Emperor angelfish on a reef off Padangbai, east Bali

Gili Tepekong

Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia

Expert
Very strong current
Best Apr to Oct

Gili Tepekong is an expert dive site in Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia. Dives run from 10 to 40 m, in very strong current. The best months are April to October. Marine life here includes white-tip reef shark, mola-mola and napoleon wrasse. 14 dive shops on Scubalo run trips here.

Updated 21 October 2026

Conditions at Gili Tepekong

Max depth: 40 m
Depth range: 10–40 m
Current: Very strong
Level: Expert

Depth profile

Safety

Current: Strong, with down currents near the canyon; for experienced divers with a local guide.
Water: Can be cold in upwellings; bring a thicker wetsuit.

About Gili Tepekong

Gili Tepekong is a rocky islet off Candidasa in east Bali with steep walls, coral gardens and a canyon at its southwest end. Strong, unpredictable currents and surge bring sharks, tuna and, from July to October, mola mola. For advanced divers only.

Gili Tepekong is the largest of three small rocky islets off Candidasa, on Bali's east coast, alongside Gili Mimpang and Gili Biaha. Steep walls and sprawling coral gardens surround it, and at its southwest end lies a canyon that is the most famous part of the dive.

The currents here are strong and can change without warning, with surge and downcurrents, which is why the site draws big fish. Reef sharks and tuna are seen often, and from July to October mola mola rise from the deep. Most dives stay between about 10 and 25 metres, though the walls go deeper.

It is a site for advanced divers only. Dive centres time the dive to the tide and avoid the days around full and new moon, when the current is at its strongest.

When to dive Gili Tepekong

Season

Right now
Year round: Dived all year when the current allows.
Mola mola season: July to October.
Good to know: Dive centres avoid the days around full and new moon, when currents peak.