Welcome to the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben, Bali.
In July 2024, we went to Bali for amazing dives at the Liberty Wreck, a world-class wreck dive location. We’d like to give you a full diving guide for this famous dive site.
Let’s get started!
Want to have a good idea of what diving at the shipwreck feels like? Check out the video below!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Ship: The USAT Liberty was originally an army cargo ship built in 1918 and served in both World Wars. It was TORPEDOED by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and eventually stranded off the coast of Tulamben.
- Diving Experience: The USAT Liberty Shipwreck is accessible as a shore dive, with the shallowest point being only 4 meters below the surface.
- Temperatures: The best time to dive at the Liberty Wreck is during Bali’s dry season from May to September, with warm water temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 °C.
Overview of the Liberty Wreck
The USAT Liberty Shipwreck is Bali’s MOST FAMOUS DIVE SITE, along with Menjangan Island and Nusa Penida. Tulamben is famous for its amazing marine life and shipwrecks.
Don’t take our word for it; even the renominated Dive Magazine states that the USAT Liberty Shipwreck is one of the best shipwrecks in the world!
The USAT Liberty Wreck lies off the coast of Tulamben (4 m from the surface at the shallowest point and 40 METERS from Tulamben beach), a small fishing village on the northeast coast of the popular island, and is the perfect spot for a sunrise dive on the beach.
This means it’s easily accessed as a SHORE DIVE, meaning no long boat rides.
That being said, the beach is full of large ROCKS AND STONES, so be careful when changing into your wetsuit!
History of the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
The USAT Liberty, also known as the USS Liberty wreck, was an army cargo ship built in 1918 in New Jersey, USA.
The ship served during both WWI and WWII. In 1942, the ship’s journey came to an abrupt end when TORPEDOED BY A JAPANESE SUBMARINE in the Lombok Strait.
Fortunately, there were no casualties during the incident.
The ship was later towed to recover its cargo, but took on too much water during transport and was STRANDED in Tulamben. This is where it sat for decades, slowly being stripped of its cargo and parts.
In 1963, during the ERUPTION OF MOUNT AGUNG, and due to the movement of the ground, the ship slipped into the ocean, where it remained.
Today, the 125-meter-long wreck lies on its side in 3-28 meters of water, making it a popular beginner dive site in Bali.
Over the years, the USAT Liberty shipwreck has transformed from a wreck into an ecosystem teaming with life. The shipwreck is overgrown with marine life, including soft and hard corals, gorgonian fans, sponges, sea anemones, and crinoids.
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Exploring the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
When you go diving at the Liberty Wreck, you can explore the wreck’s cargo holds, engine room, and even the captain’s quarters. Follow your guide to make your way into the shipwreck!
The bridge of the shipwreck is positioned vertically along the seafloor. The bow points towards the west, while the stern faces east, where the large helm is still visible (even though corals have overgrown it).
One of the two CANNONS can still be seen near the front of the ship at a depth of 28 meters.
You can also see the ship’s propeller, rudder, and other features. Advanced divers will find unique opportunities and challenges, including deeper sections of the wreck and varying penetration options, catering to those seeking more exhilarating dive experiences.
KEEP IN MIND: The Liberty Wreck is a PROTECTED SITE; you should respect the marine environment and Leave No Trace.
At the USAT Liberty shipwreck, you can expect to see much sea life.
It is home to colorful nudibranchs, lionfish, moray eels, and dozens of parrot fish, clownfish, angelfish, and other tropical fish.
When we dived, we even saw an EEL GARDEN next to the wreck, closely followed by huge Napoleon fish hiding within the wreckage and countless soft and hard corals (check the video at the top of this article for the eel garden and corals).
It’s not uncommon to see TURTLES and BLACK-TIP SHARKS there, either!
BE AWARE: You should always dive with a certified dive master or guide.
Night Dives and Special Experiences
Night diving at the Liberty Wreck is a unique and unforgettable experience.
BUT keep in mind that you need to reserve your night dive spot at one of the many dive operators in the area.
Let us give you a few reasons why night dives at the USAT Liberty Shipwreck are SPECIAL.
- NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: Many marine animals are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. If you want to see many schools of fish, this is the time to dive at the Liberty Wreck!
- BIOLUMINESCENCE: The natural glow underwater organisms produce is a spectacular sight that can only be fully appreciated in the dark. It’s like swimming through a star field. You’re lucky, as the wreck is also home to many bioluminescent corals, making it a magical dive site.
- CALMET WATERS: The water is calmer at night, especially if the dive follows a sunny day when the surface may have been choppy.
Diving here is just as spectacular as in the Maldives or while exploring the reefs in Thailand. If you’re planning a Southeast Asia dive trip, Thailand is the perfect addition alongside Indonesia.
Many divers travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao to experience WORLD-CLASS SCUBA SITES filled with both macro and micro marine life. Keep an eye on the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry price, since it often varies between high and low season.
Make sure you have travel insurance to avoid EXPENSIVE medical bills in case of an injury! You can check out below how expensive it would be for your holiday! Lucky for you, we partner with VisitorsCoverage, which offers the lowest medical insurance!
Best Time to Dive
The best time to dive the Liberty Wreck is during the DRY SEASON, from May to September.
The warm water temperature ranges from 25-30°C, making it perfect for scuba diving.
Visibility is usually around 20 m, rarely reaching more than 25 m due to the amount of PLANKTON in the water. It’s certainly enough to see the wreck in detail!
However, Bali does experience a rainy season between October and April, reducing visibility.
During the rainy season, visibility drops to around 10 m, so keep that in mind if you plan to dive during this time.
INSIDER TIP: The best time to dive at the USAT Liberty Shipwreck is early morning before the day trippers arrive. It’s the perfect location for a night and sunrise dive, which will get you in and out of the water before the 10 am hustle!
Make sure you meet all Indonesian e-visa requirements to enter Bali!
How To Get to Tulamben
Step 1: Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport
After landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you have several transportation options to reach Tulamben, located on Bali’s NORTHEAST coast, 100 kilometers (62 miles) away (3 HOURS by car).
Step 2: Choosing Your Transportation
There are TWO modes of transportation. Most people take a private taxi or a shuttle bus.
- Private Car/Taxi:
- Duration: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Cost: IDR 700,000 to 1,000,000 (approximately $50-$70)
- Details: Taxis are available at the airport. For more comfort and reliability, consider pre-booking a private car service. Many drivers offer fixed prices for trips to Tulamben.
Take a look below to find a trustworthy and qualitative taxi service.
- Shuttle Bus:
- Service: Perama Shuttle
- Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops
- Cost: IDR 200,000 to 300,000 ($14–$21)
- Details: The Perama Shuttle provides a cost-effective option with pickups from tourist hubs such as Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, and Padang Bai. Check their schedule and book in advance.
You can use the 12GoAsia widget below, one of the biggest transportation providers in Asia!
Step 3: The Drive to Tulamben
- Route: The most common route is via Jalan Raya Denpasar-Gilimanuk and then north on Jalan Raya Singaraja-Amlapura. The scenic drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, including coastal views and rice terraces.
- Stops: You may want to stop for refreshments or sightseeing. Popular stops include the seaside town of Candidasa or the Tirta Gangga water palace. Most people go to Tulamben after spending a few days in Uluwatu for its amazing beaches like Padang Padang Beach, Melasti Beach, and after visiting the Uluwatu Temple!
Step 4: Arriving in Tulamben
- Accommodation: Tulamben has a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. We recommend Matahari Tulamben Resort, Liberty Dive Resort, and Toyabali Resort (see more information below).
- Diving Centers: Many resorts offer dive packages, or you can book through local dive shops. These often include hotel transfers, equipment rentals, and guided dives.
Tulamben Diving Accommodation
Tulamben has many dive resorts and we’ll list our favorites, from luxury to mid-budget.
1. Mimpi Resort Tulamben (we stayed here)
- Price per Night: IDR 800,000 to 1,600,000 ($56 – $112)
- Highlights:
- Beachfront resort with an outdoor swimming pool and garden.
- Offers standard rooms and luxurious oceanview villas with outdoor bathrooms.
- On-site PADI Dive Center offers various dive packages.
- Spa services include massages and a restaurant with panoramic sea views.
- Complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
- Booking Link: Mimpi Resort Tulamben
2. Matahari Tulamben Resort, Dive & SPA
- Price per Night: IDR 350,000 to 1,200,000 ($24 – $84)
- Highlights:
- Beachfront property with an outdoor pool and ocean-view restaurant.
- Offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, superior rooms, and ocean-view bungalows.
- Free breakfast, WiFi, and parking included.
- Located a 5-minute walk from the USAT Liberty Shipwreck.
- On-site dive center, motorbike rental, and spa services.
- Booking Link: Matahari Tulamben Resort
DID YOU KNOW: They also offer various special diving packages including accommodation, transfers, diving and courses, snorkeling, tours etc.
3. Liberty Dive Resort
- Price per Night: Approximately IDR 500,000 to 1,500,000 ($35 – $105)
- Highlights:
- It is famous for its dive facilities and packages.
- Offers deluxe rooms and family suites with modern amenities.
- There are three swimming pools and a tropical garden.
- On-site dive shop offers courses and trips to the USAT Liberty Shipwreck.
- Complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
- Booking Link: Liberty Dive Resort
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies.
Conclusion
The USAT Liberty Wreck in Bali is an incredible dive site that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
With its rich history, diverse marine life, and easy accessibility, it’s a must-visit destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, Diving the USAT Liberty Wreck is an amazing experience!
Leave us a comment and tell us how your dive went!
