Top 3 Dive Sites in Tulamben
Tulamben, Bali, has always been on my radar for its crystal-clear waters and rich history. People rave about it being one of the best diving spots in the world, and as a diver, I’ve heard countless stories about the underwater wonders that Tulamben has to offer. Now that I’m finally here, again, I can already tell this is going to be something special.
I first came to Tulamben in July 2023, while working toward my Advanced Open Water certification. It was a blur of early morning shore dives, navigation practice, and night-time descents that shimmered with bio-luminescence. But more than that, it was the stories that stayed with me, especially one shared by my dive instructor, who had moved to Bali after marrying a local. She told me about her father-in-law, who as a child, used to play on the Liberty Shipwreck when it was still beached on the shore. Back then, it wasn’t a dive site. It was just an old skeleton of war and steel. He witnessed the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung with his own eyes, watching in awe as the violent force of the volcano pushed the ship into the sea, where it now rests as one of the most iconic wreck dives in the world.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
Tulamben may be a small village along the northeastern coastline of Bali, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its incredible underwater world steeped in both natural and human history. It’s a place where coral gardens bloom from iron bones, where walls drop into deep blue, and where every dive tells a story that transcends the waterline.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
The diving here is accessible year-round, but returning this time with no certification pressure, just a hunger to re- experience it all, allowed me to appreciate Tulamben’s beauty with fresh eyes. The waters are calm, the marine life is abundant, and there’s something for everyone, from novices to seasoned pros. Whether you’re looking for your very first dive or chasing elusive macro critters, this place delivers.
While I had high hopes for diving in Bali, my main targets here in Tulamben remained the same: the legendary Liberty Wreck, the technicolor sprawl of Coral Garden, and the enigmatic wall dive known as The Drop Off.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
There’s no doubt about it, divers come to Tulamben primarily for the USAT Liberty Wreck. It’s not just a dive site; it’s a storybook of history, war, and ecological transformation resting quietly beneath the waves.
The ship itself, a United States Army cargo vessel torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, was initially hauled to the beach for salvage. For decades it sat on the shoreline, until Mount Agung’s violent eruption in 1963 rolled it into the sea, where it now lies just 40 meters offshore. With visibility that can reach 20 meters and waters that are usually calm, it’s one of the most accessible World War II wrecks in the world, and certainly one of the most beautiful.
As I wade into the water, fins in hand, the ease of access is striking. A few minutes of swimming and the ship begins to emerge from the blue. The bow rises first, ghostly and coral-encrusted, sitting just 5 meters below the surface. For divers of all levels, from beginners taking their first plunge to advanced explorers, it’s an open invitation to glide through time.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
Descending into the depths, I’m immediately awestruck. The wreck stretches out like a massive underwater cathedral, its skeleton cloaked in soft corals, gorgonian fans, and barrel sponges larger than my head. Schools of trevally and fusiliers pulse around me in silver flashes. A green turtle drifts overhead, slow and unhurried, while curious batfish linger at the edges of visibility.
There’s something humbling about swimming through rusted beams and open cargo holds where history once unfolded. The silence underwater is broken only by the sound of your own breath. And in that quiet, the wreck tells its story, of war and fire, of loss and rebirth.
Coral Garden
After surfacing from the Liberty Wreck, I’m buzzing with energy and eager to explore the next dive site, Coral Garden. Often chosen as the second dive of the day in Tulamben, this site is a favorite for underwater photographers and macro lovers like me. It may not have the dramatic scale of a shipwreck or drop-off wall, but what it offers instead is a vibrant, living ecosystem that’s close to the surface and endlessly captivating.
With warm water, minimal current, and excellent visibility, this shallow site starts at just 3 to 5 meters, making it ideal for long, unhurried dives. As I descend into the water, the reef immediately overwhelms with colors that feel almost surreal. Soft corals sway in shades of electric blue, neon pink, and golden yellow. Between them, delicate crinoids extend their feathery arms while bubble coral pulses gently like breath underwater.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
It’s a macro playground, with every inch of this reef alive with detail. Tiny nudibranchs in impossible colors inch along coral branches, blending in until you learn how to spot them. A pair of clownfish dart in and out of an
anemone, curious and bold. Then, from the corner of my eye, I catch the slender form of an ornate ghost pipefish, camouflaged perfectly against its surroundings. Moments like this are why I always carry a camera, although at this stage, I knew my skills weren’t up to par to capture the authenticity of the world under the waves.
One of the most memorable parts of this dive, though, is the unexpected art beneath the surface. Mainly the sunken statues, including a serene Buddha resting quietly among the coral heads. It adds a peaceful, almost spiritual layer to the experience, as if the reef itself is offering a meditative retreat.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
Drop Off
My final dive of the day is at the Drop Off, a site that doesn’t get quite as much spotlight as the Liberty Wreck but easily holds its own. It begins with a simple shore entry, followed by a short swim through shallow reef. But before long, the seafloor disappears beneath you, replaced by a vertical wall that drops to over 70 meters. And this is where the real magic begins.
As I approach the edge, it feels like arriving at the rim of an underwater cliff. On one side is a living wall, on the other, just open blue. There’s a strange, beautiful contrast in swimming between the two, one teeming with structure and color, the other vast and void. At certain points, I look down and see no end to the wall below me, just shadows fading into indigo. Even for an advanced diver with training to dive up to 30m, the sheer drop is humbling. It reminds you just how small you are in this immense ocean.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
The wall itself is a marvel. Gorgonian sea fans extend wide like underwater lacework, swaying gently with the current. Bright orange sponges bloom out from the cracks, and whip corals spiral into the deep. There’s life at every level but it’s easy to lose your sense of scale here. Looking out into the blue, the horizon feels infinite. There’s no bottom in sight, and for some divers, this can feel a bit dissociating, like you’re suspended in the middle of an unknown abyss.
Still, the wall offers plenty to anchor your focus. With the help of my guide who kept an eye on the navigation, I peek into overhangs and ledges, finding moray eels and even the occasional frogfish hiding in plain sight. But it’s the sheer sense of space, the way the reef clings to the cliff while the deep blue opens out beside it, that leaves the strongest impression.
At around 25 meters, we pass a massive purple gorgonian that seems to stand like a guardian on the edge of the abyss. It’s the kind of sight that stays with you long after you surface. The Drop Off may not be as famous, but it’s hauntingly beautiful.
Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.
🌿 Ethical Travel Tip: Don’t Touch or Disturb Marine Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Tulamben’s underwater wo pygmy seahorse perfectly camouflaged in a sea fan. But as temptin a better photo, or chase after curious fish, even the smallest distu ecosystems.
One of the biggest misconceptions among new divers is that take decades to grow and can die from one careless bump. rely on stillness and camouflage to survive—approaching too close stress or even injury.
🚫 Why Skip It?
- Corals are living organisms and can be killed by contact
- Many species rely on camouflage and minimal moveme nerable to
- Touching or chasing marine animals, even unintentional out, or damage fragile habitat.
- Stirring up sediment by poor fin control reduces visibility a effortlessly
🌿 Ethical Travel Tip: Don’t Touch or Disturb Marine Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Tulamben’s underwater wo pygmy seahorse perfectly camouflaged in a sea fan. But as temptin a better photo, or chase after curious fish, even the smallest distu ecosystems.
One of the biggest misconceptions among new divers is that take decades to grow and can die from one careless bump. rely on stillness and camouflage to survive—approaching too close stress or even injury.
🚫 Why Skip It?
- Corals are living organisms and can be killed by contact
- Many species rely on camouflage and minimal moveme nerable to
- Touching or chasing marine animals, even unintentional out, or damage fragile habitat.
- Stirring up sediment by poor fin control reduces visibility a
✅ Better Alternatives for Underwater Encounters
🤿 Perfect Your Buoyancy First
Before diving at sites like the Liberty Wreck or Coral Gare effortlessly without crashing into reefs or the sea floor. It also make
📷 Capture, Don’t Interfere
Photograph marine life from a respectful distance. Let th poking, or repositioning.
🌊 Observe Like a Guest, Not a Collector
Approach underwater life as you would a sacred temple: with humility and reverence. Take only photos, leave only bubbles.
✨ Pro Tip:
If you see another diver touching or harassing wildlife, don’t confront them underwater—raise the issue calmly with your guide post-dive. A kind word from the right voice can go a long way in preserving the magic of Tulamben for generations to come.
📍 Map of Tulamben’s Top Dive Sites
(Add a downloadable or embedded Google Map featuring USAT Liberty Wreck, Coral Garden, Drop Off, dive shops, and accommodations.)
📍 Location:
Tulamben, Bali — a quiet fishing village on Bali’s northeastern coast, famous for easy shore diving, crystal-clear waters, and one of the world’s most accessible WWII shipwrecks.
✈ How to Reach Tulamben:
From Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar):
Tulamben is about a 3–4 hour drive (70–100 km) depending on traffic and route.
By Private Driver:
Hiring a driver is the easiest option and costs roughly IDR 600k–900k for a return trip from south Bali. Drivers often wait while you dive or explore.
By Shuttle or Public Transport:
Limited public transport available; shuttle buses operate mainly for popular tourist routes but may not be direct.
By Scooter:
Possible for confident riders but expect a long ride on rural roads with some steep stretches.
🕒 Best Time to Dive:
April to October:
Dry season with calm seas, excellent visibility, and stable weather—perfect for diving and underwater photography.
November to March:
Wet season with occasional rain and rougher seas, though diving is still possible on calmer d reduced.
⏳ Ideal Stay for Divers:
3–5 days in Tulamben is ideal to fully explore the Liberty time for shore diving, night dives, or nearby snorkeling.
📸 Hidden Gems for Underwater Photographers:
Liberty Wreck Early Morning:
Soft light and fewer divers create magical visibility for shoot
Coral Garden Macro Life:
Nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish, and tiny critters abound in
Drop Off Wall Views:
Look down into the vast blue abyss or along the sponge-covered wa
🌊 Top Diving Experiences in Tulamben:
USAT Liberty Wreck:
A WWII cargo ship transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with life, accessible from the shore and suitable for all levels.
Coral Garden:
A shallow, colorful reef perfect for macro enthusiasts and relaxed dives among bright corals and playful fish.
Drop Off:
A dramatic vertical wall plunging into the deep, with abundant sponges, gorgonians, and elusive critters like pygmy seahorses.
🧭 Pro Diving Tips:
Bring a Dive Torch:
Essential for exploring shadowy wreck interiors and crevices on the Drop Off wall.
Master Buoyancy Control:
Neutral buoyancy helps protect delicate corals and keeps you comfortable during long dives.
Respect Marine Life:
Avoid touching or chasing fish and corals to preserve this delicate ecosystem (see Ethical Tip below).
Book Dives Early:
Tulamben’s popularity means dive shops and instructors can fill up quickly in peak season—reserve ahead.
Carry Small Cash:
Most dive centers accept cash only for gear rental, tanks, and tips.
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Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
