Tulamben - Lombok & Gili Islands

Tulamben’s USS Liberty wreck is a staple for a reason. Resting just a stone’s throw from the shore, the ship is draped in soft corals and sponges, painted in oranges and purples that really pop even on an overcast day. You’ll find schools of fusiliers weaving through the superstructure, and if you look closely, lionfish often shelter in the nooks. It’s a shallow, easy dive, maxing out around 12 meters, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed second dive. Head out early to catch the morning light filtering through the wreck and avoid the busiest crowds.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.270000, 115.580000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5-30m

Marine Protected Area: KK Karangasem

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Tulamben

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Tulamben

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Tulamben's main dive sites like the Liberty Wreck and Drop Off?
Diving at Tulamben, particularly at the famous USS Liberty wreck, typically offers depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. This allows for a wide range of diving experiences, from shallow explorations to deeper wreck penetrations suitable for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in Tulamben?
Divers visiting Tulamben can expect to explore the internationally renowned USS Liberty wreck, which is exceptionally colourful. This magnificent wreck is home to a myriad of marine species, offering incredible opportunities for interaction and observation. You can learn more about specific species in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites in Tulamben, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
While the overall difficulty for Tulamben is rated as intermediate, the USS Liberty wreck offers easy access, mild conditions, and shallow water sections. This means that divers of varying experience levels, including beginners under proper supervision, can enjoy the splendour of this site.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Tulamben for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings in Tulamben. For general guidance on seasonal diving and to plan your trip, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Do I need a specific certification to dive in Tulamben, or can uncertified divers participate?
The provided information does not specify particular certification requirements for diving in Tulamben, nor does it mention participation for uncertified divers. Typically, a basic open water certification is required for independent diving, and uncertified divers can often participate in discovery dives with an instructor.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like when diving in Tulamben?
Divers at Tulamben can generally expect mild water conditions, which contribute to a pleasant diving experience. While specific current and visibility details are not provided, the description of a "beautifully colourful wreck" and "myriad species" suggests conditions are typically conducive to excellent viewing.