Tulamben
Tulamben, a small fishing village on Bali’s northeastern coast, has become synonymous with world-class scuba diving.
Amidst its tranquil, undeveloped surroundings lies the famed USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the world’s most accessible and popular wreck dive sites offering divers of all skill levels a unique glimpse into history and nature beneath the waves.
The 125-meter long ship, built in New Jersey, USA, in 1918, served in both World Wars. In January 1942, it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine near Lombok, Indonesia, and had to be beached on Tulamben’s shoreline.
In 1963, tremors from the eruption of Mount Agung caused the vessel to slip off the beach and settle on a sand slope in 7.6 to 30.5 meters of water, just 25 meters from the shore. The generally favorable conditions make it a captivating dive site suitable for all levels.
Over the decades, the Liberty wreck has become encrusted with vibrant coral and transformed into a thriving marine ecosystem, attracting a diverse array of fish and marine life, including ghost pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, barracuda, and schooling snapper, with occasional sightings of blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.
Tulamben’s dive sites are uniquely characterized by volcanic sand, a result of Mount Agung’s eruptions, which provides a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. This black sand enhances the colors of coral and marine life, creating a striking contrast that is captivating to divers. The volcanic origin also contributes to nutrient-rich waters, supporting a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
For those seeking unique experiences, Tulamben offers exhilarating night diving adventures.
