Getting to Tulamben

Tulamben is a small fishing village on Bali’s northeast coast, approximately 90-100 kilometers from Ngurah Rai Airport. The drive takes 3-3.5 hours via the eastern coastal road, making it one of the longer transfers from the airport but one of the most rewarding for diving enthusiasts.

The route follows: Airport → Sanur bypass → Gianyar → Klungkung → Candidasa → Amlapura → Tulamben. It’s essentially the same route as Amed with an additional 30 minutes north. The final stretch along the northeast coast is dramatically scenic with black lava fields from Mount Agung’s eruptions meeting turquoise waters.

Many travelers combine Tulamben with nearby Amed (30 minutes south) for a comprehensive East Bali diving holiday, with 2-3 nights in each location covering the region’s best dive sites.

The USS Liberty: World-Class Wreck Dive

The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in January 1942 in the Lombok Strait. The damaged vessel was beached at Tulamben, where it sat on the shore until Mount Agung’s 1963 eruption pushed it into the sea. Today it lies just 30 meters from the beach at depths of 5-30 meters, making it one of the world’s most accessible wreck dives.

The 120-meter long wreck is now entirely encrusted with coral, sponges, and anemones, hosting an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Highlights include schools of bumphead parrotfish (early morning), pygmy seahorses, giant barracuda, reef sharks, turtles, and over 400 species of reef fish. Night dives reveal Spanish dancers, flashlight fish, and hunting coral.

What makes the Liberty truly exceptional is its accessibility. There’s no boat needed — you walk into the water from the beach and swim 30 meters to the wreck. At 5-7 meters depth, even snorkelers can see the upper sections of the ship covered in vibrant coral. Certified divers explore the deeper sections (15-30m) including the ship’s interior, engine room, and cargo holds.

Diving Practicalities

Dive Conditions: Water temperature 26-29°C year-round, visibility typically 15-25 meters (best April-November). Current is usually mild around the wreck. The site is suitable for all certification levels from Open Water to technical divers.

Dive Operators: Several PADI dive centers operate in Tulamben village, offering guided wreck dives (IDR 500,000-900,000 for 2 dives including equipment), PADI courses, and specialty wreck diving certifications. Equipment rental is available at all operators.

Beyond the Liberty: Tulamben has several other dive sites including Coral Garden (spectacular for macro photography), Drop Off (wall dive from 3m to 60m+), Seraya Secrets (muck diving), and Batu Kelebit (drift dive with strong marine life). A week of diving wouldn’t exhaust Tulamben’s options.

Transfer Pricing

Vehicle	Capacity	IDR	USD	AUD
Toyota Avanza	4 pax	700,000	$44	A$67
Toyota Innova	6 pax	850,000	$53	A$81
Toyota HiAce	12 pax	1,200,000	$75	A$115
Toyota Alphard VIP	4 pax	1,500,000	$94	A$144

One-way door-to-door transfer. Sightseeing stops en route (Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung) included at no extra charge.

Accommodation & Practical Info

Tulamben is a small, quiet village focused entirely on diving. Accommodation ranges from basic dive resort bungalows (IDR 200,000-400,000/night) to comfortable mid-range options like Tulamben Wreck Divers Resort and Liberty Dive Resort. There are no luxury resorts or party venues — Tulamben is for diving enthusiasts who prioritize underwater experiences over above-water amenities.

The village has limited facilities: a few restaurants, basic shops, and no ATMs (bring cash). Mobile signal is adequate for messaging but can be slow for data-heavy use. The nearest hospital is in Amlapura (45 minutes). Most dive operators accept credit cards, but cash is preferred elsewhere.

Can snorkelers see the USS Liberty wreck?

Yes! The upper sections of the wreck start at just 5 meters depth and are clearly visible from the surface in good visibility. Snorkelers regularly see the coral-covered hull, large fish schools, and turtles. It’s one of the world’s best wreck-snorkeling experiences.

When is the best time to dive the Liberty wreck?

April-November offers the best visibility and calmest seas. The wreck is diveable year-round, but December-March can bring rougher conditions. Early morning dives (before 8 AM) offer encounters with bumphead parrotfish schools and fewer divers on the wreck.

Should I base myself in Tulamben or Amed?

If diving the Liberty wreck is your priority, stay in Tulamben for walk-in access at any time. If you want a broader experience with better restaurants and beaches, base in Amed and do day trips to the wreck (30 minutes drive). Many visitors split their stay between both.

Underwater Adventures in Tulamben

Tulamben is world-famous for the USS Liberty shipwreck, an American cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and later pushed into the sea by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung. The wreck now rests just 30 meters from the shore in depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, entirely encrusted with coral and teeming with marine life. This accessibility makes it one of the most popular wreck dives in the world, suitable for divers of all experience levels and even snorkelers who can view portions of the wreck from the surface above the shallowest sections.

Last updated: March 2026 | Bali Airport VIP — Part of Juara Holding Group