In the north-eastern part of Bali there is a small settlement called Tulamben. It is washed by the Lombok Channel, which is famous for its unique biodiversity, and is one of the best dive sites on our planet.
general information
Tulamben is a fishing village. Its name translates as "a cluster of stones." The rocks appeared after the long activity of the volcano Agunga . Boulders here are smooth and big. They meet at every corner and cover the entire coast.
In Tulamben, tourists began to come after 1963, when another volcanic eruption took place, which devastated almost the whole eastern coast of Bali and caused a violent storm in the ocean. At that time, a Japanese submarine USAT Liberty was landing to the coast. It sank in the local waters during the Second World War.
Over a long period, the ship has been overgrown with various kinds of corals, in which today many marine inhabitants live. It is located 30 meters from the coast at a depth of 5 m, so divers get here from the shore on their own. The boat occupies an upright position and can be seen by vacationers engaged in snorkeling. Rent a mask and tube costs only $ 2 for the whole day.
Weather
The climate in Tulamben is the same as on the whole island - equatorial-monsoon. The water temperature is +27 ° C, and the air temperature +30 ° C. There is a clear division of the seasons into wet and dry seasons.
The best time to visit the village is October and November, as well as the period from May to July. Tourists will be able to dive in the calm waters of the ocean, and the weather will be calm and cloudless.
Entertainment in the village
In Tulamben there is a large number of diving centers. Experienced instructors work here to help you find the best dive sites, teach you how to use scuba gear and insure yourself in case of danger. In the local waters you can find:
- Mola-mola;
- whale sharks;
- shishkolobyh parrots;
- barracuda;
- hammerhead shark;
- turtles;
- reef sharks, etc.
Here are the best diving centers in Bali, which are called Tulamben and Amed. Immersion in these places will master both professionals and beginners. Here the average current, and visibility is 12-25 m. Extremes can dive at night, but only at full moon.
The cost of the package is about $ 105 per person. During the tour, you will be taken away from any berth of Bvali, taken to the most popular dive sites, given out equipment, fed and returned. In Tulamben you can still:
- go fishing ;
- to visit waterfalls ;
- to swim and sunbathe on the beach ;
- To drive on motor boats;
- visit spa treatments.
Where to stay?
In the village there are both luxury hotels and budget. All institutions have their own dive sites and instructors, ready to train all comers. The most popular hotels in Tulamben are:
- Tulamben Wreck Divers Resort - provides guests with a swimming pool, internet, sun terrace, garden and massage room. The staff speaks English and Indonesian.
- Pondok Mimpi Tulamben - guest house, which participates in the program "Priority objects for accommodation." There is a shared kitchen, a tour desk, luggage storage and private parking.
- Matahari Tulamben Resort (Matahari Tulamben) is a three-star hotel with a wellness center, library, internet and spa. There is a restaurant here, which cooks dishes according to international recipes.
- Bali Reef Divers Tulamben is a hostel with a shuttle service, concierge and laundry services. Pets are allowed on request.
- Toyabali Resort, Dive & Relax is a four-star hotel. The rooms have a jacuzzi, a minibar, a TV and a fridge. The institution has a panoramic swimming pool, car rental, ATM, currency exchange, a mini market and a restaurant where you can order a diet menu.
Where to eat?
There are several cafes, pubs and restaurants in Tulamben. Almost all of them are built along the coast on the territory of hotels. Here you can try seafood, Indonesian and international dishes. The most popular catering establishments in the village are:
- Dive-Versions Restaurant - the restaurant serves Mexican food and pizza;
- Warung Rusti - visitors can taste Asian dishes here;
- Matahari Tulamben (Matahari Tulamben) Restaurant - guests are offered traditional Indonesian cuisine;
- Segara Tegeh Restaurant and Bungalows - the institution specializes in seafood dishes;
- Safety Stop R & B - American pub, which is suitable for vegetarians.
Beaches of Tulamben
The seabed and the coast line consist of black stones. The rocks are pretty warm in the sun, so you can walk on them only in shoes. Beaches in the village are deserted and picturesque. They are especially beautiful at sunset.
Shopping
In the village there is a small fish and food market, where they sell mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Souvenirs can be bought in special shops, and clothes and shoes - in mini-markets.
How to get there?
You can get to Tulamben from the center of the island of Bali on the roads Jl. Tejakula - Tianyar, Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra and Jl. Kubu. The distance is about 115 km, and the journey takes up to 3 hours.