# Tulamben, Bali

> Tulamben is a village in northeast Bali famous for the USAT Liberty wreck: a cargo ship about 120 metres long lying a few dozen metres off the pebble beach, from 3–5 to around 30 metres deep. You walk straight in from the shore, and the top of the hull is visible even when snorkeling. A guided dive takes 1–2 hours. It's about 100 km and 3 hours from the airport.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tulamben

- City: [Bali](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali), Indonesia
- YesGo score: 19/100 (Yes, if nearby)
- Time on site: 3 h
- Opening hours: Dives from early morning; night dives in the evening
- With kids: Better without small kids
- Beach entry: Small fee for divers
- Wreck: USAT Liberty, about 120 m
- Depth: ≈ 3–5 m at the top of the hull, down to ≈ 30 m
- Entry: From the pebble beach, a few dozen metres out
- Nearby: Amed ≈ 13 km
- Coordinates: -8.27750, 115.59250
- Facts checked: 10.11.2026

## Key facts

- **≈ 120 m** — length of the USAT Liberty cargo ship (source: Wikipedia: USAT Liberty)
- **1942** — the year the damaged ship ended up on Tulamben's shore (source: Wikipedia: USAT Liberty)
- **3–30 m** — depth range of the hull (source: Tulamben dive centres)
- **Shore entry** — no boat needed — straight in from the beach (source: Tulamben dive centres)
- **≈ 13 km** — to Amed (source: OSRM route)
- **≈ 103 km** — by road from Ngurah Rai Airport (source: OSRM route)

## The USAT Liberty wreck

**USAT Liberty** was an American cargo ship about **120 metres** long. In 1942, during the Second World War, the damaged ship was towed towards Bali and beached at Tulamben; later the hull slid back into the sea, where it lies today.

Over the decades the wreck has become completely covered in **coral, sponges and sea fans**, turning into an artificial reef. Schools of fish hang around it, turtles and parrotfish are regulars, and at night crustaceans come out to hunt.

## Liberty wreck snorkeling and diving

The hull lies on its side **from 3–5 metres down to about 30 metres**, a few dozen metres from shore. You can see the upper section while **snorkeling** when visibility is good, but a scuba dive is the real experience.

No boat is needed: you walk in from the pebble beach. By tradition, local **porters** — mostly women — carry the tanks on their heads from the dive centre to the water. Beginners can dive with an instructor, and experienced divers come back for **night dives**.

> **When to dive** Get in early: by 9–10 am the groups from south Bali arrive and the wreck gets crowded. Visibility is usually best in the dry season, April to October. Wear water shoes on the beach — the stones are big and slippery.

## About Tulamben

**Tulamben** is a quiet village on Bali's **northeast coast**, at the foot of Mount Agung. The beach is big **black pebbles**, and guesthouses and dive centres line the road. People come here not for the beach but for what's underwater.

The star is the **Liberty wreck**: one of Asia's best-known dive sites, and one of the most accessible, since you can swim to it from the shore.

## How to get to Tulamben

Tulamben is at the far end of the island from the airport: about **100 km by road**, **around 3 hours** by car with traffic. From Ubud it's about 2–2.5 hours, from Amed 15–20 minutes.

Many dive centres in south Bali run day trips to the Liberty with hotel pickup. But it's easier to stay overnight in Tulamben or Amed and dive at dawn.

## How to get to Tulamben from Ubud or Seminyak

1. **Day dive trip** — hotel pickup, gear and instructor included.
2. **Car with driver** from the airport or Seminyak — about 3 hours; from Ubud 2–2.5 hours.
3. **From Amed** — 13 km, 15–20 minutes.
4. Stop at Tirta Gangga water palace on the way.

## Where to stay

Tulamben has **dive resorts and guesthouses** right on the beach, many selling stay-and-dive packages. That's handy if you want several dives, including a night dive.

For more cafés and choice, stay in **Amed**, 13 km away: it's 15–20 minutes to the Liberty, and dive centres provide transport.

## Is Tulamben worth it?

Yes, if you dive or want to try: a coral-covered wreck a few metres from shore is one of Bali's best dives, and it's open to beginners.

YesGo's take: beyond the wreck there's little to do in the village, the beach is pebbly and the drive from the south is long. Don't come just to snorkel — pair it with Amed.

## Bali sea spots compared

Beaches, bays and snorkeling and dive spots on Bali rated by YesGo.

- [Saraswati Temple](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/pura-taman-saraswati) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · free; dance ≈ IDR 100,000
- [Ayung River Rafting](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/ayung-rafting) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · ≈ IDR 400,000–500,000
- [Tegenungan Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tegenungan-waterfall) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ IDR 20,000–30,000
- [Kanto Lampo Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/kanto-lampo-waterfall) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · ≈ IDR 25,000
- [Devil's Tear](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/devils-tear) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free
- [Jimbaran Fish Market](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/jimbaran-fish-market) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free
- [Tanah Lot Temple](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tanah-lot) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · IDR 75,000
- [Taman Ayun Temple](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/taman-ayun) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ IDR 30,000–50,000
- [Legian Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/legian-beach) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · free
- [Nusa Dua Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/nusa-dua-beach) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · free
- [Kuta Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/kuta-beach) — YesGo score 25/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · free
- [Jimbaran Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/jimbaran-bay) — YesGo score 25/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · free
- [Seminyak Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/seminyak-beach) — YesGo score 25/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · free
- [Tirta Empul Temple](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tirta-empul) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ IDR 50,000–75,000
- [Tukad Cepung Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tukad-cepung-waterfall) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ IDR 25,000
- [Tanjung Benoa](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tanjung-benoa) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · beach free; banana ≈ IDR 80,000
- [Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/broken-beach) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Small fee
- [Nusa Ceningan](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/nusa-ceningan) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Free
- [Tirta Gangga Water Palace](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tirta-gangga) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ IDR 50,000
- [Ulun Danu Beratan Temple](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/ulun-danu-bratan) — YesGo score 23/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · IDR 100,000
- [Taman Ujung Water Palace](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/taman-ujung) — YesGo score 23/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ IDR 50,000
- [Lake Batur](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/lake-batur) — YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · free; hot springs ≈ IDR 200,000
- [Kelingking Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/kelingking-beach) — YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Small fee
- [Diamond Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/diamond-beach) — YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Small fee
- [Atuh Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/atuh-beach) — YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Small fee
- [Padang Padang Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/padang-padang-beach) — YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · ≈ IDR 15,000
- [Crystal Bay](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/crystal-bay) — YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Small fee
- [Amed](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/amed) — YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Free
- [Pemuteran](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/pemuteran) — YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Free
- [Sekumpul Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/sekumpul-waterfall) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · ≈ IDR 20,000–250,000
- [Melasti Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/melasti-beach) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · ≈ IDR 10,000
- [Pandawa Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/pandawa-beach) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · ≈ IDR 25,000
- [Dreamland Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/dreamland-beach) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · free, paid parking
- [Geger Beach](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/geger-beach) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · free or ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000
- [Tulamben](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tulamben) — YesGo score 19/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Small fee
- [Manta Point](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/manta-point) — YesGo score 19/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Tour only
- [West Bali National Park](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/west-bali-national-park) — YesGo score 16/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · ≈ IDR 200,000 + guide
- [Menjangan Island](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/menjangan) — YesGo score 15/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 5 h · trip ≈ IDR 500,000

## East Bali in a day

An early dive on the Liberty at Tulamben, snorkeling in Amed, then Tirta Gangga on the way back. Add it to your trip — YesGo will set the timings and transfers.

1. [Tulamben](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tulamben) — YesGo score 19/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Small fee
2. [Amed](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/amed) — YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Free
3. [Tirta Gangga Water Palace](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/tirta-gangga) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ IDR 50,000

## Tips

- Dive early, before the groups arrive.
- Wear water shoes — the pebbles are big.
- Try a night dive on the wreck.
- Stay nearby rather than doing a day trip.
- Nearby: [Amed](https://yesgo.io/indonesia/bali/amed).

## Questions

### Where is Tulamben?

On Bali's northeast coast, in Karangasem regency, 13 km from Amed.

### What is the Liberty wreck?

An American cargo ship about 120 m long, lying just offshore and covered in coral.

### How deep is the Liberty wreck?

From 3–5 m at the top of the hull to about 30 m.

### Can you snorkel the Liberty wreck?

Yes, the upper section when visibility is good, but scuba is best.

### Is the Liberty wreck good for beginners?

Yes, a guided shore dive is possible even with no experience.

### How do I get to Tulamben?

By car with driver or on a dive trip — about 3 hours from south Bali.

### Is there an entrance fee?

Divers pay a small beach fee, usually included in the dive price.

### When is the best time to dive Tulamben?

Early morning, in the dry season from April to October.

## How we checked

The ship's history and size come from Wikipedia (USAT Liberty); wartime details are left out under YesGo policy. Depths, shore entry and conditions come from Tulamben dive centres. The beach fee isn't officially published, so it's marked unconfirmed. Distances are OSRM routes (airport 103 km, Ubud 83 km, Amed 13 km); travel times with traffic are our estimate.

## Sources

- Wikipedia: USAT Liberty — length, how the ship came to Tulamben
- Tulamben dive centres — depths, shore entry, porters, night dives
- Wikidata Q987513 — coordinates; OSRM routing — distances to the airport, Ubud and Amed

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