Pillarstein, known by some as Surge City, is the southern most face of Padar Kecil. The site is named for the small obelisk-like pillar balancing precariously on what is left of its wave-eroded base. Currents rarely affect Pillarstein, and it can be a good option if the current is too strong on other nearby sites. However it is fully exposed to the south, and prone to a lot of surge. From the surface Pillarstein often resembles a washing machine, although the surge is manageable once below the waves. Begin the dive in the small bay to the west of the pillar, and continue with the rocky wall on your right. The wall drops off to more than 40 m, and is riddled by numerous caves and crevices, rocky walls that protrude at odd angles, and long ridges extending out into the blue. Clinging precariously to those crevices and faces that are protected from the surge, magnificent fans and whip corals decorate the reef. Elsewhere vibrant soft corals, thick sponges, and verdant tubastrea smother the dramatic rocky wall. Lurking in the many caves are large groupers, soldierfish, dusky sweepers, and many unlikely crustaceans. A torch is essential to explore the numerous interesting caves and swim troughs. If the surge is not too strong, explore the wall carefully to find ornate lionfish, lurking scorpionfish, exquisite nudibranchs of many shapes and colours, and a host of critters too numerous to count. But don’t miss the excitement behind you out in the blue, where mantas, mobulas and other large pelagics may be seen. Depending on the group and the visibility you may travel 50 m or a few hundred meters along the wall, searching for critters and marvelling at the dramatic underwater scenery. Pillarstein is at its best when the water is clear, allowing full appreciation of the spectacular view.