Tulamben
Tulamben is a small village on Bali's north-east coast whose entire reason for existing, as far as visitors are concerned, lies about thirty metres offshore.
The USAT Liberty was a US Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and beached at Tulamben. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963, the tremors pushed the hull off the beach and into the water, where it now lies on a sand slope parallel to the shore.
What makes it exceptional is the access. The wreck is 120 m long and lies in water from about 5 m to 30 m deep, starting a short swim from the beach. There is no boat, no crossing and no drift: you walk in over the black cobbles, kick out, and it is there. That makes it one of the most accessible large wrecks in the world — and the shallow end means snorkellers can see it too, which is unusual for a wreck of this size.
The hull is thoroughly colonised now: gorgonians, table coral, huge schools of jack and bumphead parrotfish that gather at dawn.
Because of that reputation, Tulamben gets busy. Dive operators bus divers up from the south, and by mid-morning the water above the wreck can be crowded. Go at first light. The village itself is small, with dive resorts and warungs and little else, and it sits 20 minutes north of Amed.
Travel tips for Tulamben
- Dive at first light. Buses from south Bali arrive mid-morning and the wreck gets genuinely crowded.
- Snorkellers can see it too — the shallow end of the hull sits at about 5 m, close to shore.
- The beach is large black cobbles. Booties or sturdy sandals make the entry much easier, especially with a tank.
- Bumphead parrotfish gather at dawn around the wreck — another reason for the early start.
- Stay overnight in Tulamben or Amed rather than day-tripping from the south, which means six hours in a car.
- Bring cash — the village is small and card facilities are limited.
Popular tours here
- Bali Private Day Tour with Driver & Guide
- East Bali Day Tour: Temples & Water Palaces
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tulamben wreck?
The USAT Liberty, a 120 m US Army cargo ship torpedoed in 1942 and pushed into the sea by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung.
Can beginners dive the Liberty wreck?
Yes — it lies from about 5 m to 30 m deep with no current or boat entry required, making it suitable for newly certified divers with a guide.
Can you snorkel the Tulamben wreck?
Yes — the shallow end sits around 5 m below the surface and is visible from a snorkel on a calm, clear day.
How far offshore is the wreck?
About 30 m from the beach, reached by walking in and swimming out — no boat is needed.
When is the best time to dive Tulamben?
First light, before the dive buses arrive from south Bali and the site becomes crowded.