About Tulamben

Tulamben sits on Bali's northeast coast, about 2.5 hours from Denpasar and completely different from the island's party beaches. This small fishing village is famous worldwide for having one of the best wreck diving sites in Southeast Asia - the USAT Liberty shipwreck that sits just 30 meters from shore. The black volcanic sand beaches here aren't for sunbathing, but the underwater world is absolutely incredible.

The area sits right at sea level with Mount Agung looming dramatically behind the village. Temperatures stay around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the day with ocean breezes, but it's way quieter and more laid-back than southern Bali. What makes Tulamben special is that you can literally walk into the ocean from the beach and be exploring a World War II shipwreck within minutes - no boat required.

The village itself is pretty basic with simple warungs, dive shops, and guesthouses catering to underwater enthusiasts from around the world. You'll hear more diving talk than party conversations here. The local economy revolves around diving, so everyone from restaurant owners to scooter rental guys knows about the underwater sites. It's not glamorous, but if you're into marine life, this place is pure magic.

Highlights of Tulamben

The USAT Liberty wreck is the main attraction - a 120-meter cargo ship torpedoed in 1942 that now sits in 5-30 meters of water covered in coral and teeming with fish. You can snorkel the shallow parts or dive deeper sections, with entry costing just 10,000 IDR (70 cents) for the beach access. The coral wall diving here is world-class, dropping from 3 meters to over 70 meters deep with incredible visibility.

Coral Garden offers easier snorkeling for beginners with colorful reef fish and soft corals in shallow water. The Drop Off is famous among advanced divers for its steep wall covered in massive sea fans and frequent sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays. Night diving on the wreck is incredible - the ship comes alive with different creatures and bioluminescent plankton. You'll see schools of bumphead parrotfish, barracuda, and if you're lucky, whale sharks during certain seasons.

Travel tips for Tulamben

Book diving packages in advance since good operators fill up, especially during peak season
Bring or rent proper reef shoes - the black volcanic sand gets super hot and there are sea urchins
Carry cash for dive fees, equipment rental, and meals since ATMs are limited
Download offline maps since cell service can be weak along the coast
Pack warm clothes for early morning dive trips when it gets breezy on the water
Rent a scooter for 70,000 IDR ($5) per day to explore nearby dive sites and local warungs

Location & map

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Tulamben

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Things to do in Tulamben

Dive or snorkel the USAT Liberty wreck - the most famous underwater attraction accessible right from the beach.
Try wall diving at the Drop Off for advanced divers wanting to see bigger marine life.
Explore Coral Garden for easier snorkeling with tons of colorful reef fish in shallow water.
Take a night dive on the Liberty wreck to see completely different marine life and bioluminescent effects.
Visit nearby Amed for more dive sites and traditional salt farming that's been going on for centuries.
Hike to local viewpoints for sunrise shots of Mount Agung reflecting in the ocean.
Join local fishermen for traditional fishing trips using outrigger boats.
Take underwater photography courses offered by several dive shops if you want to capture the incredible marine life.

Best time to visit Tulamben

April through November offers the best diving conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility often reaching 30+ meters. The dry season means less rain and smoother boat trips to other dive sites. Water temperature stays warm year-round at 26-28°C (79-82°F), so you won't need thick wetsuits.

Early morning dives (6-8 AM) give you the calmest conditions and best chance to see bigger marine life before they retreat to deeper water. Weekdays are definitely better than weekends when domestic divers flood the area. Avoid Indonesian holidays when accommodation prices jump and dive boats get crowded.

The rainy season (December-March) can bring rougher seas and reduced visibility, but it's also when you might spot whale sharks and manta rays. If you're serious about diving, plan 3-4 days here since weather can affect conditions and you want multiple chances for perfect dives. The wreck is accessible year-round for snorkeling, but the best coral wall diving happens during calm weather periods.