Standing on the black sand of Tulamben beach, most travelers do not expect a piece of history to sit just meters away. Tulamben diving takes you straight to the USAT Liberty wreck. It is one of the easiest wreck dives to reach in the world. This guide covers the history, the depth, the cost, and the sea life you need to know before you dive.
Unlike many dive spots in Bali, Tulamben diving does not need a boat. You walk from the beach straight into the water. You reach the wreck within minutes. This easy access, plus calm water most of the year, makes Tulamben diving a top choice for new and skilled divers alike.
Quick Summary
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History of the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
The USAT Liberty was first built in 1918. It sailed as a cargo ship named SS Liberty Glo. Then in January 1942, a Japanese submarine hit the ship with a torpedo. At the time, it carried railway parts across the Lombok Strait during World War II. The crew tried to tow the damaged ship to Singaraja for repairs. But it began to sink along the way. So the crew beached it near the small fishing village of Tulamben instead.
For two decades, the wreck sat on the shore. Then Mount Agung erupted in 1963. The shaking pushed the ship back into the sea. There, it settled on its side and broke into pieces. Coral slowly grew over the hull. Over time, the wreck became one of Bali’s richest reefs.
Tulamben Diving Depth and Wreck Location
The wreck lies close to shore. It sits between 30 and 40 meters from the beach, so you do not need a long swim to reach it. The USAT Liberty is around 120 meters long. It rests at a depth between 3 and 30 meters, so both snorkelers and divers can explore different parts with ease.
Because the shallowest point sits just a few meters below the surface, sunlight reaches the upper deck clearly. As you move deeper along the hull, the wreck spreads across a sandy slope. Here, divers find scattered pieces and the remains of the engine room.
How to Get to Tulamben for Diving
Tulamben sits on Bali’s northeast coast. So the drive from South Bali areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, or Sanur takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The road passes coastal villages and rice fields, so the drive itself becomes part of the trip.
This route has limited public transport. So many travelers hire a car with a private driver to reach Tulamben with ease. A private driver also means you can start early, when the water is calm and the site is quiet. If you fly in from abroad, you can also book a Bali airport transfer straight to your dive resort. This way, you skip the hassle of finding a ride after a long flight.
How Much Does Tulamben Diving Cost?
Tulamben diving is one of the most affordable dive options in Bali. Prices shift between dive shops, but you often pay less here than at Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands.
- A single fun dive with full gear usually costs between IDR 350,000 and IDR 700,000
- Certified divers often pay around IDR 2,400,000 for a two dive package, with gear and a guide included
- New divers can try a Discover Scuba package, which starts from around IDR 2,560,000 for two dives
- A 5 to 10 dive package offers better value per dive if you plan to stay longer
Prices are not fixed across dive shops. So always check what your package includes before you book. Gear rental, nitrox, and guide fees can raise the total cost by a lot.
Snorkeling Above the Tulamben Wreck
Snorkeling above the USAT Liberty feels different from a normal reef swim. As you float near the top, you look down and see the shape of the ship covered in coral. Fish move in and out of the wreck below you. Because the top of the wreck sits just a few meters deep, snorkelers can see most of the ship without diving at all.
Snorkeling here needs little gear beyond a mask, fins, and a rash guard. Entry from the beach can feel tricky at first. Smooth volcanic stones cover the shore, so wear shoes to walk in safely.
If you want to compare Tulamben with other easy snorkel spots in Bali, this guide to the best snorkeling spots in Bali covers a few more options worth a look.
Scuba Diving at the Tulamben Wreck
Tulamben diving suits every skill level, from first time divers to skilled wreck fans. Entry and exit stay simple, since you walk straight in from the beach. The gentle slope also lets you ease into the depth step by step.
A typical dive lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. A 3mm wetsuit is a good idea, even though the water stays warm at 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. Currents around the wreck tend to stay mild, though they can pick up at times. So always check with your dive guide before you enter the water.
Dive shops ask you not to touch the wreck or the coral on it. This reef took decades to grow. So keeping your distance helps it last for the next diver.
Marine Life You Can See While Tulamben Diving
The wreck acts as a man-made reef, so it draws a wide mix of sea life. You can spot schools of jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, giant barracuda, and sweetlips near the hull. Sea turtles often rest close to the wreck. Reef sharks pass by now and then in the early morning.
If you love small finds, the wreck also hides pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and ribbon eels in its cracks. An eel garden near the shore side of the wreck is another highlight. Garden eels duck back into the sand as you swim near.
Other Tulamben Diving Sites Near the Wreck
Beyond the Liberty, Tulamben diving covers a few more sites within walking distance.
| Dive Site | Depth | Best For |
| USAT Liberty Wreck | 3-30m | All levels, wreck diving |
| Coral Garden | 3-15m | Beginners, night dives |
| Drop Off | 1-70m | Wall diving, advanced |
| Seraya Secrets | Up to 27m | Macro and muck diving |
Coral Garden sits a few hundred meters from the wreck. It has a shallow reef between 3 and 15 meters, with statues and thick coral growth. This makes it a good pick for new divers and for night dives.
Drop Off starts at just 1 meter and drops past 70 meters. So it suits divers who want a wall dive. Nearby Seraya offers deeper water, where you may spot larger fish such as tuna, or on rare days, a mola mola.
If you plan to stay in the area longer, Japanese Ship Wreck Point near Amed sits about 20 to 30 minutes away. It makes a good add-on to your dive trip.
Best Time for Tulamben Diving and Snorkeling
Tulamben diving stays open all year. Still, the dry season from April to October tends to bring the best visibility. Morning hours bring calmer water and fewer crowds, since day trippers from South Bali tend to show up after 10 am.
If you like quiet dives, plan an early start. Or try a late afternoon dive once the crowds thin out. Visibility near the wreck often ranges between 15 and 20 meters, though it can shift with plankton in the water.
Safety Tips for Tulamben Diving
- Wear reef shoes or sturdy sandals, since volcanic stones cover the beach
- Enter and exit the water slowly to avoid a slip on the rocks
- Dive or snorkel with a guide, most of all on your first visit
- Check your air often if you dive, since some spots drop below 25 meters
- Avoid touching the coral or the wreck at any point
These steps help you enjoy the site while keeping the reef safe for the next visitor.
Plan Your Tulamben Diving Trip with Bali Touristic
Getting the timing, transport, and guide right makes a real difference at a site like this. Bali Touristic can set up a Bali tour package with transport, a skilled guide, and enough time at the wreck so you never feel rushed.
Pair your Tulamben diving trip with easy transport from your hotel. Or extend your stay with a private car and driver to see more of East Bali after your dive. You can check real guest reviews on our TripAdvisor page before you plan your trip, so you know what to expect from our team on the ground.
Questions About Tulamben Diving
Is Tulamben diving suitable for beginners?
Yes. The gentle slope, calm water, and shallow entry make the USAT Liberty one of the most beginner friendly wreck sites in the world. Many first time divers finish their first open water dives right here.
How deep is the USAT Liberty wreck?
The wreck sits between 3 and 30 meters deep. Because the shallowest part sits so close to the surface, both snorkelers and divers can explore parts of the ship with no advanced training needed.
How much does Tulamben diving cost?
A single fun dive usually costs between IDR 350,000 and IDR 700,000, based on the shop and gear included. Certified divers often pay around IDR 2,400,000 for a two dive package.
Can I snorkel above the wreck without diving?
Yes. Snorkeling is a hit here since the top of the ship sits just a few meters below the surface. So you can see the shape of the wreck and much of the sea life around it from the top.
How long does it take to reach Tulamben from South Bali?
The drive from Kuta, Seminyak, or Sanur usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours, since Tulamben sits on the northeast coast of Bali. Leave early in the morning to skip traffic and reach the site while the water is still calm.
Do I need a diving certification to explore the wreck?
An Open Water certificate is a good idea for the deeper parts of the wreck. If you are not yet certified, you can still snorkel above the shallow parts or join a guided intro dive with a certified instructor.
Tulamben diving remains one of the easiest ways in the world to see a real shipwreck up close, whether you dive to 30 meters or just snorkel above the deck. With calm water most of the year and sea life that keeps every visit new, the USAT Liberty keeps its name as a must visit site in Bali.
