Why Diving Tulamben Should Be On Your Bucket List
May 18, 2025
Tulamben, a small fishing village on Bali’s northeast coast, has transformed into one of Bali’s well-known dive spots. Diving Tulamben offers a blend of Balinese heritage, diverse marine life, and exceptional accessibility. It boasts dive sites that cater to every skill level. Whether you are a beginner eager to explore your first wreck or an experienced diver on the hunt for rare macro critters, Tulamben delivers a world-class diving experience.
Tulamben as a Dive Destination
Tulamben gained fame as a dive destination thanks to the USAT Liberty Wreck, a WWII-era cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. Initially beached on the shore, the ship was later pushed into the sea by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, transforming it into a vibrant artificial reef.
For those passionate about diving Tulamben, the wreck is just the beginning of what the area has to offer. The village’s tranquil atmosphere, affordable accommodations, and shore diving opportunities make it a convenient and budget-friendly location for divers. Situated within the Coral Triangle, Tulamben boasts remarkable biodiversity, attracting underwater photographers, adventure travelers, and divers from around the world.
Top 8 Highlights of Diving Tulamben
1. USAT Liberty Wreck
The centerpiece of diving Tulamben is the USAT Liberty is a 120-meter-long wreck that lies just a short swim from the shoreline. This former WWII cargo ship lies at depths of 5 to 20 meters. Over the decades, it has become one of the most famous wreck dives in the world, offering a perfect combination of history and marine life.
Divers can explore its coral-encrusted bow, midsection, and stern, discovering an underwater ecosystem teeming with life. Large schools of jackfish often swirl around the wreck, and early morning dives offer the chance to spot bumphead parrotfish grazing on the wreck’s algae-covered surfaces.
2. Coral Garden
Situated close to the Liberty Wreck, Coral Garden is another highlight of diving Tulamben, offering a vibrant underwater landscape ideal for divers of all experience levels. The site is known for its shallow depth, ranging from 2 to 16 meters, making it ideal for Open Water Divers.
Coral Garden is aptly named with its expansive coverage of soft and hard corals. Divers can encounter a diverse array of marine life, including anemones hosting clownfish, ornate butterflyfish, and small critters like nudibranchs hiding among the coral branches.
3. Seraya Secrets
For those who enjoy muck diving, Seraya Secrets is a must-visit highlight of diving Tulamben. The site’s black volcanic sand provides a striking contrast to its fascinating array of macro critters. Seraya Secrets is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, particularly among small and camouflaged species that are a delight to spot and photograph.
Divers with a keen eye can discover ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, and even the elusive mimic octopus performing its fascinating displays of mimicry. Night dives at Seraya Secrets offer opportunities to witness bioluminescent plankton illuminating the dark waters and nocturnal creatures such as cuttlefish and hunting eels emerging from their daytime hiding spots.
4. Drop-Off
Located just a short distance from the Liberty Wreck, diving Tulamben Drop-Off offers a dramatic wall dive experience. The Tulamben Drop-Off begins in shallow water before plunging to depths of over 70 meters, though most stay at a maximum depth of 30 meters.
The wall is covered in an impressive variety of corals, sponges, and sea fans that support a thriving ecosystem. Reef sharks are sometimes seen patrolling the depths, while closer to the wall, divers can encounter a range of reef fish species, including angelfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish. The sheer verticality of the Drop-Off, combined with its vibrant marine life, creates a breathtaking dive.
5. Batu Kelebit
For divers willing to venture slightly further, Batu Kelebit is a standout site when diving Tulamben, offering a unique experience with its combination of coral reefs and rocky outcroppings. This site features a mix of hard and soft corals interspersed with volcanic rocks, creating an underwater environment that attracts both macro and pelagic species.
The site is known for its clear waters and occasional strong currents, making it better suited to advanced divers. Large schools of trevally and barracudas can often be spotted here, along with the occasional reef shark or ray cruising through the blue. Macro enthusiasts will also find plenty to appreciate, as the site hosts a variety of nudibranchs, shrimp, and crabs hidden among the coral crevices.
6. Alamanda
Alamanda is a lesser-known gem in Tulamben that offers a mix of coral gardens and sandy slopes. The site’s gradual descent makes it an excellent location for both beginners and intermediate divers. It is especially favored for its diverse coral formations and abundance of small critters.
Seahorses, pipefish, and dragonets can often be found here, along with colorful nudibranchs scattered across the reef. Alamanda’s peaceful environment makes it a fantastic choice for a relaxed dive away from the busier sites.
7. Emerald
Emerald is a stunning reef site located slightly further offshore, accessible via a short boat ride. This dive site is characterized by its sloping reef covered in vibrant corals and sponges. The clear waters at Emerald often host sightings of reef sharks, stingrays, and even the occasional eagle ray.
Divers will also encounter various reef fish, including snapper, grouper, and parrotfish. The combination of healthy coral formations and larger marine life makes Emerald an exciting addition to any dive itinerary in Tulamben.
8. Boga Wreck
Just a short drive from Tulamben, the Boga Wreck, also known as Kubu Wreck, is a relatively new addition to the area’s dive offerings. This ship was intentionally sunk in 2012 and has quickly developed into a thriving artificial reef.
The wreck lies just 30 meters from the shoreline at depths of 18 to 30 meters. The site features a well-preserved structure with swim-throughs and cargo holds that can be explored. Marine life here includes schools of batfish, lionfish, and various macro critters hiding within the nooks and crannies of the wreck. For those who enjoy wreck diving, the Kubu Wreck offers a unique and slightly less crowded alternative to the Liberty Wreck.
Marine Life Highlights
One of the most exciting aspects of diving Tulamben is its marine biodiversity, ranging from tiny macro critters to occasional pelagic visitors. The coral reefs are busy with colorful reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish darting between the corals.
Macro enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, mantis shrimp, and other small wonders that inhabit the area. Pelagic species like barracudas, reef sharks, and, on rare occasions, Mola mola (sunfish) add a sense of excitement to diving there. Unique marine creatures such as ribbon eels and leafy scorpionfish provide further incentive for divers to explore Tulamben.
Shore Diving in Tulamben
One of the standout features of diving Tulamben is its exceptional accessibility for shore diving. Most dive sites are just steps from the beach, eliminating the need for boats. The rocky coastline and calm conditions make entry and exit relatively straightforward, even for beginners.
Tips for Shore Diving:
- Use dive boots to navigate the rocky entry points.
- Schedule early morning dives to avoid crowds at popular sites like the Liberty Wreck.
- Hire local dive guides who know the sites intimately and can point out hidden critters.
Why Tulamben is Ideal for All Divers
Diving Tulamben combines shallow reefs, advanced muck diving sites, and easily accessible wrecks, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Beginners will appreciate the gentle currents, excellent visibility, and beginner-friendly dive sites like Coral Garden.
Advanced divers can test their skills at deeper sites like the Drop-Off or spend hours hunting for rare macro species at Seraya Secrets. Underwater photographers, whether focused on macro or wide-angle subjects, will find Tulamben’s diverse marine life and unique volcanic seascape endlessly inspiring.
Practical Information
Dive Conditions
- Water Temperature: 27-30°C (81-86°F) year-round.
- Visibility: Ranges from 15 to 30 meters, depending on the season.
- Currents: Generally mild, though some sites may experience stronger currents.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (April to October) is perfect for diving Tulamben, offering optimal diving conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility. July to September is also Mola mola season, though sightings in Tulamben are rare compared to other Bali dive sites.
Nearby Accommodations
Tulamben caters to all budgets, offering:
- Dive Resorts: Many provide on-site dive centers, equipment rental, and guided dives.
- Budget Guesthouses: Affordable options with basic amenities, ideal for backpackers.
- Luxury Villas: High-end accommodations with ocean views and private pools.
Beyond Diving: Other Activities in Tulamben
While diving is the main attraction, Tulamben also offers activities for surface intervals and non-diving companions. Snorkeling at Coral Garden provides a fantastic alternative for those who prefer to stay at the surface. Adventurous travelers can hike to Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano, for breathtaking views of the island’s landscape.
Cultural tours of nearby temples and traditional Balinese villages provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage. For photographers, the dramatic coastline and Mount Agung’s backdrop offer stunning opportunities to capture Bali’s natural beauty.
From the iconic USAT Liberty Wreck to the critter-filled sands of Seraya Secrets, diving in Tulamben offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. With its accessibility, range of dive sites, and vibrant marine life, it is no wonder Tulamben is a must-visit destination for scuba divers of all levels.
Ready to discover one of Bali’s most captivating dive spots?