some of the best diving I've had. The dive team were as professional, fun, and personable as the resort staff. At crowded Manta point, both divers and snorkelers got close encounters with multiple mantas. Crystal Bay was crowded too, but it felt like an aquarium: we saw a wobbygong, reef shark, sea snake, a turtle eating, and a school of barracuda. No Mola that day, unfortunately. The last outing was a drift dive at Peb - Sentinal, with areas that looked like coral rehabilitation and plenty of fish and moray eels. What I appreciated most was that my partner had a similar experience at the surface to mine 12-20 meters below. Great people and location. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I'll definitely be back.

We chose Padang Bai as our departure point for Gili and stayed two nights at Absolute Scuba. We were lucky to book one of the two ocean-view rooms overlooking the bay. The view was exceptional, though the room itself certainly wasn't five-star. We came for the view, and it delivered. We wandered around town on the first day, went to the cheap supermarket, then walked to Blue Lagoon to snorkel. The path down to the beach is steep but manageable, and the snorkeling from shore was great. On the way back we spotted a family of monkeys, which was cool. Breakfast the next morning was amazing. I had an omelette, bacon and toast, fruit, and a banana pancake that was more like a crepe and absolutely divine. Then I had jam and honey on toast with a pot of tea. This is a working scuba resort, so people use the pool for lessons before heading out to the sites. It's lovely seeing kids and grandparents learning on holiday. While I was walking around town later, the manager called out to me. My wife had to get my attention; it took me a minute to register. He's a South African chap who just wanted to introduce himself and congratulate us on our anniversary, which was really nice. Like other reviewers have said, this place feels a world away from southern Bali. If you're arriving in or leaving Bali through Padang Bai, give it a try, especially the ocean-view room.

The location is fantastic, right by the bay and just a 5-10 minute walk from Blue Lagoon Beach for snorkeling. I also did two local dives, and it turned out to be a private trip, with the dive master and boat all to myself. The service was excellent. The facility is older, though, and the equipment needs attention. My BCD had a sticky inflation button that overinflated it, so we had to return for another one. The owner should invest in better equipment and modernize the rooms.

Food was outstanding, and the pool and beachfront views were gorgeous. The staff were even more awesome than the beautiful hotel itself. Putu, our patient and accommodating driver, took us on the breathtaking Gates of heaven tour. Manager Duan made us feel at home and took care of all our needs. Thank you, Absolutely Scuba, for the amazing adventures. A must for divers and snorkelers!