Located just north of Atuh Beach, Malibu Dive Site is a rarely dived gem on Nusa Penida’s wild east coast. Starting in a usually sheltered creek before opening onto exposed, colorful walls and deep blue water, this site delivers a powerful and unpredictable diving experience shaped by ocean energy, rich reef life, and the constant possibility of big pelagic encounters.
Location & Entry Point
Malibu Dive Site begins in a small, discreet creek directly in front of Pantai Sharon, on the island’s rugged east coast. Unlike many Penida dives that start from exposed drop-offs, this sheltered entry makes Malibu particularly versatile.
- Entry depth: around 8–10 meters
- Shelter: usually protected from strong currents (but check before diving as there may be washing machine currents even inside the creek…)
- Sea state: often calm
This natural protection normally allows divers to descend comfortably, get neutrally buoyant, and assess conditions before choosing how adventurous the dive will be.
A Modular Dive Site: One Location, Three Experiences
One of Malibu’s biggest strengths is that it offers three distinct dive profiles from a single entry point.
1. The Creek – Calm, Colorful, and Sheltered
Staying inside the creek is ideal for:
- Less experienced divers
- Refresher dives
- Photographers and macro lovers
- Long, relaxed bottom times
The creek is rich in healthy, colorful coral formations, with plenty of overhangs, rocks, and bommies that shelter marine life.
Turtles are everywhere here—often sleeping under rocks or tucked into coral ledges, completely unbothered by divers. It’s common to see multiple turtles on a single dive without going far at all.
On a recent dive, all on the same bommie, we encountered:
- A large frogfish, perfectly camouflaged
- Ribbon eels, both yellow and blue morphs
- A lobster hidden deep in a crevice
It’s a textbook example of why East Coast Penida diving is so underrated for macro and reef life.
2. The Southern Wall – A Step into More Dynamic Conditions
For divers looking to extend the dive, heading south from the creek leads to a wall that drops away more steeply. This section is more exposed and can feel very different depending on tide and swell.
- Coral density: still excellent
- Fish life: increases noticeably
- Conditions: may involve mild to strong current
This part of the dive is great for practicing controlled drift techniques and enjoying the sensation of moving along the reef while staying close to the wall.
3. The Northern Wall – Color, Depth, and Blue-Water Magic
The northern wall is the most exciting and rewarding section of Malibu Dive Site—but also the most exposed. It’s best suited for experienced divers comfortable with currents and blue-water awareness.
Here, the reef is:
- Extremely colorful and healthy
- Steeper, with dramatic vertical relief
- Open to the deep blue of the Indian Ocean
This is where Malibu truly earns its reputation. While nothing is ever guaranteed, this wall offers real chances to spot large pelagic species passing through the blue.
Divers have reported sightings of:
- Thresher sharks
- Hammerhead sharksMola Mola cruising past the wall
When diving this section, it’s essential to:
- Stay close to the reef
- Monitor depth and current carefully
- Keep one eye on the wall and one eye on the blue
Marine Life Highlights
Malibu Dive Site is a rare blend of macro richness and pelagic potential.
Common sightings include:
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Frogfish
- Ribbon eels
- Lionfish and stonefish
- Lobsters and reef crustaceans
Occasional big surprises:
- Thresher sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
- Mola Mola
This diversity makes Malibu appealing to photographers, explorers, and thrill-seekers alike.
Who Is Malibu Dive Site Best For?
- Beginner divers: not recommended for discovery divers, possible with open water divers by staying inside the creek
- Advanced divers: absolutely, especially on the walls
- Macro photographers: outstanding conditions
- Experienced explorers: strong blue-water potential
It’s a rare site where divers of very different levels can enjoy the same dive—just with different boundaries.
Why Malibu Dive Site Deserves More Attention
Malibu perfectly reflects the wild nature of East Coast Nusa Penida diving: quiet, powerful, unpredictable, and incredibly alive.
You can start the dive surrounded by sleeping turtles and tiny critters… and end it scanning the blue for sharks. That contrast is what makes Malibu special—and why it remains one of the most underrated dive sites on the island.
If you enjoy dives that evolve naturally, reward patience, and sometimes deliver the unexpected, Malibu Dive Site should be high on your Nusa Penida dive list.
Plan Your Trip & Go Further
If Malibu Dive Site has sparked your curiosity, it’s worth taking a deeper look at everything the island has to offer—both above and below the surface. To help you plan the perfect stay, explore our complete travel guide to Nusa Penida, covering how to get there, where to stay, the best beaches, viewpoints, and practical tips for getting around the island.
For divers, don’t miss our Bali & Nusa Penida diving guide, which explains seasons, water temperatures, currents, certifications, and what to expect when diving in these uniquely dynamic waters. You can also dive Malibu and many other exceptional sites with Dune Penida Dive Center, a PADI 5★ center based on Nusa Penida, known for its experienced guides and strong focus on safety and local knowledge.
And if you’re choosing where to dive next, our in-depth guide to the best dive sites in Nusa Penida breaks down each site by level, conditions, and marine life—so you can build a dive plan that perfectly matches your experience, your comfort level, and your sense of adventure.