Bali
Tulamben
Explore Tulamben with guidance on diving the USAT Liberty shipwreck, volcanic stone beaches, dive costs, and shore access.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Kubu, Karangasem (-8.2733, 115.5956)
- Suggested duration
- 1–3 days
- Opening hours
- Public area (24 hours) — verified 2026-07-22
- Entrance fee
- Public beach is free (Dive/Snorkeling fees and porter fees apply)
- Best time
- Early morning to avoid day-tripper crowds and strong afternoon currents
- Accessibility
- The beach consists of large, loose volcanic stones; walking is very uneven
Location on Google Maps
Karangasem, Bali
Travel Advisor Score
Famous primarily for its WWII history and marine life rather than Balinese culture.
An underwater photographer's paradise, offering everything from giant structural wrecks to macro marine life.
Diving from the shore is very safe under the guidance of certified instructors.
Lined with dive resorts, restaurants, and equipment rental shops.
The village is quiet, but the shipwreck site itself gets extremely crowded with divers between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Shore diving eliminates boat fees, making Tulamben one of the cheapest places globally to dive a world-class wreck.
Best For
- ✓ Scuba divers of all levels
- ✓ Underwater photography
- ✓ WWII history enthusiasts
Reconsider If
- Looking for sandy beaches to sunbathe
- Dislike ocean swimming
Overview — English
Tulamben is a small fishing village on Bali's northeast coast that has evolved into one of the world's most renowned scuba diving destinations. The shoreline here is entirely devoid of sand; instead, it is composed of large, smooth, black volcanic stones, a legacy of Mount Agung's past eruptions.
The defining attraction of Tulamben is the USAT Liberty Shipwreck, an American cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II. The ship was originally beached on the shore, but the catastrophic eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 pushed the massive vessel back into the sea. Today, it rests a mere 30 meters from the shoreline at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters. Because it is so shallow and close to the beach, this spectacular, coral-encrusted artificial reef is accessible even to beginner divers and snorkelers.
Travel Tips
- 1.Gunakan sepatu air pelindung (booties) jika Anda hanya ingin snorkeling, karena batu-batu vulkanik di pantai sangat licin dan menyakitkan telapak kaki.
- 2.Menginaplah semalam di Tulamben dan lakukan penyelaman pada pukul 07:00 pagi. Anda akan menikmati bangkai kapal hampir sendirian sebelum puluhan bus tur dari Bali Selatan tiba.
- 3.Manfaatkan jasa 'porter lokal' (biasanya ibu-ibu desa) untuk membawakan tabung oksigen Anda ke tepi air; ini adalah sumber pendapatan utama bagi warga lokal.
Accessibility
The beachfront consists entirely of large, loose pebbles and rocks. Walking across it, especially with dive gear, is challenging.
The shoreline and water entry points are completely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Facilities
- Dive CentersAvailable
Dozens of highly professional dive resorts and centers operate right on the beach.
- Gear RentalAvailable
All necessary scuba and snorkeling gear is readily available for rent.
- DiningAvailable
Many affordable restaurants and cafes serve the diving community.
Ticket Information
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Free | Access to the village and beach is free. |
| Diving Cost | Variable | A typical guided shore dive costs roughly IDR 300,000 - 500,000 including gear rental and local porter fees. |
Last verified: 2026-07-22
Opening Hours
24 Hours
The beach is public. Night diving at the wreck is a very popular activity for certified divers.
Last verified: 2026-07-22
Nearby Destinations
FAQ — English
Can I see the USAT Liberty wreck just by snorkeling?
Yes! The highest point of the wreck sits at a depth of about 3 to 5 meters. On a clear day, snorkelers can easily see the structure and huge schools of fish.
Is the beach good for children to play on?
No. The beach is entirely made of large, loose volcanic stones, and the shore break can sometimes be tricky. It is not a typical sandy beach for lounging or building sandcastles.
Sources
- Google Maps — Tulamben
2026-07-22