Bunutan is a sloping reef dive site along the Amed coastline, known for its open underwater landscape, deeper profile and regular current. It is typically dived by boat on a traditional jukung and is best enjoyed as a drift dive.
The reef slopes gradually from mid-depth sections into deeper water, creating a dynamic dive that evolves as you move with the current. Compared to more sheltered Amed sites, Bunutan feels more exposed and spacious underwater.
Bunutan is popular for its sense of movement and scale. With current often present, divers naturally follow the reef slope, covering more ground without needing to fin hard against the water.
It suits divers who are comfortable in current and enjoy a more active dive. The reef structure, depth and water movement create changing conditions that make repeat dives feel different.
For experienced divers looking for something beyond a calm reef exploration, Bunutan offers a more energetic and open dive experience.
Marine life at Bunutan varies with current strength and conditions, but divers regularly encounter:
On days with stronger current, larger fish may move through the blue beyond the reef slope. Dolphins, whale sharks and giant barracuda have been sighted here.
Conditions shape each dive here, which is part of what makes Bunutan consistently interesting.
To kick start our honeymoon we decided to get our scuba diving certifications. We managed to do the open water and the advanced open water in 6 days (including 1 rest day). We did night dives, sunrise dives, shipwreck, drift and deep and lots more. Really good fun and Amed has enough to explore for both courses.
Wow, Wow, Wow! Could not recommend any other place to go if you are looking at diving in Amed. Myself and my friend completed our Advanced Open Water course (followed by a number of fun dives), with Wayan and the team at Bali Dive Cove. The whole experience was seamless!
At Bali Dive Cove, we typically organise two or more dives per day, pairing sites based on conditions and experience level.
When suitable for the group and conditions, Bunutan may be incorporated into speciality training dives.
Dive duration at Bunutan usually ranges between 45 and 60 minutes depending on the chosen depth, current conditions and individual air consumption. Shallower drift dives can sometimes allow for longer bottom times.
Bunutan tends to be deeper and more exposed than many of the sheltered reef sites within Amed Bay. The sloping reef, regular current and open-water feel create a more dynamic dive compared with calmer sites closer to shore.
Yes. Bunutan is often combined with other Amed dive sites during a two or three dive day. Popular pairings include Amed Wall, Jemeluk Drop Off and Lean Wall, allowing divers to experience different reef structures and marine life across the area.
Current is common at Bunutan, although its strength can vary significantly from day to day. Some dives may have a gentle drift, while others may experience stronger movement along the reef. Dive plans are always adjusted according to conditions and diver experience.
Bunutan is generally better suited to certified and more experienced divers because of its depth and the possibility of current. In calmer conditions, shallower sections of the reef slope may still be comfortable for confident Open Water divers when the dive is planned conservatively.
Yes, Bunutan is frequently enjoyed as a drift dive when current is present. Divers may drift gently along the reef while observing marine life along the slope. The strength and direction of current vary depending on tides and local conditions.
Bunutan is most commonly accessed by traditional jukung boat from Amed. Entering by boat allows divers to start directly above the reef slope and avoids the long surface swim that would be required from shore.
The reef at Bunutan generally begins around 15 metres and slopes down to approximately 35 metres, although deeper sections exist beyond typical recreational limits. The exact depth explored during a dive depends on the dive profile, diver certification level and conditions on the day.
Interested in diving Bunutan? Contact us to check availability. If you would like to include Bunutan in your Amed dive plans, get in touch and we can advise whether it suits your experience level and the conditions on the day.
