Review Author: HelebEAllison

Review Date: 15 Mar 2019

Review Body: I highly recommend Apnea Bali. My first impressions of Apnea Bali were that it was very busy and friendly with many happy freedivers from all over the world, enthusiastic instructors speaking Spanish then changing to English in a relaxed atmosphere. I have been freediving for 4 years and wanted to improve my technique so I did the half Masters Programme of 12 lessons over 2 weeks. Initially I trained with 3 instructors Dapod, Emma and Valentina and once with Julia who wanted to review my progress. Mostly I trained with Valentina and became very comfortable with her style. Every morning it was clear that the instructors had reviewed our progress together and had a plan for each day’s freediving. Everyone had a plan designed for them specifically to improve their progress day by day. I had not trained for 6 months so it took me a few days to feel comfortable again at depths I had not been to for a while. However, all the instructors were very particular about improving my technique, suggesting changes to head position, how to adjust position slowly, correct hand position on the rope and arm position for Free Immersion. Following these techniques, I overcame a mental blockage and turning at 34 m. I slowing increased my PB from 40m – 41m. Yes, I increased my PB but my satisfaction came from the way I felt about my diving, the relaxation I gained in freefall, with improved technique. I was impressed with the professionalism of the instructors, being just an arm’s length away and that they were with you at depth. In those very important few meters at the surface the instructors were right there to take control of any situation to ensure the safety of the divers. Inclusivity is a word I would use to describe Apnea Bali. No matter your age or nationality you were part of the group, no one was left out. Everyone ensured that I was made to feel welcome. We would eat together at the nearby Warung Ratna or on occasion an evening meal in Amed. By the end of the first week I was so impressed that I booked to return for 6 weeks in August 2020 to do the complete Master’s Program.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: francesca m

Review Date: 15 Jun 2019

Review Body: I trained and got my Aida 3 cerification in june 2019. I I am pretty new to freediving, but the Apnea Bali team made it a great experience. The environment is friendly, welcoming and relaxing, not just the trainers but everybody I met there, is like going to hang out with friends. They are all very professional and very well organized. I trained for my Aida 3 With Emma who is a wonderful and joyful teacher. we Did Two coaching sessions to start with and I must say this Was very Helpful to get better into the program. She was very patient and she could point out always in a very good way all the things that could be changed in order to make progression in my techinque and so in depth. She was able to understand how I work psycologically and got me where I did not think I could get (3 min static and 29,8 m depth.) and we freedivers know how important our mind is. After finishing the Aida 3 I did coaching sessions with Eli, we worked mostly on technique and relaxation. It was really good and I fell in love with freeimmersion. She is a skilled professional coach, she helped me improving and enjoying the dive. Very patient and with good insight on how to get better. I should also mention the assistance recieved from Valentina who helped me planning and organizing my training and certofication, she promptly answered all my questions. The school is 2 min walking from the ocean, it has shower and all you need for your dives I wuold highly recommend this school to anybody who wants to improve in freediving.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Etherturtle, Singapore

Review Date: 27 Sep 2019

Review Body: I attended the Apnea Total Basic Free Diving Course and had the most enjoyable time. Apnea Bali is conveniently located near good quality accommodations, a cheap and good warung for food, and the sea; it was a short walk to the training site and the Liberty Wreck, so getting around was super easy. Matahari resort is just opposite the road (1 minute walk) and Warung Ratna (3 minute walk) offers cheap and good food. The course fee also included gear rental so we only needed to show up for the course; the gears provided were of good quality! The fun dive after the course was such a reward as the visibility was good and there was plenty of marine life. One of the best ways to put the new skills into practice:) The team at Apnea is extremely passionate about Free Diving! I had worries about free diving but our instructor Dapok was super patient, super encouraging, and so helpful that all these concerns subsided once we were in the water. Dapok explained the theory and skills very clearly, and demonstrated all the techniques. He gave constructive comments on every dive we took, and attended to our needs; his assurance made the entire course really enjoyable. He's an amazing instructor overall! I can't wait to go back again for the advanced course:) Fyi: the pictures were taken by Dapok on our fun dive to Liberty Wreck! If you'd like, Apnea Bali also has a photographer that can accompany you on your dive, at an additional charge.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Martine 5

Review Date: 25 May 2019

Review Body: Sooo happy with my Freedive course at Apnea. My friend recommended the school so I got in touch to know how everything works. Communication was super easy via WhatsApp or email with the owners and all my questions were answered in a minute so here I was the next day shaking hands with the lovely Dapot who shared his precious knowledge and time with me. The course was not based on how deep or long you stay underwater but more focused on having the right technique and finding solutions for everyone's challenges through the course. No pressure, just having a good time out there. Theoric class, breathing and equalizing exercises were on the menu and once in the water, you couldn't help but be super relaxed with Dapot next to you, as he is the calmest fish in the ocean. He is a fine observer and takes time to point out the tensions he notices in your body, reminding you to just relaaaax. He even took time to adapt a few dives to my main worry, surviving long hold downs in the big surf. Finishing the course up with a Fun dive at the Liberty Wreck was an absolute beauty. So many amazing fishes and corals, felt like I was part of the crew down there just swimming around through the pack. I am definitely leaving Tulamben with more confidence for my next ocean adventures and got a new passion to take with me anywhere in the world. Thank you so much Apnea!! That was really fun :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: LincolnMurdoch

Review Date: 27 Feb 2020

Review Body: just spent over a month here with Julia, Ely, Emma, Nikki and Valentina. The water varied as it was rainy season but mostly had 10-20m visibility and up to 30m visibility in crystal clear water. Perfect dive conditions almost all the time! Plus seeing fish on most dives is a nice little bonus! The facilities, training gear and equipment all really good! A very short walk to the water from the school and a very short swim to the dive spot! & fish in the first few meters! I did a few courses (L3&4&masters) and had time in the water with each instructor and everyone made me feel comfortable in the water, gave me lots of feedback, the instructor was my safety and followed me down for every dive which gives extra confidence and they can really see what you’re doing right and wrong and then explain what I’ve done and what I need to do! The instructors were professional but also making it fun every dive! I spent the last few weeks with Julia who took me to some new deep personal bests! Such an amazing advanced coach & I look forward to many more PBs with her over the coming years!!! I improved my dives from my L2 course by an EXTRA 27m! (Leaving with a 52meter PB) and added 1min extra to my static (5mins20sec). Really amazing all round and thankful that I came here! Thanks to everyone and see you soon! :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lcwonglorraine

Review Date: 05 Mar 2019

Review Body: As a newly qualified AIDA2 freediver, I took my AIDA3 course with Apnea Bali. Over the three-day training here, Valentina helped me improve my techniques and went from 20m to 30m effortless. She is a great instructor who paced warm-ups and gradual adjustment to my techniques well, I could achieve much greater depth while enjoying my dives and having fun. The energy and enthusiasm by the Apnea Bali team is what makes this a special place - you find a passionate group that shares the joy of freediving. Elianne was extremely responsive to my questions and requests, which was tremendously helpful. The fun dive at liberty wreck was a lovely finish to the course - plenty nice videos and photos taken by Valentina ;) We started our dives with a quick swim from the shore close to the school, to the drop-off where we stationed ourselves for our dives. The school itself is a lovely and clean blue glasshouse in Tulamben , an area well visited by fellow divers (mainly scuba diving schools around the neighbourhood), a 15-min drive away from Amed. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who want to try / train for freediving !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sarah L

Review Date: 23 Sep 2019

Review Body: I went there on a weekend and the timing was perfect as to fit in a basic freediving course and get my certification. I went there just with the aim to receive the fundamentals of the practise and see how I was progressing as I was still a bit afraid to push myself too much due to a recent injury. The instructors were made aware and they supported me to achieve my best without incurring in any risk. I even did the rescue so I did qualify for the certification too. My best personal advice is to practise hold breathing in advance so that, once there, you can focus more on proper equalization and make the learning smoother. My two other fellow students were not able to equalize well enough so they were given the opportunity to retake the session at another point in time. Super customized, right? I got hence 1:1 lesson on the second day. The instructors are very professional. I would highlight the small size of the group. Perfect experience. Thanks Apnea Bali!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: gunjiddash

Review Date: 27 Feb 2020

Review Body: I booked a freediving trip after deducting that while a different rhythm from surfing, it would help me train my mind to being calm under big waves and deep water. The instructors from Apnea helped me prepare for our first dives with the greatest attention to detail. They help you do the proper breath up techniques while making sure you relax your muscles. He told us over and over that our fears of running out of breath were only mental and triggered by the vagus nerve. (Lessons are taught in equal parts technical vs anatomical) After moving on the the dive, the lesson continues in the water as the instructor guides and follows you down through each dive. Pushing you, And testing your boundaries but staying within your comfort zone. Its feel incredibly made-to-measure as each student will have different limitations to work out. Will definitely be coming back for more coaching and static clinic courses in the coming months!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: alexmosessima

Review Date: 15 Sep 2019

Review Body: I am certified freediver level 1 Pure Apnea, and I want to upgrade my skill to level 2 or equal to AIDA3, but I am a bit pressure to achieve the requirements on AIDA3 just only in 3 days. So I decided before committing to take course, I will take coaching seasons for 2 days. I've got Dapot as my coach, and he was very supporting and encourage me to do more to break my limit that I did not think I could get. My last depth PB was stuck in 17m and now I can hit 25,2m depth. Dapot could point out always in a very good way all the things that could be changed in order to make progression in my technique. He is a skilled professional coach and with good insight on how to make me better. He helped improving and enjoying the dive. I definitely will comeback here to learn more about freedive, and recommend to anybody who have enthusiastm to know about freedive, or want to improve techniques and skill, this is the best place!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: rentless

Review Date: 27 Jan 2020

Review Body: I took the freediver course here and it was my first time ever going deep into the ocean, also my first time trying freediving. Not only am I very glad that I started freediving when I have zero experience in scuba diving, I'm glad that I chose Apnea Bali to start my freediving journey! I was a bit freaked out in the water since it was my first time, but the instructors were so great to help me calm down and keep being motivated. On the last day of course, we went to the shipwreck and the view was mesmerizing. I took the freediving course with Valentina and an additional coaching session with Nikki, they both were amazing! I love their approach to freediving. They teach freediving as a sport, a sport very different from all the other water sports. Thanks to them, I miss going into the water already! I'll be practicing the equalisation exercises I've learned until I go back to Apnea Bali for more courses!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alex H, Austria

Review Date: 18 Jul 2019

Review Body: Not having much experience but wanting to gain more, I booked my Freediver and Advanced course with them. They got recommended to me for being very professional which made it even more attractive. I did my first course with Dapot and it was really good, he is nice and very patient! The advanced course was with Valentina. I have to admit it was challenging, but not to a point where it was too much. Valentina was incredibly patient. I felt so safe with her, which made me reach goals I never even dreamt of before! It was also very good that they both emphasized the importance of safety and we trained these important safety procedures! The equipment provided was really good. In general the atmosphere is very welcoming, friendly and supportive. :) Now I am hooked, I love it and I will definitely do my Master! Thanks again for the great time! (Still dreaming about freediving every night..) :D

Review rating: 5

Review Author: torbjornhenden

Review Date: 08 Apr 2019

Review Body: WOW i Just in love with freediving, i ha done scuba diving, but this was a totally different experience. I had been thinking about doing freediving, but i never thought i could do it. After two days with lessons i went down 20 meters, it dosen't sound much, but for me it's not about meters, but learning about my body and mind. My instructors Chis and Dapot was amazing and i felt so safe and calm with them. Everybody at Apnea freediving is amazing and so kind. I got so much out of the course and will soon go back and do the next course and learn more teqnicue and my limits of this wonderfull sport. I recommend you to go to their website if you are thinking about it, you Will be in the best hands. After the course you go freedive to the liberty wreck and its so amazing. And if you want proffesional photographer they will take amazing pictures of you

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Janiche, California

Review Date: 08 Jul 2019

Review Body: I'm so thankful I fit in a beginner level course here the last few days of my trip! The shop was very responsive at booking. I ended up being the only student so the personal coaching was an unexpected treat. My instructor Dapot broke down the technical skills/concepts in a way that made it easy to recall and apply on the open water (considering I'm uusally bad at following instructions :( He was excellent and attentive, suggesting micro adjustments to my form and equalization technique to help me improve each time I went down. I felt 100% safe and was overall very proud of myself. Coming from Ubud or Seminyak, you can arrange driver with the shop for a good rate. Pretty affordable since I paid alot more for a one day discovery experience in Maui. Also the fun dive at the wreck was the cherry on top!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: tooniii_he

Review Date: 13 Dec 2019

Review Body: Normally I don’t write reviews but they deserve one so badly! I recently did a Freediving beginners course with Apnea Bali in Tulamben. I always dreamed of learning how to properly be a good freediver so I decided to start my journey there. And believe me, it was beautiful and all worth it! Nikkie was my amazing coach and she was the best in the classroom as well as in the water. She always took great care of me, motivated me and showed me how far I can come with one breath, not just physically. I seriously became so confident, relaxed and most of all happy. The fun dive at the Liberty Wreck was definitely the highlight as I was able to fully enjoy its beauty deep down. Nikkie also took so many great videos of me diving! I fell in love with the ocean even more if that’s possible, thanks to Apnea Bali!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Albee H

Review Date: 18 Aug 2019

Review Body: Apnea Bali is the place to go for freediving regardless of your levels. They would suit all your needs and do their best to help achieving your goals. Doesn’t matter if you never experienced freediving before or you’re a PRO, they provide a full range of courses from discovery to beginners and up to master/instructor of Freediver. Thank you x1000000000 Apnea Bali (and especially to our instructor EMMA) for all the professional guidance, encouragement and such a wonderful experience in Tulamben. We achieved what we thought was never possible and amazed by the fact that we are so much more than we think we are. Very friendly, good vibes, professional, very supportive and most importantly, they are the most amazing people that we met in Tulamben. You guys are beyond awesome!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: AthenaZ27

Review Date: 05 Mar 2019

Review Body: I booked a two days level one freediving course with Apnea, with intention to conquer my panic in surfing as I am not a good swimmer and get uncomfortable under water. The course was well arranged and structured with two hours theory in their shop and straight to the ocean with walking distance to practice. I was rejecting the idea during the Theory course to get down 10meter under surface and thought it’s for ppl more comfortable with water than me. And who knows I made 20m the second day in free immersion which was beyond my expectation. Although I still got nervous during the rack freediving, I am already proud enough on myself. And thanks the instructor Nicky and Marta who made it an easy journey to me

Review rating: 5

Review Author: galihcm

Review Date: 28 Sep 2019

Review Body: It's my first diving experience, Before joining the courae, I can only dive to around 3-4 meters depth. After the course, I can dive to around 12 meters (the maximum allowed depth for beginner course is 20m). Thanks to my super compassionate instructor, Dapot. Thanks to all people in Apnea Bali, they are very friendly and concern about my progress, and I think this is very important, to have a compassion to the students/customers. I'm glad to say that I'm a super satisfied customer. I'll train my breathing technique and relaxation for a while, then surely I'll take my advance program with Apnea Bali again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: mike020ins, The Netherlands

Review Date: 21 Dec 2019

Review Body: Thank you so much for this first experience, team Apnea Bali. I got interested in free diving because I am focusing on the power of breathing and the healing force of breathing. This sport is all about breathing better and basically meditation. Here I also have learned it’s a far more natural state then I first thought. My dive instructor, Valentina was really good in making you feel relaxed and making you more aware of how you use your body and how you breath. I enjoyed it greatly, and am already trying to plan my next trip for more training and improving my skills. What an amazing sport. Thank you once more.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: fuffi_eats, Indonesia

Review Date: 05 Apr 2019

Review Body: i done my level 2 course with Valentina. She was a great teacher to have, super happy, positive and professional. I felt like i was in good hands the entire time. The rest of the team also super friendly happy people full of good vibes. I learned so much and all my questions (i had a lot of them) were answered even with a smile after about 100 of them. :) I felt really safe out in the water for my dives knowing i was in good hands. The pool and open water for training are 5 minutes by foot so very convenient location. all in all it was an amazing experience and i will be back for sure.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: FlyingBathtub

Review Date: 01 Oct 2019

Review Body: If you want to learn freediving, or further your freediving skills this is definitely the place to go. I spent a week here doing training. Julia did my coaching and she was friendly, patient and very effective in delivering the training - pinpointed the area that I need improvements in no time. All the other instructors are very experienced and multilingual too and from the shop they have very easy access to the depths, 5 mins walking down to the beach and swim out and that was it. Highly recommended for freedivers of any level or beginners.:)

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Today you will be learning the basics of diving!

Itinerary Description: 8:30am: Theory lesson 10:30am: Pool practice *Depending on the progress of the group, open water diving may happen on Day 1 as well.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Today you will be diving at 2 spots.

Itinerary Description: 8.30am: Theory lesson 10.30am: Start diving 12.30pm: Diving at Liberty Wreck 2.30pm: End of diving