Bali is renowned for its rich culture, lush landscapes, and vibrant beaches, but beneath the surface lies one of its best-kept secrets which is Tulamben. Nestled on the northeast coast of Bali, Tulamben has become one of the island’s top scuba diving destinations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, Tulamben offers something truly special. In this blog, we will uncover the reasons Tulamben is worth diving and explore the top dive sites that make it a diver’s paradise.
Why Dive in Tulamben?
Diving in Tulamben offers a unique blend of accessibility, biodiversity, and history, making it ideal for scuba diving. Here are a few reasons why this coastal village stands out:
- Home to the iconic USAT Liberty Shipwreck
- Calm waters and excellent visibility
- Rich marine biodiversity
- Most dive sites are suitable for all levels of divers
Unlike other dive destinations that require long boat rides, most of Tulamben’s dive sites are shore entries
Best Time to Dive in Tulamben
The best time to dive in Tulamben is during the dry season, from April to November. During these months, the visibility of the water is at its best, ranging from 15 to 30 meters. Water temperatures hover between 27°C to 30°C, making wetsuits optional for some divers.
Top Dive Sites in Tulamben
Tulamben is famous for its variety of dive sites, each offering a unique underwater experience. Here are the must-dive locations:
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Around the 5 – 30 meters depth and just with a beginner or advanced skill of diving, you can enjoy the sighting of The USAT Liberty which is Tulamben’s crown jewel. This 120 meter long cargo ship was shot with torpedo by a Japanese submarine during WWII and now lies just off the shore. Over the decades, it has transformed into an artificial reef teeming with marine life like bumphead parrotfish, trevallies, nudibranchs, and vibrant corals. The shallowest part is accessible to snorkelers, while deeper sections delight certified divers.
Coral Garden
Just a short swim from the USAT Liberty, with the depth of 2 – 12 meters, Coral Garden is a paradise for macro photographers. Expect to see ribbon eels, clownfish, anemones, and even the occasional reef shark. Artificial reef structures placed by conservation groups attract an impressive variety of marine species.
Drop-Off or known as Tulamben Wall
Located under 5 – 25 meters of the foot of Mount Agung, with only having Intermediate or Advanced experience at diving, this wall dive features vertical rock formations covered with soft corals and sponges. The Drop-Off is a hotspot for pelagic sightings such as barracudas, reef sharks, and occasionally, eagle rays.
Seraya Secrets
A favorite among underwater macro photographers, Seraya Secrets is perfect for spotting rare critters like mimic octopuses, ghost pipefish, and frogfish. Under the depth of 5-25 meters, the black sand bottom provides excellent contrast for photography.
Batu Kelebit
Accessible by boat, with the depth of 20 – 40 meters, Batu Kelebit features two deep coral ridges and is known for its healthy coral formations and large schools of fish. Due to its depth and occasional strong currents, it is recommended for experienced divers only.
Marine Life in Tulamben
Not only its beautiful dive sites, but the marine life in Tulamben’s underwater ecosystem is incredibly diverse making it a popular spot, drawing marine life enthusiasts from around the world. Divers can expect encounters with a wide range of species:
Turtles
Green turtles are often seen feeding on seagrass or resting on coral heads. They are generally calm and unbothered by divers. There is also Hawksbill Turtles, with their pointed beaks and patterned shells, usually found in rich coral areas feeding on sponges. They are smaller and more elusive than green turtles.
Seasonal Manta Rays
Manta Rays occasionally appear near deeper cleaning stations or during plankton-rich seasons. Their massive wingspans (up to 5-7 meters) and graceful swimming make them a breathtaking sight for lucky divers.
Reef Sharks
Blacktip reef sharks are recognized by the black tips on their dorsal and tail fins. They’re fast swimmers and commonly seen at the Drop-Off. Meanwhile the Whitetip reef sharks are more sluggish, often resting under ledges during the day. Both species are generally harmless to humans.
Moray Eels
These eel-like fish often peek from holes and crevices in coral. Tulamben hosts several types, including giant morays, which can grow up to 3 meters. They may seem aggressive, but opening and closing their mouths is their way to breath through their gills.
Nudibranchs
Often called “sea slugs”, nudibranchs are tiny and colorful. Each species has distinct patterns and colors which are great subjects for macro photography. In Tulamben, the species are flabellina, chromodoris and dorid species.
Ghost Pipefish
Masters of camouflage, they mimic crinoids, seagrass, or coral. Look for them near feather stars and coral fans. Common varieties include robust, ornate, and halimeda ghost pipefish.
Garden Eels
These creatures live in colonies and to feed themselves, they extend their bodies out to feed on plankton, retreating when approached. They are usually found in sandy beds and best seen by approaching slowly and observing from the distance.
Mimic and Wunderpus Octopuses
Mimic octopus can impersonate other marine species like lionfish or flatfish in order to protect themselves. They are usually found in mucky sites like Seraya Secrets. Meanwhile the Wunderpus Photogenicus has distinct reddish-brown and white stripes and is prized bye underwater photographers.
Bumphead Parrotfish
These parrotfish love to form a shoals with the size that can be up to 1.5 meters. They are active around sunrise at the USAT Liberty Shipwreck dive site. They use their massive beaks to break coral, helping with reef regeneration. If you are lucky, you will often hear them crunching coral during a dive.
Harlequin Shrimp and Pygmy Seahorses
Harlequin Shrimp are rare and stunningly beautiful, feeding exclusively on starfish. They are usually found in pairs. On the other hand, Pygmy Seahorses are tiny (less than 2 cm) and cling to gorgonian fans. They’re incredibly well-camouflaged and require a trained eye to spot.
