Snorkeling in Bondalem, Tejakula: A Reef Rebuilt by Villagers

In Bondalem village, Tejakula district, snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat trips and fishing all happen within about 100 metres of the beach, according to BaleBengong. The coral here was once destroyed by mining for lime in the 1960s and 1970s, and villagers began restoring it in 2008 (IDN Times, October 2025).

What you can see underwater

• Coral growing back. According to Ketut Sarjana Putra of Conservation International Indonesia, Bondalem's reef is almost one cluster with Tejakula's and is dominated by massive corals now regrowing after collapsing around 40 years ago.
• An artificial reef garden. During a pandemic-era reef restoration programme, about 250 villagers built more than 3,000 structures to be sunk: fish domes, masked gamelan players and 47 statues of villagers hauling a sea mine. The statues record an event in the 1940s, when a stranded mine was dragged ashore by locals.
• Regular planting. The Jaladhi Vistara Marine Festival on 25-27 October 2025 planted around 82 coral substrates and held an underwater photo contest.

The beach is watched over by Pokwasmas Pantai Bondalem, a community marine patrol group. The Ministry of Tourism's Jadesta portal recommends snorkeling with a local marine guide, who knows the right spots and keeps an eye on safety.

Downsides to know

• The coast is increasingly lined with villas and retreat accommodation, so do not expect an empty beach.
• No guide or gear rental prices are published. Agree on a price before you get in the water.
• It is far from south Bali. In May 2026 Bali's Marine and Fisheries Office said snorkeling in Tejakula was "not yet managed" and that it would station officers before setting a fee. No fee had been set at the time of writing, so bring cash.
• Not suitable for weak swimmers without a guide. North-coast currents and chop can change when the wind picks up.

Getting there

• Location: Bondalem village on the east coast of Buleleng, between Julah village and Tejakula village. Roughly 1 hour's drive from Singaraja, or about 3 hours from south Bali via Kintamani. View on Google Maps
• Guides: ask at your guesthouse in Bondalem or the village conservation group. The village profile is on bali.jadesta.com.
• Recent photos: search on Instagram
• Combine it with Yeh Mampeh Waterfall in Les village, further east on the same road.

The best time to come, according to locals quoted by IDN Times, is after the rainy season when the water is clearer. Get in the water in the morning, before the midday wind roughens the surface.