Discover Hin Luk Bat – Koh Chang's Spectacular Coral Garden

Discover Hin Luk Bat – Koh Chang's Spectacular Coral Garden

Picture diving into an underwater world where a massive, nearly round rock formation rises from the depths, its surface marked by three dramatic rock spires that break the water's surface like ancient sentinels. Welcome to Hin Luk Bat – one of Koh Chang's most spectacular dive sites, where breathtaking sea anemone fields meet dense schools of fish, creating an underwater spectacle that will leave you in awe.

What makes Hin Luk Bat truly extraordinary is its unique structure. From the surface, you'll see a triangular rock that rises dramatically above the water like a natural monument. To the east, another rock extends to about 1 meter below the waterline, while southeast, a third rock reaches just below the surface. But here's what makes it special: these three rock spires are connected by a plateau at approximately 5 meters depth, creating a labyrinthine underwater landscape surrounded by canyons and smaller tunnels that invite exploration.

Descend along the mooring line on the southern side at around 12 meters depth, and you'll immediately understand why Hin Luk Bat is legendary. At this depth, you'll discover an atmospheric sea anemone landscape that stretches across the site, their vibrant colors creating an underwater garden unlike any other. The entire formation is completely covered with hard corals, transforming every surface into a living, breathing ecosystem. But the real magic happens when you look up and see massive schools of snappers and chevron barracudas moving like living clouds overhead, their synchronized movements creating mesmerizing patterns against the blue water.

As you explore the canyons and tunnels that surround the main formation, keep your eyes peeled for the smaller wonders: numerous nudibranchs displaying their incredible colors and patterns, pipefish camouflaged among the corals, and countless other reef inhabitants that call this underwater garden home. The combination of structure, depth variation, and abundant marine life makes Hin Luk Bat perfect for photographers, marine life enthusiasts, and divers of all experience levels.

For advanced divers seeking an extra adventure, there's a hidden gem: southwest of Hin Luk Bat lies another deep reef at approximately 25 meters depth. To reach this secondary site, interested divers must swim about 50 meters underwater over sandy bottom toward the southwest. This deeper reef offers a completely different experience, with different marine life and structure, making it perfect for those who want to extend their dive and explore beyond the main formation.

Here's what makes Hin Luk Bat special: versatility meets abundance. The site offers shallow areas perfect for beginners and snorkelers, intermediate depths (around 12 meters) ideal for most divers, and deeper sections for advanced exploration. The sea anemone fields at 12 meters are the site's signature feature, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like swimming through a submerged garden. Whether you're here for your first dive or your hundredth, Hin Luk Bat promises an unforgettable underwater experience. Ready to dive into one of Koh Chang's most spectacular coral gardens? Hin Luk Bat is waiting! 🌊🪸

Dive Site Overview

Max Depth	25 meters (deep reef southwest)
Shallow Depth	5 meters (plateau connecting rock spires)
Marine Life	Sea anemones, snappers, chevron barracudas, nudibranchs, pipefish, hard corals, reef fish

Don't miss this spectacular coral garden! Book your next fun dive or scuba diving course with Chang Diving Center today!

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Diver Level for this dive site.

Min. certification level: Junior, Open Water Diver (or equalled) Try Diving possibility: Yes Snorkelling possibility: Yes

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Dive Briefing Example for Dive Professionals – Hin Luk Bat

This is a comprehensive dive briefing template/example for dive professionals. Use this as a reference guide to structure your own briefings. Customize the placeholders (marked with square brackets) with your specific information, guide names, and current conditions. This ensures a safe, organized, and professional dive briefing experience.

1. Dive Site Name & Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to Hin Luk Bat! Hin Luk Bat is one of Koh Chang's most spectacular dive sites, featuring a massive, nearly round rock formation with three dramatic rock spires that break the water's surface. This site is famous for its breathtaking sea anemone landscape at 12 meters depth and dense schools of snappers and chevron barracudas that create an unforgettable underwater spectacle.

My name is [Your Name] and I will be your dive guide today. I've been diving this site for [X] years and I'm excited to share this incredible coral garden with you!

2. Site Description & Dive Route

We have excellent diving conditions today at Hin Luk Bat. Visibility is typically good, and we have calm surface conditions with minimal current.

• Maximum Depth: 25 meters (at the deep reef southwest of the main formation)
• Average Depth: 12 meters (mooring line and main dive area), 5 meters (plateau connecting rock spires)
• Dive Route: We'll descend along the mooring line on the southern side at approximately 12 meters depth. From there, we'll explore the main formation, following the canyons and tunnels that surround the rock structure. The three rock spires visible from the surface are connected by a plateau at around 5 meters depth – we'll explore this area where the light is brightest. For advanced divers interested in the deeper reef, we can swim approximately 50 meters southwest over sandy bottom to reach the deep reef at 25 meters. We'll then return to the main formation and begin our ascent back to the mooring line.
• Site Features: Massive round rock formation with three surface-breaking rock spires (triangular rock, eastern rock extending to 1m below surface, southeast rock just below surface). These are connected by a 5-meter plateau, surrounded by canyons and smaller tunnels. The entire formation is covered with hard corals, and the southern side features spectacular sea anemone fields at 12 meters.
• Weather Conditions: [Current conditions - e.g. "Clear water, good visibility, minimal current"]

The site's unique structure creates multiple dive routes suitable for different experience levels. The shallow plateau (5 meters) is perfect for beginners, while the deeper sections offer challenges for advanced divers.

What You Can See at Hin Luk Bat

Hin Luk Bat is famous for its spectacular marine life and unique underwater structure. During your dive, you can expect to see:

• Sea Anemone Fields: The site's signature feature – breathtaking sea anemone landscape at 12 meters depth that creates an otherworldly underwater garden
• Dense Fish Schools: Large schools of snappers and chevron barracudas moving like living clouds throughout the dive site
• Hard Coral Coverage: The entire formation is completely covered with hard corals, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem
• Macro Life: Numerous nudibranchs displaying incredible colors and patterns, pipefish camouflaged among the corals, and countless reef inhabitants
• Deep Reef (Advanced): Southwest of the main formation lies a deep reef at approximately 25 meters with different marine life and structure for advanced divers

For a complete guide to the marine life you might encounter while diving in Koh Chang, check out our Marine Life Guide. This comprehensive resource covers species identification, behavior, and the best spots to find various marine creatures.

3. Your Guide's Role & Positioning

I will be leading this dive and wearing [Color] and [Color] fins with a [Description of equipment/identifying feature]. You can easily identify me by [specific visual identifier - e.g. "my bright yellow BCD with the Chang Diving logo"].

[If applicable] Our Divemaster [Name] will be positioned at the back of the group, keeping an eye on everyone. [Name] will be wearing [Color] fins and will use [signal device - e.g. "this tank banger"] to get your attention if needed.

Important: Stay close to the group and maintain visual contact with your buddy and guide at all times. If you need to communicate, use standard hand signals or get my attention by tapping on your tank.

4. Entry & Exit Techniques

Boat Entry (Giant Stride)

We'll enter the water from the side of the dive boat with a Giant Stride. Here's what you should remember:

• Pre-Dive Safety Check: Complete your BIG WHALES REALLY ARE FUN check before entering the water
• BCD Inflation: Fully inflate your BCD before entry
• Regulator: Keep your regulator in your mouth
• Mask: Make sure your mask is properly fitted
• Entry: Step forward with one leg, then the other, keeping legs together
• After Entry: Clear the area immediately, signal OK, and swim to the mooring line

Boat Exit (Ladder)

After completing your safety stop and surfacing:

• Swim back to the ladder on the side of the boat
• Stand on the ladder and remove your fins (hand them to the crew)
• Climb up the ladder with your regulator still in your mouth
• CRITICAL: Never position yourself directly under another diver climbing the ladder
• Once on deck, move away from the entry/exit area

Dinghy Entry (Backroll)

If we're using a dinghy, we'll enter with a backroll entry:

• Sit on the edge of the dinghy with your back to the water
• Complete your pre-dive safety check
• Hold your mask and regulator in place
• On three, lean back and roll into the water
• Clear the area and signal OK

5. Dive Procedures & Turn-Around Points

To ensure we have enough air for a safe return and safety stop:

• Turn-Around Point: We'll turn the dive around when you reach 130 bar (or 1900 PSI). This gives us more than enough air reserve to safely return to the entry point and complete our safety stop.
• Air Monitoring: Check your air gauge frequently throughout the dive. Don't wait until you're low on air to signal – communicate early!
• Safety Stop: At 5 meters depth, we'll conduct a swimming safety stop for 3 minutes. This means we'll swim slowly while maintaining 5 meters depth, rather than holding onto a line. The plateau area (around 5 meters) provides perfect conditions for this.
• No-Decompression Limits: For this depth range (5-25 meters), your no-decompression limit varies. We'll keep the dive well within safe limits, typically staying around 12 meters for the main part of the dive.
• Deep Reef Option: For advanced divers interested in the deep reef at 25 meters, we'll need to monitor air consumption carefully. The swim to and from the deep reef adds approximately 100 meters of underwater travel over sandy bottom.

Remember: The most important rule in diving is to never hold your breath. Breathe normally and continuously throughout the entire dive.

6. Emergency Procedures

While we don't expect any problems, it's important that everyone knows what to do in an emergency:

Buddy Separation

• If you become separated from your buddy, search for 1 minute while staying at the same depth
• If you can't find your buddy, make a controlled safety ascent to the surface
• Wait at the surface – we'll reunite there
• DO NOT continue diving alone

Out of Air / Low on Air

• Low on Air: Signal immediately – we'll end the dive and ascend together
• Out of Air: Signal "out of air" and use your buddy's alternate air source or make a controlled emergency swimming ascent (CESA)
• Always signal problems early – don't wait until it's an emergency!

Emergency Contacts & Equipment

• Police: 191
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Emergency Medical Service: 1669
• DAN International: +1-919-684-9111 (24/7 emergency hotline for dive emergencies)
• Recompression Chamber: Koh Chang Hospital, Phone: 039 521-657 or 039 586-131
• Suspected DCS: See our DCS Field Evaluation Slate (PDF) for assessment procedures
• Emergency Oxygen: Located in the transport box on the right of the captain's seat in the captain's cabin
• First Aid Kit: Located in the transport box on the right of the captain's seat in the captain's cabin
• Emergency Action Plan: For detailed emergency procedures, see our Emergency Plan Guide

7. Hand Signal Review

Hand signals can vary between countries and certification agencies, so let's make sure we're all on the same page. Here are the essential signals we'll be using today:

• OK: [Description/visual] - Used to ask "Are you OK?" and respond "I'm OK"
• Problem: [Description/visual] - Hand waved side to side to indicate a problem
• Up: [Description/visual] - Thumbs up means "I want to go up"
• Down: [Description/visual] - Thumbs down means "I want to go down"
• Air Pressure: [Description/visual] - Show numbers with fingers (e.g. "I have 120 bar")
• Low on Air: [Description/visual] - Hand across throat
• Out of Air: [Description/visual] - Hand across throat, then point to regulator
• Safety Stop: [Description/visual] - Hand horizontal, palm down, at 5 meters
• Stop/Hold: [Description/visual] - Hand up, palm forward
• Look/Point: [Description/visual] - Point at something interesting

Practice Question: Can you show me how you would communicate that you still have 120 bar of air pressure?

📋 Download Complete Hand Signal Guide (PDF)

8. Roster & Buddy Check (Pairing)

Let's make sure everyone is here and properly paired:

• Roster Check: [Go through names] - Is everyone here?
• Buddy Pairs:
  • [Name] and [Name] - you'll be buddies
  • [Name] and [Name] - you'll be buddies
  • [Name] - you'll be my buddy today (for less experienced divers)
• Buddy Check: Before entering the water, do a final check with your buddy – make sure all equipment is secure and functioning

Note: Buddy pairs are typically matched by experience level and certification. If you'd like to dive with a specific person, let me know now.

9. Environmental Awareness & Marine Hazards

Hin Luk Bat is a protected dive site, and we must respect the marine environment:

• General Rule: Look but don't touch. Avoid contact with all marine life, including corals, sea anemones, and fish
• Marine Life to Be Aware Of:
  • Sea Anemones: Beautiful but delicate – maintain good buoyancy and avoid touching these structures. The anemone fields at 12 meters are the site's signature feature
  • Barracudas: Large schools of chevron barracudas are common – maintain respectful distance and avoid sudden movements
  • Hard Corals: The entire formation is covered with hard corals – excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid damage
  • Nudibranchs: Small and colorful, but fragile – observe from a distance and avoid touching
  • Pipefish: Well-camouflaged among corals – watch carefully to spot them
  • Fire Coral: Can cause skin irritation – avoid contact
  • Sea Urchins: Sharp spines – watch your hands and knees, especially in shallow areas
• Buoyancy Control: Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid damaging the sea anemones, corals, or stirring up sediment. The shallow plateau (5 meters) requires extra care
• Photography: If taking photos, be especially careful around the sea anemone fields. Use a camera housing or handle, and maintain good buoyancy
• Conservation: Take only photos, leave only bubbles. Never remove anything from the site, especially corals or marine life
• Deep Reef Access: The deep reef southwest requires advanced certification and careful air management. Only attempt this if you're comfortable with the depth and have sufficient air reserves

Remember: We are guests in their home. Let's be respectful visitors and leave the place exactly as we found it. The sea anemone fields are particularly beautiful – let's preserve them for future divers.

10. Pre-Dive Safety Check

Before every dive, we use the acronym "BIG WHALES REALLY ARE FUN" to make sure nothing is forgotten. For a detailed guide on why safety checks are important and how to do them correctly, check out our Safety Check Guide:

• B - BCD: Check that your BCD inflates and deflates correctly. Test the power inflator and dump valves.
• I - Inflation: Make sure your BCD fits properly and all straps are secure.
• G - Gauges: Check your SPG (submersible pressure gauge), depth gauge, and computer. Make sure they're working and readable.
• W - Weights: Check that your weight belt or integrated weights are secure and properly positioned.
• H - Hose: Check all hoses for kinks or damage. Make sure your regulator hoses are routed correctly.
• A - Air: Turn on your air, check your tank pressure, and take 2-3 breaths from your regulator.
• L - Releases: Test all quick releases on your BCD, weight system, and any other equipment.
• E - Everything: Check once more that everything is in place and working.
• S - Snaps: Make sure all buckles and fasteners are secure.
• R - Releases: (Second check) Verify that all releases are functioning.
• E - Everything: Final check – is everything ready?
• A - Air: Final air check – regulator working, tank pressure good.
• L - Look: Look around – is your buddy ready? Is the entry area clear?
• L - Listen: Listen for final instructions from your guide.
• Y - You: Are YOU ready? Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the dive!
• A - Again: One more quick check – everything safe?
• R - Ready: Are you ready to dive?
• E - Everything: Final everything check.
• F - Fun: Remember – diving is FUN! Relax and enjoy!
• U - Underwater: Ready to go underwater?
• N - Now: Let's dive NOW!

Pro Tip: Do this check with your buddy. It's a great way to catch problems before entering the water and helps build confidence.

Questions? If you have any questions or concerns, please ask now - I'm here to help! Remember, there are no stupid questions when it comes to dive safety. Let's have a safe and amazing dive! 🌊🤿

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