About West Bali Diving & Snorkeling
We care about our Community Environment Culture
West Bali Diving & Snorkeling – the only PADI Dive Center in Sumberkima – was conceptualized by Komang Suparta Yasa, then Chairman of POKDARWIS in Sumberkima, with the aim of generating profits from scuba diving and snorkeling tourism to benefit the community.
Members agreed that POKDARWIS should invest in opening a new dive center at Sumberkima Harbour, offering a variety of scuba diving, snorkeling, and PADI courses to international and domestic tourists. With this unanimous vote, West Bali Diving & Snorkeling became the first of its kind – a dive center by the community, for the community.
What is POKDARWIS?
POKDARWIS is the abbreviation for Tourism Awareness Groups formed in villages across Indonesia. They are self-help and self-initiated groups that grow from, by, and for the community. Through promoting the cultural, natural, and historical heritage of the village, POKDARWIS aims to:
- Increase economic growth
- Improve people’s welfare
- Eradicate poverty
- Overcome unemployment
- Preserve the natural environment and its resources
A New Kind of Dive Center
While many of Indonesia’s dive operators are foreign-owned and/or operated, West Bali Diving & Snorkeling is the first business owned by POKDARWIS, aiming to set a model for other villages throughout Bali and Indonesia. When you book an adventure with us, you support the community directly because we:
- Funnel profits directly to POKDARWIS and the village community
- Employ and train local Sumberkima residents
- Support POKDARWIS conservation programs, including coral restoration, mangrove planting, and waste reduction
Our Team
Komang
Komang’s friendly smile and helpful nature will greet you upon arrival at West Bali Diving & Snorkeling. Komang was born and raised in Sumberkima, Bali, and worked as a boat captain, surf instructor, snorkel guide, and divemaster before becoming a PADI Instructor in 2019 and co-founding West Bali Diving & Snorkeling in 2025. He has explored Indonesia’s waters, including Bali, Lombok, Komodo, the Banda Islands, and Raja Ampat. While he’s lost count, we estimate he has completed at least 9,000 dives. He’s also certified over 250 students and looks forward to sharing his passion with you.
Ketut
Ketut was born and raised in Sumberkima, Bali, and worked as a snorkeling guide, divemaster, and dive operations manager before becoming a PADI Instructor and co-founding West Bali Diving & Snorkeling in 2025. He has experience at luxury hotels in South Bali, providing top-notch customer service and guiding divers and snorkelers at Nusa Penida and Lembongan. You might not see Ketut during your visit, but be sure to say hello to his lovely wife, Ari, who helps out around the dive center most days.
Eka
Eka was born and raised in the neighbouring village, Pejarakan, and worked as a snorkeling guide before heading overseas to work in the UK as a restaurant cook. You won’t find him in the kitchen here, though! Eka joined West Bali Diving & Snorkeling as a snorkel guide and is in training to become a dive guide. His warm smile and knowledge of Menjangan Island’s marine life ensure every snorkeler enjoys their trip. We’re excited to continue Eka’s diving education so he can someday become a PADI Instructor.
Ari
Meet Ari, who is always ready to greet our guests with a warm welcome at our office. While she’s often behind the scenes, Ari keeps our office looking spotless, keeps track of our accounting, and handles countless other tasks to support our team. You might meet Ari when you arrive, or when you’re paying for your trip before you leave. You may not see her at all, but know we couldn’t do this without her!