Overview
Bangka is one of Indonesia's most famous dive areas, drawing scuba divers from around the world to its pristine reefs and diverse marine life. The islands—Bangka, Gangga, Talise, and Sahaung—offer varied diving suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike, with easy access to nearby Bunaken and Lembeh Strait dive sites.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Diving · Island
Before you go
Connectivity
Limited connectivity on the islands. Some luxury resorts like Gangga Island offer WiFi, but most budget options have no internet access.
Money
Cash is essential—most resorts are cash-only, especially smaller operations. Bring sufficient Indonesian Rupiah from Likupang or Manado, as there are no ATMs on the islands.
Packing
Bring rupiah cash, dive certification if applicable, reef-safe sunscreen, and motion sickness tablets for the boat transfer from mainland.
Safety
Standard marine safety applies—be aware of venomous creatures during dives. No sharks or crocodiles present. Jellyfish occasionally appear during spring/fall.
Transport
All transport on Bangka is by boat; no roads exist. Arrange resort transfers in advance or use public boat from Likupang departing Sundays at 4PM.