You may have heard Tulamben is a good place to dive, but here’s why you absolutely MUST add it to your Bali itinerary.
1. Spectacular Marine Diversity
It’s not just good diving – it’s absolutely amazing. Tulamben is located in the “Coral Triangle” (aka the global centre of marine biodiversity) so it should come as no surprise that the area is home to an incredibly diverse concentration of marine species. The Liberty wreck is covered in a variety of colorful corals, sponges, and gorgonian fans making it an ideal habitat for marine life. One of the best parts of diving the wreck is that you never know what you will see! Keep an eye out for bumphead parrotfish, batfish, angelfish, sea turtles, ocean sunfish, reef sharks, barracuda, flashlight fish, peackock grouper, surgeon fish, and a huge school trevally…. these are just the tip of the iceberg! Not to mention, Tulamben is an especially popular diving location for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers. The Coral Garden and Seraya Secrets dive sites offer divers an up close look at rare macro species such as Harlequin shrimp, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish, boxer crabs and nudibranchs. This underwater wonderland should be at the top of every diver’s bucket list!
2. Escape the Chaos
Dying to escape the hoards of tourists that flock to Bali’s southern hotspots? A quaint fishing village located along the coast in northeast Bali, Tulamben is a refreshing break after the packed beaches and heavy traffic of the south. A far less developed and quieter tourist area, Tulamben provides a peaceful, laid-back setting to relax and unwind. You’ll have a front row seat to breathtaking views of the sun rising across the glistening water and setting behind the towering Mount Agung. Tulamben provides a good balance of tranquility and allures, with enough amenities in town and nearby Amed to keep you taken care of and entertained while you kick back.
3. Beginner Divers Welcome
No experience? No problem. Tulamben is a great location for those just dipping their toes into the diving waters for the first time. The Liberty shipwreck is located a mere 25 meters offshore and rests only 3-30 meters deep, making it one of the most accessible wreck dives. The wreck is a rewarding dive for beginners who will have no difficulty spotting a wide array of marine species. In addition to the wreck, Tulamben’s Coral Garden and Drop-Off sites offer divers fulfilling experiences without having to dive too deep.
4. Discover the Real Bali
Since Tulamben is located away from the tourist center of Bali, it is not overrun by western culture and development. You will not find massive shopping malls, flashy resorts, western food chains or wild clubs here. Instead, you will receive a more authentic glimpse of Balinese culture and lifestyle. You can try traditional food from a local warung, chat with locals, bring in the day’s catch with local fishermen, or rent a scooter and explore the village. The locals here are all very friendly and more than happy to chat over a beer or invite you to sing along as they strum both Balinese and western tunes on their guitar.
5. Launching Point for the Gilis
Planning on hopping over to the Gili Islands during your stay in Bali? Tulamben is a great launching point for the Gilis, with fast boats departing daily from nearby Amed. The boat ride from Amed to the Gilis is only 45 minutes, much shorter (and cheaper!) than the two hour boat road if you depart from the south. So why not, explore more of the island and spend a couple days exploring Tulamben and the rest of East Bali before you head to the Gilis?
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