Guide for Underwater Photography in Tulamben
Nestled on the northeastern edge of Bali, Indonesia, lies the fishing village of Tulamben, a hidden gem that has emerged as a popular diving destination. Despite being out of the well-trodden tourist areas, Tulamben offers a diverse range of diving experiences suitable for every type of diver.
The heart of Tulamben's diving scene is the USAT Liberty shipwreck, a historically significant World War II cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. After a volcanic eruption in 1963, the ship was moved off the beach into the sea, where it became one of Bali’s most famous and accessible dive sites.
Originally launched in 1940, the USAT Liberty played a crucial role in transporting troops and supplies during the Pacific theater of World War II. Its sinking marks a dramatic episode of maritime warfare, making the wreck a poignant underwater memorial to those wartime sacrifices. Today, the wreck rests at about 30 meters depth, richly encrusted with corals and home to diverse marine life such as turtles and colorful fish.
For divers, diving the USAT Liberty offers more than just underwater exploration; it is an immersive journey connecting them to a pivotal moment in history while marveling at the thriving reef ecosystem the shipwreck has become. This dual appeal makes it one of the top dive destinations in Bali and a symbol of resilience and natural reclamation beneath the waves.
Beyond the USAT Liberty, Tulamben offers other unique diving experiences. The Coral Garden, located south of the shipwreck, is an ideal site for finding critters such as cuttlefish, harlequin shrimp, leaf scorpionfish, and ribbon eels. The Drop Off, located at the termination of the beach, features a vast coral wall teeming with life and schools of fish resembling rush-hour traffic. However, divers should be aware of the tides when diving at this location, as currents can pick up quickly.
Seraya Secret, a muck dive site located just south of the main beach, caters to underwater photographers. Known for its dark, black sand, Seraya Secret offers opportunities to photograph various critters, including pygmy sea horses, juvenile emperor angelfish, frogfish, and numerous species of nudibranch. Despite its name, Seraya Secret is not a secret location, but an iconic dive site in Tulamben.
As the popularity of Tulamben grows, it may change in the future. However, for now, the diving in Tulamben is considered the best in Bali and offers a diverse range of diving experiences. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, a history buff or a marine life enthusiast, Tulamben promises an unforgettable diving adventure.
The author, Nirupam Nigam, works as a fisheries observer in the Bering Sea and prefers to travel and dive when he can, usually on the west coast of the USA. This article does not provide information about Bluewater Travel or its services related to scuba diving in Tulamben, Bali.
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