Review Author: kennedyem3, Indonesia

Review Date: 03 Oct 2018

Review Body: My mother and I did 3 dives with Wayan and his team and I can not recommend Zen Divers highly enough. Not only does your money go directly to helping local talent, but the experience and personalization was absolutely superb. We started with a night dive at the Liberty Ship Wreck (loved it) and the next day did Amed Wall then Pyramids. All 3 dives were great but what stood out was the personal attention Wayan showed my family. My daughter (5) was with us and despite having made plans for a babysitter things didn't work out and Wayan and his staff went out of their way to make sure she was looked after in the dive shop on both occasions. They set her up with a place to play, food, drinks, and entertained her while my mother and I dove. Not only that, but when we were on our night dive, Wayan was incredibly helpful to my mother who, although she's an experienced diver was quite nervous. He guided her the whole time and she was so appreciative of the kindness he showed. Wayan and his staff treated us like family and stayed in communication with us before arriving in Amed, tailored the trip to suit my desires (epic night dive, wildlife, and colorful reefs), looked after my daughter like she was their own, supported my mother to ease her anxiety, and cared for a wound encountered by an aggressive Trigger Fish (through no fault of theirs). Overall, I feel great about recommending this team, knowing that this is EXACTLY the type of local company I strive to support. Book it, you won't be sorry you did.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: TA-User_04132018, Australia

Review Date: 09 Apr 2018

Review Body: I did my Open Water about 10 years ago in Amed and as I'm currently spending quite a bit of time in Bali I thought I'd head back given I'd had such a great experience previously. I couldn't find the card for the dive instructor I had 10 years ago which was very disappointing as he was one of those people you just never forget that make a trip memorable. Anyway it was 10 years ago so I'm sure he's moved on. So I just booked a drive through the front desk at the hotel I was staying at. The next morning nice and early the dive master came to collect me from the hotel. I wasn't sure at first but after a quick chat we both worked out that it was Wayan my same instructor for 10 years ago!!! Wayan has now moved on from working for other operators and has his own business. He employs family and locals, he even teaches local young people after school so they can gain skills to work in the dive industry which keeps the town going. The gear he has is in very good condition, the diving is amazing and the 'Zen' approach of Wayan is no gimmick it is a true way of being. On dives he actually does gardening, cleaning coral and positioning it in ways for it to take hold and basically nurturing it to establish itself. He is a true caretaker of the ocean. I've never felt so calm on a dive in my life. Wayan and his dive shop are amazing, you will have an exceptional experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Eric_the_Bish, United Kingdom

Review Date: 17 Jun 2016

Review Body: Fully recommended: professional and safe dives led by Liso. Arrived at around 7.40 after a long drive over from Seminyak - 2 hours 30 mins at that time of day - and was quickly knitted out with a shorty and dive gear. The mask was a great fit: no problems at all with leaks. The kit was thoroughly serviceable but I couldn't read the depth - not a problem as the depths are all well known on this dive; basically the wreck goes down to 20m or so. Both dives were on the Liberty as conditions at the site where the second dive takes place were not good. Liso went through a quick refresh on signals for me, as I'm only Open Diver trained and it was at least five years since my last dive. Only four of us in the group: I was buddied with Liso; a Dutch couple, one of whom was a PADI divemaster, made the other pair. The wreck is great: lots of fish including (spotted and pointed out by Liso) two leaf scorpion fish and a lion fish. Each dive about 50 mins: I was overbreathing a bit on the first and Liso got me to buddy-breathe on his tank as we were finishing the dive as I was into the red on mine - all very relaxed, calm and professional. Top marks; fully recommended. Comms a bit hard: couldn't get through on email and one phone number worsted only at times; got through on the other phone number.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: AustinBerg, California

Review Date: 28 Sep 2018

Review Body: I came to Amed Zen Dives to do my PADI Open Water course and left with more than just a OW certification... Wayan(Owner) is one of the kindest persons I've ever met. Example: On the first day of my course, there were a few large and small ants wandering the shop, Wayan gently picked each of them up and set them free outside. Wayan is a deeply devout Hindu and is truly in line with his dharma. His shop is meticulously clean and orderly, and his family is quick to help out after returning from a dive. Speaking of the dives, during the open water course there were 4 dives(5 if you count the intro dive at the nearby beach). Wayan did a fantastic job explaining the fundamental concepts to diving and gave me confidence with every dive. He provided constant one on one feedback a long with pointing out rare and unique sea creatures. He was able to spot very small fish and sea sails of all different colors and is always happy to share his knowledge about them. Wayan has invoked in me a profound respect and interest in Balinese Hinduism, and I am truly thankful to have met such a great man. Oh, and diving is pretty fun too... I've now completed 7 dives with 3 different dive shops and I hope to return and dive with Wayan again soon.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ErinLindwall

Review Date: 18 Jun 2015

Review Body: Well what can I say? After completing our Padi Open Water Course, my husband and I were very keen to get some Fun Dives under our belt so we headed to Amed and hooked up with Zen Divers with instructor /owner Wayan Punia taking us out to the US Liberty Shipwreck, Coral Garden (Tulumben) and Pyramids/Jumeluk (Amed). We did 4 dives in total (as 2 on the first day wasn't enough!) and we loved every minute! Wayan is a calm and patient instructor/guide who made me feel really relaxed and helped me every step of the way. He pointed out lots of amazing creatures, we saw Turtles, Cuttlefish, Pygmy Seahorses, Bumphead parrotfish, Eels, Cornetfish and plenty more! I can't wait to come back and dive with Wayan again! We also loved hearing about Wayan's work with building man made coral reefs to help restore those that have been destroyed! I highly recommend this locally family run business...you will love it!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jaii F

Review Date: 24 Jun 2018

Review Body: My husband and I booked Amed Zen Divers through my hotel for 1-day of diving but we had such an excellent experience that we stuck around and dove with them for 5-days. The shop is fluent in English and as locals they have incredible knowledge of the local waters and what lives in them. I have friends who want to get their certification and I am sending them to Amed Zen because I know they will be in good hands. My husband and I are Advance PADI divers and dive regularly, so we really appreciate a guide who knows their stuff. We live in Southeast Asia and seeing ornate ghost pipefish and harlequin shrimp is rare but Wayan found them for us.The entire staff really went above and beyond to make sure we were happy. There are dozens of shops in Tulamben and Amed now, but this was one of the best experiences we have had with a dive shop anywhere.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jack H

Review Date: 20 Nov 2015

Review Body: We dropped in unannounced but Wayan made us feel at welcome from the outset. Although a 'young' company (2014), they really seem to know their stuff- catering for PADI and SSI divers alike. Within an hour of our enquiry we'd been kitted out and managed a bargain deal ( including underwater camera use) for a twin tank dive-one on the wreck of USS Liberty and another on a coral wall approx 1km away. Both reefs teeming with wildlife and not over dived. Both of these dives were 'guided' and this was inclusive of the price. All in all a great short notice package professionally put together at a very cheap price....Highly recommended ( also, if you want lunch/dinner or a snack, just ask Wayan who'll point you to a spit & sawdust place that does the best Nasi Goreng we've had so far!!)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Andy G

Review Date: 23 Jun 2017

Review Body: My mate and I are both beginner divers and have only done a few dives in australia. We got picked up from our hotel at the agreed time and was taking to Amed zen divers head quarters, Ali, wayan and the rest of the team was super professional and helpful making sure all our dive equipment was in the correct size and the perfect fit for our adventure. Wayan was i our guide for the day under water and what an amazing guide he his! His English is great and he explained and demonstrated every aspect of our dive to great detail. We felt very safe going down to the 20 meters deep ship wreck it was the most amazing dive both of us have ever done, I was blown away by the sight of seas turtles and fish in a million colours this is a must do, if you are in Bali!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: asiatour2015, Germany

Review Date: 10 Jul 2015

Review Body: I did my PADI Openwater with the local Instructor Wayan Punia. I think it is the best choice for begginers to make the certification in this place. Wayan is a very, very experienced Instructor. He has a very nice and understandable way to explain all the things to a new diver. I was afraid at the beginning but he gave me so much confidence that at the end of the course i didn't want to go out of the water anymore. He knows every Diveside very well and showed me so many amazing things. It was the best experience in my life! Thank you so much Wayan to show me the stunning Underwaterworld of Amed. If you want an amazing Dive experience and support a local Divecenter, please ga to Amed Zen Divers

Review rating: 5

Review Author: dillanmckitrick, Illinois

Review Date: 14 Jun 2016

Review Body: The people are nice and are easy to understand, a really good thing when your life lies in how you use and understand the equipment. The service was good and easy. We were picked up from the hotel and brought back at the end of the day so no hassle there. Fun company on the drive there. Once we got to the beach there was another briefing in the water and off we went. Beautiful colors of both fish and coral takes your breath away, thankfully there is plenty left in the tank. Just relax and calm your breathing so you can swim around a WW2 wreaked ship. Really something you should do if you even fel a little bit confident in yourself. Five stars all the way!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kailene Klix

Review Date: 15 Jun 2016

Review Body: I think it's unfair that someone leaves a 3 star rating and no explanation. Well this place is amazing and I will tell you why. We went to the many tourist dive shops which did not treat us with the greatest respect. Luckily we found Amed Zen Divers. They are LOCALS. My friends did a discover scuba course with someone who's been diving these waters all his life. It was low season so I had the dive master to myself. Our dives were fantastic. We all loved our time and the instructor and dive master. Plus they gave the best prices! Choose here, choose to dive with locals!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jillian C

Review Date: 09 Dec 2018

Review Body: Wayan at zen divers was recommended to us via missy at Melasti Beach Bungalows. ( also a wonderful place to stay) I had done about a dozen previous dives, but was really keen for my son to experience diving also. I had read this site at Tulamben was a great spot for a first timer. Wayan totally made Noah feel at ease with the whole idea, his lovely calm nature and instruction made the whole experience calm, comfortable and together the three of us enjoyed 2 wonderful dives filled with soooo much sea life. It’s was a truely memorable moment for me and my son. Thankyou

Review rating: 5

Review Author: uanastasia, Indonesia

Review Date: 20 Aug 2015

Review Body: I did my 5 dives at Amed Zen Dives including night dives. Wayan is really experienced guide as well as very good instructor. He knows very well all the dive sites in Amed, Tulamben, and surroundings. He is also very nice though and pleased the guest. All the staffs at the DC are very nice and welcome. I more feel like home to dive there. Not just a DC that you just sit, wait, dive, pay, and go. For sure i recommend this Amed Zen Divers if you miss the bubbles and would like to spend your dive time in Amed. Good location, center of Amed, and support locally owner :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Julia W

Review Date: 14 Aug 2019

Review Body: I made my open water course with Wayan and it was just amazing. I felt so save the first times under water, even tough it's really scary to put away the mask for the first time or to put away the regulator. He is a really calm person and explains the theory so that everybody understands it. I'd definitely recommend him and his crew. They are so helpful and you need nothing during your time there. You get fruits, water, tea, coffee, snacks and beautiful lunch. If I'd come to Amed the next time I definitely will go for a dive with him again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: dloidl, Austria

Review Date: 25 Jul 2018

Review Body: My girlfriend and I came as amateurs and left as experts. Wayan, Ali and the rest of the team are true professionals, always putting the safety of the divers first. Wayan was a great instructur, took beautiful pictures of the dives and as a local knows the area by heart. He also knows to provide for the best coffee, snacks and lunch in between and after the dives, everything being included and part of his Indonesian hospitality. We definitly will be back and can highly recommend Amed Zen Divers to everybody, beginners and pros alike!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mitch_Swift, Germany

Review Date: 08 May 2018

Review Body: I had two dives with the zen divers in April 2018 in Tulamben.The entire team was very kind and they considered my individual wishes which made my dives very nice.We explored the amazing USAT Liberty and the coral garden... we have seen a black tip reef shark, rays, cuttlefish and a lot of other marine life.They knew the sites very well, were kind and professional and the equipment was brilliant.They even picked me up at my hotel and drove me back.Diving with Zen supports the local people and is a very nice experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: SusanneDevi, Austria

Review Date: 19 Mar 2019

Review Body: I did my open water certification at Zen Divers in Amed, and I am very happy that a made this choice. It was a really great experience for me. Zen divers is run by a local and because it's a small dive school, I think it's also much more personal, that the bigger ones. The owner and dive instructor Wayan Punio is a very good, nice and relaxed person, with a great know how about diving and a very good instructor. I felt very safe during my first dives and very well supported at this place. Thank you very much Wayan!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: wiljammer

Review Date: 22 Jun 2016

Review Body: I had a dive at usat liberty wreck and it was awesome. I have done only the openwater course before so we had a refresher before the dive. The guide was professional and trustworthy. Unfortunately i felt a little bit sick after half an hour dive so i decided that we should get back to the surface. I even had to cancel my other dive which i had booked but they gave me a discount for it. I really liked the atmosphere here and after meeting this Kari guy, you don't wonder a minute why they call it ZEN divers!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: NathanPFE, The Netherlands

Review Date: 06 Jul 2019

Review Body: My girlfriend and I started of with a refresh course. Our instructor Cornelis helped us really well. Than I decided to take my advanced course as well. Amazing experience. Beautiful places to dive. The teaching of Cornelis really helped to improve my skills in a very short time (I did my open water course nearly 13 years ago). It is a local dive school with really good service, proper equipment, good instructors and with a lot of knowledge of the diving area. Simply amazing. Well done!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ian T

Review Date: 19 Nov 2018

Review Body: Wayan and his crew were incredible. Margot and I felt extremely safe during our first diving experience. We each had a one-on-one dive with a guide. Easy to communicate with and also make jokes, Wayan made sure we were having fun in the water. He also took lots of pictures and videos which he shared with us. You rock Wayan! Very special first diving experience! Next time we will come back for our open water cert:)

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Today you will try out diving for the first time in the open sea!

Itinerary Description: 8am: Briefing and getting ready to dive 8.30am: Start diving 11am: Activity ends *Timings are estimated only and can vary on the day of the activity.