Tulamben is Bali's diving capital, set on a dark pebble beach backed by volcanic Mt. Agung. As you’d expect, most of the top things to do in Tulamben occur on or under the water: the most popular activities include fishing, snorkeling, free diving, and scuba diving. The star of the show is the USS Liberty Wreck (USAT Liberty), a World War II relic shallow enough for snorkelers to explore its upper reaches. But you can also drift along the drop-off, see reef restoration at a coral garden, and dive at other wrecks.
You can scuba dive in Tulamben year-round, but visibility is usually best during the dry season (May–October). Trash in the water can be an issue during the peak of the rainy season in January and February, while the USS Liberty Wreck can get extremely crowded during the July–August high season. Whatever the time of year, plan to dive the wreck early: ill-judged fin kicks tend to obscure visibility later in the day.
There’s neither public transit nor rideshares in Tulamben or nearby Amed, so travelers tend to either self-drive, join tours, or use local drivers. However, many dive shops include transfers from hotels in the Tulamben and Amed areas as part of their packages. Plus, Tulamben is a walkable town, so it is possible to enjoy a stay without your own wheels.
Ikan bakar (grilled fish) is a serious contender for the national dish of Indonesia and Tulamben's fishing fleet brings in fresh fare every day. Segara Tegeh Restaurant and Bungalows is a great place to enjoy this local favorite Indonesian-style, barbecued over coconut husks on an open grill. It’s delicious served with white rice, sambals (spicy sauces), and green bean urap salad.
