The most common question we get from non-divers is: should I try Discover Scuba or do the full Open Water course? The answer depends on your time, budget, and how serious you are about diving.
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is a 1-day experience: pool briefing + 1 ocean dive. No certification earned. You dive under direct instructor supervision to a maximum of 12 meters. Cost: Rp 1.200.000. Perfect for: trying diving with minimal time commitment, uncertain if you like it, limited schedule.
PADI Open Water is a 3-day certification: theory + pool + 4 ocean dives. You earn a lifetime certification to dive independently to 18 meters worldwide. Cost: Rp 5.500.000. Perfect for: anyone who wants to continue diving after Bali, planning future dive trips, serious about the sport.
Our recommendation: if you have 3+ days in Bali and think you might want to dive again in the future, do the Open Water course. The certification opens up the entire diving world. If you only have 1 day or are genuinely unsure, start with Discover Scuba -- you can always credit it toward Open Water later.
Both programs include all equipment, instructor, hotel pickup, lunch, and insurance. Both are suitable for complete beginners with zero diving experience.