Most people come to Tulamben for one reason: the Liberty wreck. And fair enough, it’s one of Bali’s best dives. But if you stop there, you’re missing half the fun. Tulamben might be small, but there’s plenty to do once you hang up your wetsuit.
I’ve spent weeks here diving, snorkeling, and just soaking up the slow pace of this little coastal village. And while it’s never going to be a nightlife spot, that’s exactly what makes it great. The days start early, the sea is calm, and life runs on dive schedules and coffee breaks.
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Tulamben:
- World-class diving and laid-back snorkeling spots
- Peaceful sunrise beaches and ocean views
- Easy day trips around East Bali
01 – Dive the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
The USAT Liberty Wreck is the reason most people come to Tulamben. And honestly, it’s worth the hype. I’ve dived it more times than I can count, and I’ve still not had enough.
The wreck sits just off the beach, only about 30 meters from shore. You gear up, walk straight into the water, and descend right onto it. The top of the ship is shallow enough for beginners, but the deeper sections still keep experienced divers hooked. It’s covered in coral, full of life, and easy to explore without feeling crowded once you’re underwater.
What makes it special for me isn’t just the size or history, it’s how alive it is. Schools of jackfish swirl over the midship, bumphead parrotfish munch on coral at sunrise, and tiny nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses hide in the beams if you slow down enough to notice them.
If you’re planning to dive it, check out my full guide to diving the USAT Liberty Wreck, it covers the best dive route, marine life, and everything you need to know before you go.
What I’d do: Go for the sunrise dive. The light hits the wreck beautifully, and you’ll have it mostly to yourself — just you, your buddy, and a few bumpheads for company.
02 – Explore Tulamben with a Snorkel
You don’t need to dive to see what makes Tulamben special. The reef starts right off the beach, and the water is calm enough most mornings to just float and watch the reef come to life.
The Liberty Wreck is the main draw, parts of it sit so shallow that you can clearly see the coral-covered metal and schools of fish moving through the beams. It’s one of the few wrecks in the world you can actually snorkel, and even after so many dives there, I still love seeing it from the surface.
Right next to it, Coral Garden is another favorite. It’s shallower, colorful, and full of movement with clownfish in anemones, butterflyfish swimming around, and the occasional ribbon eel poking out of the sand. On a calm day, it’s an easy swim from shore and perfect if you just want a relaxed morning in the water.
If you want the full breakdown of entry points, conditions, and what to expect, check out my Snorkeling in Tulamben guide, it covers everything you need to know before you go.
What I’d do: Go early, before the wind and waves pick up. The light is better, the visibility’s higher, and you’ll often have the water to yourself. If you’d like someone to point out the best marine life and show you where to look, it’s worth joining this Tulamben Liberty Wreck snorkeling tour, the guides know exactly where the good stuff hides.
03 – Go Macro Diving or Muck Diving
Tulamben is heaven if you love the small stuff. The black sand here might not look like much at first, but it hides an entire world of strange, tiny creatures. Once you slow down, you start spotting things like nudibranchs the size of your fingernail, frogfish pretending to be sponges, and ghost pipefish drifting next to crinoids, perfectly camouflaged.
I’ve spent dives here barely moving, just hovering over the sand while my guide pointed out critters I’d never find on my own. The guides in Tulamben are amazing at this, some can spot a pygmy seahorse from meters away. If you’re into underwater photography, you’ll be in your element.
You can do macro dives with pretty much any dive center in town. Just tell them you’re after the weird and wonderful, and they’ll know exactly where to take you.
What I’d do: Bring a small light or focus torch, it helps bring out the colors on the sand and makes spotting critters a lot easier.
04 – Try a Discovery Scuba or Freediving Course
If you’ve never dived before, Tulamben is one of the easiest places in Bali to give it a try.
The water is calm, visibility is good, and you don’t need to go far, the reef starts right off the beach. You can literally take your first breaths underwater while still seeing the shore behind you.
Most dive centers offer Discovery Scuba sessions where you go over the basics, practice a few skills in the shallows, and then head out for a real dive , often at Coral Garden or even the Liberty Wreck. It’s simple, safe, and way more fun than most people expect.
I’ve taken a few friends for their first dives here, and they all loved it. The easy shore entry, clear water, and the amount of fish you see right away make it the perfect intro to diving.
Freediving is also getting popular here, and the calm conditions make it ideal for learning breath-hold techniques without strong currents or deep drop-offs.
What I’d do: Ask for a small group or a private session, it’s worth it for the extra attention, especially if you’re a bit nervous or just want to take things at your own pace.
05 – Watch the Sunrise on Tulamben Beach
Tulamben faces east, so sunrise is kind of a big deal here. Not in a dramatic, bucket-list way, just quietly beautiful. The black sand turns gold, the fishing boats head out, and the village slowly wakes up. It’s one of those simple moments that makes you appreciate how peaceful this place really is.
If you’re diving early, you’ll catch it by default, but even if you’re not, it’s worth getting up for at least once.
One of my favorite things to in Tulamben is to grab a coffee, walk down to the beach, and just watch the fishermen push their jukungs into the water. It’s everyday life, not a show put on for tourists, and that’s what makes it so nice to watch.
What I’d do: Bring your camera and go early. The light changes fast, and it’s gone before you know it.
06 – Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
If you need a break from diving, Tirta Gangga is an easy and relaxing half-day trip from Tulamben. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Tulamben, and it’s the kind of place that instantly slows you down. Built by the royal family of Karangasem, the gardens are full of stepping stones, fountains, and ponds packed with fat koi fish that follow you around, hoping for food.
It’s touristy, sure, but it’s still beautiful. Go early and you’ll have the pools almost to yourself, with Mount Agung in the background and mist still hanging over the rice terraces.
I like to grab a drink at the small café above the main pool and just watch the light change over the water.
What I’d do: Go in the morning before the tour buses arrive, then stop for lunch on the way back — there are a few warungs with great views over the rice fields.
07 – Visit Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)
Lempuyang Temple, better known as the “Gates of Heaven”, is one of Bali’s most famous viewpoints, and it’s only about an hour from Tulamben.
It’s one of the oldest and most important temples in Bali, with beautiful staircases, stone carvings, and views stretching all the way down to the coast. If you walk past the photo crowd and climb higher, you’ll find smaller temples that are much quieter, and honestly, more special.
I’ve been a few times, and it’s always an experience. It’s steep, hot, and you’ll need to wear a sarong (you can rent one there), but standing above the clouds with Mount Agung right in front of you is something else.
If you go: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and the long photo queue, and bring plenty of water, the hike is no joke.
08 – Chill at a Beach Café
After a few dives, there’s nothing better than just slowing down for a bit, and Tulamben makes that easy. You won’t find fancy beach clubs here, but you will find a few small cafés and warungs right by the water, where you can grab a cold drink and watch the waves roll in.
I usually end my dive days at one of the beachfront spots near Matahari or Puri Madha. It’s quiet, the air smells like salt and clove cigarettes, and there’s always someone happy to chat about the day’s dives.
It’s the kind of simple, low-key downtime that fits Tulamben perfectly.
09 – Get a Massage in Tulamben
If you’re taking a day off diving, getting a massage in Tulamben is a pretty perfect way to spend it. Most dive resorts have someone on call, or there’s usually a small spa tucked along the main road offering Balinese massages for a fraction of what you’d pay in the south.
It’s simple, no candles, no spa playlist, just a solid Balinese massage that somehow makes you feel both wrecked and relaxed at the same time. I like to go mid-morning, when it’s too hot to be out on the beach anyway.
What I’d do: Ask your accommodation who they recommend, locals always know the best massage places.
10 – Take a Day Trip to Amed
If you’re spending a few days in Tulamben, set one aside to check out Amed. It’s only about 25 minutes down the coast, but it feels completely different: more cafes, more life, and a bay perfect for snorkeling or just hanging out by the water.
I like coming here when I want a change of pace. You can grab lunch with a sea view, go for an easy snorkel at Jemeluk Bay, or just wander along the beach road. Amed has that same laid-back diving vibe as Tulamben but with a little more going on. It’s great if you’re craving a good cappuccino or somewhere new to watch the sunrise.
If you go: Hire a scooter or ask your dive resort to arrange a driver. The road between Tulamben and Amed is scenic, and it’s an easy half-day trip that’s absolutely worth it.
How to Get Around Tulamben
Tulamben is small enough that you can walk almost everywhere. The village is basically one long road that runs along the coast, lined with dive resorts, warungs, and small shops. If you’re staying near the Liberty wreck, you’ll probably walk to most places anyway.
For anything further away, like heading out for dinner, a scooter is the easiest option. Rentals start around IDR 80,000–100,000 (€5–€6 / $6–$7) per day, and the roads are quiet compared to South Bali. Just watch out for loose gravel and the occasional chicken crossing the road.
If scooters aren’t your thing, ask your accommodation to organize a driver. Short rides around Tulamben cost IDR 50,000–100,000 (€3–€6 / $3–$7), and for half-day or day trips (like Amed or Tirta Gangga), expect to pay around IDR 400,000–600,000 (€25–€35 / $27–$38).
There are no taxis or ride-share apps here, so it’s best to plan your transport ahead. And bring cash, most local restaurants and cafés don’t take cards.
Get more Tips for your time in Tulamben
- Start with my complete guide to diving in Tulamben, it covers everything you need to know to plan your trip including dive sites, conditions and the best time to visit.
- If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, here you’ll find an overview of the best areas to stay in Tulamben including recommendations for hotels and dive resorts on the beach.
- Don’t miss my favourite wreck dive in Asia, my guide to the USAT Liberty Wreck covers the best route, marine life highlights, and what keeps me coming back.
- For something a little easier, I’ve selected the best snorkeling spots in Tulamben with plenty to see right off the beach.
- My post on the best things to do in Tulamben takes you to most beautiful beaches and temples in the area.
- And when you’re ready to explore more of the island, my guide to the best diving in Bali has everything you need to plan your next stops.
If you’ve been to Tulamben and think I’ve missed something good, drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear what you found.
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