For the majority of travel aficionado, Nusa Penida might be identical with the ever-famous Kelingking Beach, Angel Billabong, and series of other stunning white beaches. Nusa Penida, the biggest of Nusa trio just off the mainland Bali is indeed known for its laidback, off the beaten path exotic tropical setting which radiates strong wanderlust vibes. For divers, however, Nusa Penida is a vast and gorgeous playground which displays arrays of vibrant corals, colorful fishes, and impressive ocean creatures! Diving in Nusa Penida would easily leave any divers in awe—simply because of what they’ll see underneath the waves. Here are four of big celebrity fishes which enjoy Nusa Penida’s plankton-rich waters and attentions from worldwide marine enthusiast.
Big Celebrity Fishes on Nusa Penida Diving
These fishes are certainly not the only ocean dwellers in Nusa Penida. The similarity between them lies on their notable size and their popularity among divers. Diving in Nusa Penida would never be complete without a sight of these animals!
The Magnificent Manta Rays
If popular fishes were Hollywood stars, the Manta Rays would be like Taylor Swift. Or Chris Martin. Their enormous body is just as big as their name. Manta Rays are the highlight of diving in Nusa Penida. They are the largest among the ray family and are the smartest among all fishes (before you think of dolphins, remember that they are mammals and are not fishes). Manta Rays are often nicknamed as the gentle giants of the sea; they move so graciously and are very friendly towards divers. In a way that similar to birds, Manta Rays swims by flapping their large “wings” and glide through the water. Despite of their size, Manta Rays eat only plankton! Sometimes they enjoy crustacean and smaller fishes but they are totally harmless—especially to humans.
Manta Rays love to hangout around the feeding stations or their favourite cleaning stations. They are mainly spotted on the southern coast of Nusa Penida. The Manta Point and Manta Bay are two most famous Nusa Penida diving site to spot Manta Ray, though sometimes they swim to the Crystal Bay, too.
The Weirdo of the Ocean: Mola Mola
Once you take a look at Mola Mola, you would agree that they are probably not the most good-looking fish in the sea. But you will admit that they have a special charm that would keep any divers fascinated. I meant, just look at them!
The weird yet admirable Mola Mola or sunfish is generally a deep-water fish. They live in the twilight zone of Nusa Penida for more than half of the year. They come up to the shallower water during July to November as the cold currents begin to flow to the water. They love cool temperature—and when it comes, this means the Mola Mola can travel to the sunlight zone to get their yearly treatment. They love to attend the “reef fishes spa” as these fishes plucks parasites and dead skins off the Mola Mola’s body. This is also the time when Mola Mola gets to sunbathe on the ocean surface—absorbing as much as sunlight to warm up their body—which earned then the sunfish nickname.
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The Protected Hawksbill Turtle at Nusa Penida Diving Protected Area
Hawksbill turtle are declared as critically endangered and now live under strict protection by law. They were hunted for their shells and eggs for years before conservation efforts starts to look after this poor animal. The Hawksbill turtle are now enjoying undivided attentions from marine devotees and better living situation thanks to the growing awareness. Today, diving in Nusa Penida won’t be complete without a sight of the Hawksbill turtle. They are mainly spotted around the Atuh beach Nusa Penida and Padang Bai Bali.
The Pretty and Dangerous Blue Spotted Stingray
So this is the venomous cousin of Manta Ray. The blue spotted stingray come in bright and striking color. Their yellowish body is adorned with light blue dots followed with equally dazzling electric blue tails. Unlike their larger cousin, they are relatively short and love to dwell on the ocean’s floor than in the body of water. However, much like their friendlier cousin, they are also commonly witnessed around the Manta Bay and Manta Point Nusa Penida. Be careful during your Nusa Penida diving though—don’t get too close to this pretty ray or they will sting your with their pretty stingers!
Gary Holmes