Apnea Bali
Apnea Bali
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Apnea Bali is the only freediving school in Tulamben, Bali. We offer Apnea Total, AIDA and PADI courses, as well as competition coaching and depth training. Our main goal is not to give you a certification card, but rather to adapt and tailor our sessions according to each student's actual needs and progress. By combining our high standard of courses, extensive teaching experience and personalised approach, we will make you the best freediver you can be. All our courses includes a fun diving at the USAT Liberty Wreck :) Join us in this amazing experience!
Tulamben, Indonesia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
343 reviews
Excellent
334
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Helen Allison
4 contributions
Mar 2020
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.
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.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Hellen! Thank you so much for you lovely and detailed review. It was definitely our pleasure to have you here and become part of our little family.
You showed amazing perseverance and incredible improvements during the course, as you say is not about getting PB but more about the enjoyment of every dive, the feeling after a session and the excitement to go back the next day and this is why we keep doing this.
So sad that the COVID had to make us change the plans, otherwise we would have you here by now but im sure the time will come for you to come back with us and keep enjoying the depths of Tulamben ( and Putus food haha)
Send you big kisses and hugs!
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paulap007
Madrid, Spain40 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Whether you’re looking to do a freediving course or for somewhere to train to improve your skills, Apnea Bali is the best place to go, I couldn’t recommend it more.
It’s a warm and welcoming environment to learn in, the vibe in the shop is really good and makes you feel at home, and the instructors are amazing- all highly professional, very experienced and passionate about what they do, as well as being fun people with really positive energy.
I initially booked some training sessions just to practice with other freedivers, but I was finding it hard to make progress and back in the shop after the session the instructors were always giving me tips of techniques to try or things to work on the next day, so I decided to just sign up for a 2 weeks master course so I could work with them every day. In the master course, you’re always with an instructor in the water, which means you’re getting constant feedback and just focused on your diving, so after the 2 weeks I was enjoying it so much that I extended for another month’s master, and now I’m just waiting to see when I can go back for more!
Every day I’m diving with them I learn something new, often just small adjustments that make a huge difference in your technique and so in your level of ease in the water. The instructors have a personalized plan for you to reach your own goals, always review your progress, and follow you down on every dive so they can observe you closely and give you helpful feedback. Working every day on perfecting my technique as well as my relaxation makes me see that I’m making constant progress, which has had a really positive effect on my confidence, making me feel that I can still go so much further. They really understand what each person needs so you feel supported, and they also make sure you don’t lose the pleasure we get from diving, which is what motivates you to keep on training even on tough days.
The dive conditions in Tulamben are great and allow for diving all year round. It’s just a minute’s walk to the water, a short swim to the buoy, and you have all the depth you need to train.
Looking forward to carrying on my training with these lovely people, to see how much more I have in me!
It’s a warm and welcoming environment to learn in, the vibe in the shop is really good and makes you feel at home, and the instructors are amazing- all highly professional, very experienced and passionate about what they do, as well as being fun people with really positive energy.
I initially booked some training sessions just to practice with other freedivers, but I was finding it hard to make progress and back in the shop after the session the instructors were always giving me tips of techniques to try or things to work on the next day, so I decided to just sign up for a 2 weeks master course so I could work with them every day. In the master course, you’re always with an instructor in the water, which means you’re getting constant feedback and just focused on your diving, so after the 2 weeks I was enjoying it so much that I extended for another month’s master, and now I’m just waiting to see when I can go back for more!
Every day I’m diving with them I learn something new, often just small adjustments that make a huge difference in your technique and so in your level of ease in the water. The instructors have a personalized plan for you to reach your own goals, always review your progress, and follow you down on every dive so they can observe you closely and give you helpful feedback. Working every day on perfecting my technique as well as my relaxation makes me see that I’m making constant progress, which has had a really positive effect on my confidence, making me feel that I can still go so much further. They really understand what each person needs so you feel supported, and they also make sure you don’t lose the pleasure we get from diving, which is what motivates you to keep on training even on tough days.
The dive conditions in Tulamben are great and allow for diving all year round. It’s just a minute’s walk to the water, a short swim to the buoy, and you have all the depth you need to train.
Looking forward to carrying on my training with these lovely people, to see how much more I have in me!
Written June 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula thank you very much for your detailed review. Is definitely our pleasure to have you in the school lightening up the mood with your always positive vibe and chill attitude towards everything.
You have showed us perseverance and constant progress in all of your sessions and we are very happy that we can be part of this.
Love to have you still with us, you are definitely part of the Apnea Bali family !
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gunjid Dashdorj
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Solo
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!
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!
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your lovely review Gunjid! Dapot shared with us the amazing improvements you had during your course.
As you might have notice is a lot like surfing, its just a matter of being patient with yourself, focus and relax. Once you manage to combine all this you start catching some waves or adding some meeter to your dives.
Hope you come back soon, the second time is always easier as your mind and you body have already accept the activity.
Keep working on the exercises and hope to hear back from you soon!
Written February 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J.l
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
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!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review Joshua! its amazing the improvement you had after having no experience in the ocean, im sure you felt the connection with it already even if the had challenging conditions during those days.
Keep practising your exercises, remember is all a matter of time an effort for things to start working easier.
Hope you have the time to come back and hopefully get better visibility so we can continue exploring the ocean together.
Written February 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthea T
13 contributions
Sep 2020
This was my FAVORITE thing I did in Bali. I knew nothing about free diving when I signed up for the Level 1 course...but a friend recommended I give it a try at Apnea and WOW. amazing. I felt 100% safe the entire time. Valentina was my instructor and she was encouraging, specific and so fun to learn from. You learn one step at a time and end up surprising yourself with what you're capable of doing as a beginner (or any level I imagine).
I also LOVE how they teach you how to rescue someone so that you can actually practice diving in the future. It's more than worth the investment.
A few more thoughts: The ocean is as close as we can get to visiting another world & being able to swim so deep into it is an experience I hope everyone can have. I felt so at peace under the water and to be honest....I never enjoyed being in the water before. Totally in love now. On the last day we went to the Japanese ship wreck and wow. just wow. I was completely mesmerized by all the fish and coral. It was INCREDIBLE.
The dive center itself is beautiful and feels very homey & full of love! I will definitely be going back to get my advanced certificate. 10000/10 recommend signing up for a course here.
Thank you Apnea!!!
I also LOVE how they teach you how to rescue someone so that you can actually practice diving in the future. It's more than worth the investment.
A few more thoughts: The ocean is as close as we can get to visiting another world & being able to swim so deep into it is an experience I hope everyone can have. I felt so at peace under the water and to be honest....I never enjoyed being in the water before. Totally in love now. On the last day we went to the Japanese ship wreck and wow. just wow. I was completely mesmerized by all the fish and coral. It was INCREDIBLE.
The dive center itself is beautiful and feels very homey & full of love! I will definitely be going back to get my advanced certificate. 10000/10 recommend signing up for a course here.
Thank you Apnea!!!
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sky
15 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Some of the best experiences cant be planned and that was for sure true with this. I decided it was time to get out from behind the desk and learn some new skills so a friend and I booked a trip to Amed and signed up to learn free diving. Upon arriving in Amed and with less then 10 hours before the course starting I discovered that I had booked the wrong free diving course…. Damn!!!! With limited choices available to rectify the situation my friend and I decided to push ahead with our plans and enjoy whatever came our way.
Upon arriving at Apnea we were immediately greeted by two extremely welcoming people who informed us that they would be our instructors for the course. Shortly after our arrival we were ushered into the classroom to begin our free diving journey. The curriculum was presented in a clear and concise manor with all of our questions and concerned addressed immediately and in way that instilled a sense of confidence and ease within us.
Before long it was time for us to wiggle into our form fitting wetsuits and waddle our way to the ocean where we would put all of our newly obtain knowledge to the test under the watchful eye of our 2 instructors. A 12m dive was the goal for the day and with the confidence, reassurance, instructions, and funny faces from our fearless instructors we were all able to easily meet this goal and left the water feeling triumphant and ready for our 20m dive the next day.
Day 2 was much the same as day 1 with a knowledge session in the morning followed by an open water session in the afternoon. With the confidence from the first day and the reassurance from our 2 instructors the 20m goal was easily reached and simulated rescues were accomplished. The day finished with a fun dive at a shipwreck where we got to put our new skills to the test and do some fun swim throughs.
All and all I am extremely pleased that I mistakenly booked with this company and honestly couldn't ask for anything more. The class we took was the beginner class and I felt the course was the perfect balance of theory and practical skills to give me a really good understand of what free diving is all about.
Upon arriving at Apnea we were immediately greeted by two extremely welcoming people who informed us that they would be our instructors for the course. Shortly after our arrival we were ushered into the classroom to begin our free diving journey. The curriculum was presented in a clear and concise manor with all of our questions and concerned addressed immediately and in way that instilled a sense of confidence and ease within us.
Before long it was time for us to wiggle into our form fitting wetsuits and waddle our way to the ocean where we would put all of our newly obtain knowledge to the test under the watchful eye of our 2 instructors. A 12m dive was the goal for the day and with the confidence, reassurance, instructions, and funny faces from our fearless instructors we were all able to easily meet this goal and left the water feeling triumphant and ready for our 20m dive the next day.
Day 2 was much the same as day 1 with a knowledge session in the morning followed by an open water session in the afternoon. With the confidence from the first day and the reassurance from our 2 instructors the 20m goal was easily reached and simulated rescues were accomplished. The day finished with a fun dive at a shipwreck where we got to put our new skills to the test and do some fun swim throughs.
All and all I am extremely pleased that I mistakenly booked with this company and honestly couldn't ask for anything more. The class we took was the beginner class and I felt the course was the perfect balance of theory and practical skills to give me a really good understand of what free diving is all about.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thanks for your review! its funny howe destiny sometimes chooses for us haha, im happy you ended up with us and we could meet your expetations for the course! hope to have you back soon!
Written June 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carlos Nogues
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
May 2020
I did the online Molchanov's instructor crossover with Julia, and I couldn't be happier after finishing it.
The experience has been totally new for me, opening a new whole world in terms of learning and teaching freediving in the distance.
She gave me an opportunity that I wasn't expecting so far.
The all course has been very enjoyable and super worthy.
I encourage everyone to visit Apnea Bali.
Thank's a lot Julia again!!!!
Gracias por todo!!
The experience has been totally new for me, opening a new whole world in terms of learning and teaching freediving in the distance.
She gave me an opportunity that I wasn't expecting so far.
The all course has been very enjoyable and super worthy.
I encourage everyone to visit Apnea Bali.
Thank's a lot Julia again!!!!
Gracias por todo!!
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos thank you for you review and thanks for your trust in this first online adventure that is new for all of us. Im glad you decided to make the most of this quarantine and learn something new that will definitely be a bid plus in your freediver instructor curriculum. Hope to have you training with us soon!
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Putri P
8 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I've signed for Coaching Session and my partner had taken AIDA 3 license. We were coached and assist by Emma. I took 3 coaching session,to focus on my frenzel equalization technique.
I must say that I really happy and satisfied with the coaching session. I make a good progress in my frenzel equalization technique and my partner are also improved his CWT.
Emma is really patience with me (sorry Em 😆) and guide me every step of the way.
I personally consider to take my AIDA 3 lisence here later. At the end of coaching sesh, we also got the chance to visit Liberty Wreck. So yay!
I must say that I really happy and satisfied with the coaching session. I make a good progress in my frenzel equalization technique and my partner are also improved his CWT.
Emma is really patience with me (sorry Em 😆) and guide me every step of the way.
I personally consider to take my AIDA 3 lisence here later. At the end of coaching sesh, we also got the chance to visit Liberty Wreck. So yay!
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thanks for your review! see you underwater!
Written June 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ghea M
Guayaquil, Ecuador7 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Went to a one week trip to see some whales with Apnea Bali in Sri Lanka, and it was epic! Not only they organized an awesome trip, but the attitude and knowledge sharing of fun facts about whale and how to best approach them in a good manner was absolute best. They managed some cultural trips to a temple which was nice. Hope to join another trip and some coaching with them soon, because their energy level is insane! Loving the vibe, always.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved to have you and Nico in the trip! i wouldn't been the same without you guys! Definitely a trip to remember forever ! Hope you guys get the chance to come too Bali soon, we miss you!!!
Written June 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Agustín E
Bogota, Colombia4 contributions
Aug 2020
I took a Master course at Apnea Bali and was so happy with the experience that I came back one year later for an instructor course with Julia Mouce which was also amazing. Julia and her team are very knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
I would recommend Apnea Bali to any one interested in freediving, from absolute beginners to advanced freedivers.
I would recommend Apnea Bali to any one interested in freediving, from absolute beginners to advanced freedivers.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agus!! We are so happy to see all your progress, you will be a great instructor!
Hopefully we can visit you soon in Lembongan so you can take us out and we can share depths again
Written January 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I will be based in Ubud, Canggu and Sanur. Is there a free transport to the training school from any of these 3 places?
Written June 5, 2019
No free transportation. I normally take a public shuttle bus which is called “Perama bus”. Cheaper than taxi if your timing is flexible. Also check the Facebook page called “Amed Bali community”. Many travelers ask taxi ride sharing there.
Written June 5, 2019
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