Diving in Tulamben, Bali

Tulamben is a small coastal village in Karangasem regency, on the north-east side of Bali. Bali's provincial tourism site gives the village name as coming from a word meaning many stones, which matches the pebble beach that divers cross on the way in.

The Liberty wreck

The main draw is the wreck of a World War II cargo ship, called the USAT Liberty in Bali provincial sources and the USS Liberty on some tourism pages. Indonesia's tourism board describes it as a former US ship that was attacked during the war and later beached, then shifted into the water by a volcanic eruption in the twentieth century. Accounts of how the ship was damaged differ between sources, so treat that detail with care. It now lies in depths from about 3 to 28 metres and is covered in coral and marine growth.

Beyond the wreck

Reefs and slopes in the bay offer further dives and snorkelling, and the area is also noted for shore-entry diving.

Tulamben lets divers combine a wreck, shore access and reef life in one small area.

• An accessible wreck: The ship lies close to the beach and rests across a range of depths, so it suits both newer and more experienced divers.
• Shore entry: Divers typically walk in across a pebble beach, which removes long boat transfers.
• Reef life on the structure: The wreck has become a habitat for fish and invertebrates over many decades.
• Conditions: Water temperature usually sits in the high 20s Celsius, and visibility commonly ranges from roughly 10 to 30 metres depending on season and swell.
• Season: Indonesia's tourism board lists April to July and October to November as the main period for the wreck, though it can be dived year-round.

Several sites lie within a short distance of each other along the bay.

• USAT Liberty wreck: The main site, lying from about 3 to 28 metres according to Indonesia's tourism board.
• Coral Garden: A shallow reef area close to the wreck, often used for relaxed dives or snorkelling.
• Drop-off area: A slope along the bay edge with mixed sand and coral.
• Noisy Reefs (snorkelling): Listed by Indonesia's tourism board as a snorkelling spot.

The wreck and the surrounding slope support a mixed community of reef fish, invertebrates and larger visitors.

• Schooling fish such as jacks, fusiliers and sweetlips are commonly reported on and around the wreck.
• Reef fish including anthias, butterflyfish and angelfish live on the coral growth.
• Macro life including nudibranchs, shrimps and small crustaceans on the structure.
• Turtles and reef sharks may appear occasionally.

Sightings vary with season and time of day.

Airport and transfers

• Denpasar (DPS): The main gateway; the road transfer to Tulamben is typically about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
• Nearby bases: Amed is a short drive down the coast.

Getting around

The village is compact. Most visitors stay close to the beach and walk or use short taxi and scooter rides.

Bali tourist levy

Bali's provincial government charges foreign visitors a levy of IDR 150,000 per person, paid once per trip. See Love Bali for current rules.

• Dive early or late: Day-trip groups usually arrive in the late morning, so early starts tend to be quieter.
• Watch the pebbles: The beach entry is stony; wear sturdy footwear.
• Protect the wreck: Do not touch or hold on to the structure, which is fragile.
• Buoyancy matters: Maintain good control near the wreck and the slope.
• Check conditions: Surge can affect the shallow sections, especially in swell.