Situated on the east coast of Bali, the pretty town of Tulamben is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those who want to spend a little time soaking up the sun.
Tulamben is best known for the wreck of the US cargo ship Liberty, which sank in 1942. More than 100 scuba divers visit the wreck each day, and the area is also popular with people who like to snorkel as the sea is full of colorful fish and coral.
However, Tulamben’s beach consists mainly of large black boulders and peddles so sunbathers will have to travel somewhere else to soak up the sun. Still, this is a peaceful place to spend a little time and there are plenty of good places to eat and relax with a beer or two in the evening.
The USAT Liberty, a US Army cargo ship, has an intriguing history tied to World War II. Built in 1918 during World War I, the Liberty was later used in various cargo capacities before being requisitioned by the U.S. Army for transporting supplies. In January 1942, while en route from Australia to the Philippines with a cargo of railway parts and rubber, the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine (I-166) off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
The damaged Liberty was towed towards Bali, with the intention of salvaging its cargo in Singaraja. However, the ship began taking on water, forcing it to be beached on the shore of Tulamben to prevent it from sinking. The Liberty remained stranded on the beach until 1963, when Bali’s Mount Agung erupted, triggering tremors that dislodged the ship from its resting place. The Liberty then slid off the shore and into the shallow waters where it lies today, at depths of 5 to 30 meters, making it accessible for divers.
Over the decades, the Liberty has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, drawing an array of marine life, including vibrant coral formations, schooling fish, and larger species such as barracudas and garden eels. Today, the USAT Liberty wreck is one of Bali’s most famous dive sites, attracting divers from around the world who come to explore the historical shipwreck and the rich biodiversity it now supports.
When to Go
The best time to visit Tulamben is from April to November, the dry season, when visibility is optimal for diving and underwater activities. The rainy season (December to March) can bring strong currents and reduced visibility, though diving remains possible. Temperatures are generally warm year-round, averaging between 26-30°C (79-86°F), making Tulamben a year-round destination.
Things to Do
-
Diving and Snorkeling: Tulamben’s main appeal is its dive sites, most famously the USAT Liberty shipwreck, which is accessible directly from the shore and suitable for all levels of divers. The wreck, teeming with marine life, is one of the most popular dive sites in Bali. Other dive spots include Coral Garden and the Drop Off, where you can see a range of coral, reef fish, and macro life. Snorkelers can also enjoy these sites, especially near the Liberty wreck, as the shallow parts offer plenty to see.
-
Mount Agung Views: For those interested in Balinese nature, the imposing Mount Agung provides a breathtaking backdrop. Early risers can enjoy beautiful sunrises over the mountain, especially from the beach, where it’s reflected against the water.
-
Local Temples and Villages: Nearby, the traditional village of Tirtagangga offers cultural insights with its Water Palace, beautifully terraced rice fields, and opportunities to interact with locals. This is a great spot to experience traditional Balinese culture, and the temples provide a peaceful retreat.
Getting There
The most direct way to get to Tulamben is by flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located just outside the city of Denpasar. There is a large bus station nearby. There are regular buses to Tulamben from Denpasar (4 hours) as well as from surrounding towns and cities such as Amlapura (1 hour), Tirta Gangga (1 hour) and Candidasa.
Where to Stay
Tulamben has a range of accommodations that cater largely to diving tourists, from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels and dive resorts. Many hotels and resorts here offer in-house diving services, including gear rental, dive certification courses, and guided dive tours. Nightly rates range from about $20 for a budget room to $100+ for a stay in a dive resort with amenities like pools, beachfront access, and restaurant services.
Where to Eat
Dining options in Tulamben are mostly casual, with small eateries (warungs) and resort restaurants serving traditional Balinese dishes, Indonesian fare, and a few international options. Fresh seafood is a highlight, and many restaurants have ocean views, offering an inviting ambiance. For more variety, nearby Amed has a larger selection of dining options and is about 20 minutes away by car or motorbike.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Only if you are a keen scuba diver and want to visit the famous wreck here.
- What to do: scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, visit the nearby palace.
- Best time to go: during the dry season between May and September.
- How long? A day or two is enough to fully explore Tulamben.
- Trivia: the town’s name comes from the word batulambih, which means ‘many stones’ in the local dialect, a reference to the eruptions from Mount Agung.