Batu Bolong is a small rock in the channel between Komodo Island and Tatawa. The name means a rock with a hole: there is a tunnel in the rock. From the surface it looks ordinary. Underwater the cliff drops on every side and the current splits.
The depth is about 5–35 m. The side that faces the current is full of soft coral and feather stars, with tight schools of fish. The sheltered side is used when the current builds, because there is a downcurrent risk. Snorkelling is not done here.
Whitetip and grey reef sharks are on the shoulders of the rock. Napoleon wrasse, trevally, dogtooth tuna, and turtles are on coral that shows almost no storm damage. Entry is by boat, and the dive follows slack.
- Map coordinate
- −8.53608, 119.61399
- Dive type
- Wall
- Entry
- Boat
- Depth
- About 5–35 m
- Water
- Salt water
Marine life
Reef shark
Whitetips and grey reef sharks patrol the sides of the rock.
Napoleon wrasse
They cruise over the dense coral. Approach slowly.
Trevally
In the open water beside the pinnacle, with rainbow runners.
Dogtooth tuna
In the open water beside the pinnacle, with rainbow runners.
Turtle
On the coral around the rock.
Fusiliers
A tight school sometimes blocks the view on the side that takes the current.
Macro life
The current side is for the schools. The small animals are on the fans and in the rubble at the base. For macro photos, use a macro lens and a focus light.
Pygmy seahorse
Pygmy seahorses are on the sea fans. Frogfish sit in the coral encrusting the rock.
Frogfish
Pygmy seahorses are on the sea fans. Frogfish sit in the coral encrusting the rock.
An animal on this list is not guaranteed on every dive.