Where to Stay in Tulamben: Best Areas & Resorts for Divers

Tulamben might be a tiny fishing village on Bali’s northeast coast, but for divers, it’s world-class.

The USAT Liberty Wreck is just a few meters from shore, the reef is accessible year-round, and the conditions are beginner-friendly. I’ve spent countless days diving here, carrying gear back and forth, and trust me: being close to the wreck is a game-changer.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay for divers, highlight top hotels and resorts, and give a heads-up on spots you might want to skip. This should make planning your Tulamben trip a lot easier.

Best Places to Stay in Tulamben

01 – Central Tulamben (Liberty Wreck Area)

Best for: First-time visitors, convenience, easy access

Central Tulamben is the main stretch of the village, basically one long road along the coast with resorts, warungs, and small shops on either side. Staying here means you’ve got everything within walking distance – restaurants, cafés, dive shops, and local stores are right outside your door, so you don’t need a scooter or car to get around.

I’ve stayed here many times, and I love how simple it makes life for divers. You can literally step out of your room, gear up, and be in the water within minutes, making it ideal for multiple dives a day. While the area isn’t crowded on land, it does have a lively vibe during the day, with locals and travelers coming and going, and a steady flow of people checking in at the dive centers.

Because everything is so close, Central Tulamben is perfect if you want to minimize logistics. You’ll find small warungs serving fresh fish and traditional Balinese meals, little cafés for breakfast, and the occasional shop selling snacks, souvenirs, or snorkel gear. It has a relaxed Bali vibe without feeling isolated.

Top stays in Tulamben:

02 – Outskirts & Between Tulamben and Amed

Best for: Quiet, scenic stays & ocean views

The areas just outside Tulamben, stretching toward Amed, are more remote and isolated. This is the perfect spot if you want peace and quiet, and maybe a few dives here and there, but diving isn’t your main focus. Resorts here tend to be self-contained, so it’s a good idea to pick one with on-site facilities like a restaurant, a pool, or a spa, since there might not be much within walking distance.

Because you’re farther from the village, having a scooter or hiring a private driver can make getting around much easier, whether you want to reach Tulamben’s dive centers, local warungs, or nearby beaches. The main draw is the scenery: waking up to ocean views, hearing only the waves, and enjoying a slower pace away from the main road.

Areas you should avoid staying in

While Tulamben is small and most of it works well for divers, there are a few spots that can make diving less convenient.

Staying too far inland adds unnecessary hassle with every dive requiring a drive or scooter ride, and you won’t have the easy shore access that makes Tulamben so appealing.

Amed is another area to be cautious about: it’s a nice spot with its own attractions, but if your main goal is Liberty wreck dives, it means extra travel every day.

Other than that, most of the village along the coast is fine, just make sure your accommodation is reasonably close to the dive centers if you want to maximize your time in the water.

Things to Consider when booking your stay in Tulamben

Tulamben is small, so where you stay can make a big difference to how easy your dives feel.

• Walking distance to dive sites – Especially the Liberty wreck. Being able to stroll out of your resort and into the water is a huge convenience.
• Resort facilities and comfort – Do you want pool and AC, or are you fine with a simple guesthouse? Is having an on-site dive center important, or can you walk to one nearby? Keep in mind that some of the more remote resorts might have everything you need on-site, but fewer options within walking distance.
• Proximity to restaurants & warungs – Tulamben is essentially one long road along the coast with resorts, shops, and eateries on either side. Staying too far out might mean fewer dining options, so check if your resort has a restaurant or if you’ll need transport to eat.
• Budget vs. convenience – Tulamben offers excellent value, from basic rooms starting around €20 to boutique resorts over €100. Cheaper options may mean a bit more walking or needing a scooter, so decide what matters most for your trip.

How to Get to Tulamben

Tulamben is on Bali’s northeast coast, about 2–3 hours from Denpasar Airport, depending on traffic. Getting there is fairly straightforward, but it helps to know your options.

• Private car and driver: The easiest way is to hire a private car and driver. It’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and gives you flexibility to stop along the way if you want to. Expect to pay around IDR 600,000–800,000 (€35–50 / $40–55) one way. Most resorts and dive centers can help arrange this for you.
• Scooter rental: If you’re adventurous, renting a scooter is a cheap and flexible option. Tulamben is easy to navigate by scooter, but keep in mind the ride from south Bali (like Canggu or Ubud) can take 3+ hours, so this is only practical if you’re comfortable with longer rides and don’t carry too much luggage with you. Rental prices are usually IDR 80,000–150,000 (€5–9 / $6–10) per day.
• Taxi service: Regular taxis are an option but less common, your resort can usually help book one.

Tip: I usually ask my resort or dive center to arrange my transfer, it’s super simple and stress-free. Tulamben itself is very small, so once you arrive, everything is within a short walk or a quick scooter ride.

FAQ: Where to stay in Tulamben

And if this guide helped you, share it with your dive buddies – they might end up joining you.