BONDALEM — The vibrant underwater world of Bondalem once again mesmerized the public during the Underwater Photography Competition at the Jaladhi Vistara Festival 2025. Over six hours of diving, 39 photographers, including five international participants, captured the stunning marine life of Bondalem — a living testament to the success of the community’s long-term coral restoration and marine conservation efforts.
Held on Saturday (Oct 26) in the waters of Bondalem, Buleleng, the competition beautifully intertwined art, ecotourism, and environmental preservation. During two one-hour diving sessions, participants produced 117 breathtaking photographs showcasing the ocean’s dazzling biodiversity and the thriving coral ecosystem beneath the waves.
From vibrant coral reefs and playful reef fish to microfauna such as Rhinopias, Nudibranchs, and Ghost Pipe Fish, the competition revealed the flourishing marine life that now defines Bondalem’s seascape. Several divers even documented rare species such as Melibe and Magnum, signifying the improving health and balance of the local marine ecosystem.
“Bondalem has become a living laboratory for conservation and underwater photography,” said Ngurah Paramarta, the festival’s founder. “What we’re seeing now is the ocean giving back — corals are growing, fish have returned, and the sea once again offers its beauty to those who dive with respect.”
British participant Fin Murphy praised the exceptional clarity and diversity of Bondalem’s waters. “I’ve dived in many places around the world, but the colors and textures here are truly unique — it feels like swimming inside a living painting,” he remarked.
The event emphasized the eco-dive philosophy, focusing on conservation rather than recreation. Participants were required to follow strict ecological guidelines: avoiding contact with corals, maintaining safe distance from marine life, and minimizing the use of disruptive lighting. Professional divers from nearby coastal villages — Pacung, Les, Penimbangan, and Tulamben — along with a team from Reef Check Indonesia, provided on-site supervision to ensure sustainable diving practices.
“This competition isn’t just about winning,” said committee member Nyoman Sugiartha. “It’s about cultivating respect for the ocean. That’s the essence of eco-diving.”
According to Nyoman Adi Sancaya from Bondalem Eco Dive, the stunning collection of photographs will become a valuable asset for promoting sustainable marine tourism. “These images capture a transformation — from once-degraded reefs to a thriving marine habitat. It’s visual proof that conservation truly works in Bondalem,” he explained.
The winners of the competition were announced as follows:
Wide Category
1. Kadek Agus Suprapto
2. Vincent Lerry Polii
3. Ikram
4. Meyer Musa
Macro Category
1. I Komang Agus Eka Putra
2. I Wayan Edalata
3. Ketut Tisnu
4. I Wayan Pasek
With strong community participation and the enthusiasm of divers from across the globe, the Jaladhi Vistara Festival reaffirmed Bondalem’s position as a rising star in North Bali’s marine tourism scene — a destination where the beauty of the ocean meets the spirit of conservation and creativity.***
