Dive Site: Tulamben Area

Posted on April 18, 2025April 19, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Tulamben Area: from Muck to Pelagics Enthusiast

Tulamben Area offer a variety of conditions and types of diving. There are, in fact, quite a number of dive sites in the Tulamben Area (ie: outside Tulamben Bay). Most are mainly to the south east, but here we are only detailing the better-known sites. Because these sites are outside Tulamben Bay, they are more exposed and can be affected by currents however they are suitable for all levels beyond beginner.

Some of these Tulamben Area dive sites are popular areas for macro (muck) diving revealing many small critters in easy-to-photograph environments. The best known is Seraya Slope.

Tulamben Area Dive Sites

These Tulamben Area dive sites include Seraya for muck-diving and Batu Kelebit, Palung-Palung, Kubu, and Emerald for other marinelife including reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse and Bumphead parrotfish.

Seraya Slope

As well as the main, central site called ‘Seraya’, named for a nearby resort, this small area also encompasses various individual muck sites. As with all the Tulamben Area dive sites, these muck diving sites have a black sand bottom and little coral growth. Seraya Slope is one of our favourite muck sites for interesting discoveries. The macro life here includes a wide range of shrimps, pipefish, crabs, nudibranchs, and other fabulous creatures.

Kubu

Muck divers will find many nudis and other macro creatures dotted around the black sand slope, together with eels, cuttlefish, Leaf scorpionfish and more.

Two small walls (approx 25m depth with viz of 20m) offer gentle drift-diving past numerous sea fans (with Pygmy seahorses) and a variety of sponges, as well as hard and soft corals. Kubu has the highest concentrations of lionfish and Blue-spotted rays in the Tulamben area.

Palung-palung

Palung-palung is covered in colourful soft corals and alive with butterflyfish, sea fans, swaying Garden eels, hunting day octopus, and large schools of fusiliers. Also, you will quite often see some of Tulamben’s school of huge Bumphead parrotfish munching on the coral and White-tip and Black-tip reef sharks looking for their next meal.

Batu Kelebit

An unusual and exciting site just outside Tulamben Bay that provides opportunities to see pelagics as well as reef life different from that inside the Bay.

Batu Kelebit is basically two large rocks that lie just offshore. As you follow the sloping reef deeper, the dive site becomes more dramatic. You’ll see three steep ridges encrusted with a wonderful diversity of hard and soft corals, fire and table corals, many beautiful sea fans, and sponges.

Emerald

There is a sunken car and some other pieces of artificial reef on the sandy slope – which itself is a natural home to cuttlefish, gobies, Decorated dartfish, Helmut gurnard and nudis. There are some areas of Garden eels too.

Around 20-30m depth, the reef becomes richer with a large number of sponges, including Barrel sponges, and is a good place to see reef sharks. Both Thresher sharks and Eagle rays are (occasionally) seen here. There is a small drop-off with Elephant ear sponges and hard corals, and some large, semi-resident Napoleon wrasse.

AquaMarine Diving – Bali could easily put together a 7+ Day Tulamben Bay and Tulamben Area Dive Sites Safari with 3-4dives/day at a different site each day.

Tulamben Area Day Trip

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Why Bali’s Diving is So Great?

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Diving in Bali: Reasons Why Bali’s Diving is So Great

by Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

Bali is a top diving destination known for its rich marine biodiversity. Located in the Coral Triangle, it’s home to over 600 species of coral and 2,000 species of fishes. Bali’s dive sites are also famous for macro diving, where you can spot rare creatures like pygmy seahorses, seadragons, and frogfish. The volcanic waters surrounding the island provide nutrients that support thriving, healthy ecosystems. Accessible sites like Tulamben and Menjangan Island make Bali a paradise for underwater enthusiasts seeking diverse marine life.

Suitable for All Levels

Bali giving options to divers from all experience levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners and seasoned divers alike.

Beginners: For novice divers, Bali offers calm and shallow dive sites, such as Padangbai and Tulamben, where vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish are easy to find. These sites provide a relaxed atmosphere to help build confidence and dive skills.

Intermediate Divers: Sites like Candidasa and Nusa Penida are perfect for those with more experience. These locations offer deeper dives, shipwrecks, and exciting night dives. The conditions here are more challenging, offering the chance to explore more advanced underwater environments.

Advanced Divers: Bali also features specialized dive sites, like muck diving and drift diving, for experienced divers. The famous USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben and thrilling night dives provide unique experiences, showcasing Bali’s rich underwater world in an entirely different light.

Easy Access to Dive Sites

Bali offers convenient access to its incredible dive sites, whether you prefer shore diving or boat diving.

Shore Diving: For a more straightforward dive experience, sites like Amed, Tulamben, and Secret Bay are ideal. Divers can simply walk into the water and immediately enjoy vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Boat Diving: For more remote dive sites, boat dives are a great option. Padangbai is just a short boat ride from multiple dive sites, while Nusa Penida offers unforgettable dives, like Manta Point, where you can swim with majestic manta rays, and Crystal Bay and Blue Corner, where the elusive Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish) can be spotted.

Bali’s Gentle Giants: Mantas and Molas

Bali is renowned for sightings of Manta Rays and Mola-Mola. Nusa Penida, especially between April and October, offers prime opportunities to see these graceful manta rays. Mola-Mola can be found in Blue Corner, Crystal Bay, and Vertigo Point from July to October.

Bali Diving 1 Day Trip

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Bali’s Temple Tanah Lot

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Tanah Lot Temple: A Majestic Coastal Sanctuary

by Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Bali, Tanah Lot is one of the island’s most iconic and revered sea temples. Known for its stunning beauty and cultural significance, this temple is a must-visit for both spiritual seekers and travellers looking to experience the magic of Bali’s natural landscapes. The name “Tanah Lot” translates to “Land in the Sea,” which perfectly describes the temple’s unique location—perched atop a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.

A Spiritual Haven

Tanah Lot is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods and serves as a spiritual centre for locals who come to pray and offer sacrifices to the gods for safe voyages and bountiful harvests. According to Balinese mythology, the temple was built in the 15th century by the priest Nirartha, who sought a place to meditate while travelling along the island’s coast. Enchanted by the stunning view, he is said to have built the temple on the rock as a tribute to the gods.

The temple itself is a serene place of worship. Though visitors are not permitted to enter the temple grounds, they can admire the intricate carvings and architecture from a distance. For those interested in the temple’s spiritual significance, Tanah Lot offers a glimpse into the deep connection the Balinese people have with nature and the sea.

A Scenic Wonder

What makes Tanah Lot truly remarkable is its picturesque setting. The temple is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and the backdrop of the crashing waves adds to its mystique. The best time to visit is during sunset when the sky turns into a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow over the temple. It is one of the most photographed sites in Bali, and the view from the temple is nothing short of breathtaking.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, where small stalls and shops sell traditional Balinese crafts and souvenirs. Local fishermen often work nearby, adding a touch of authenticity to the area. The tides can make the temple either accessible or isolated, depending on the time of day. At low tide, visitors can walk up to the temple, while at high tide, it becomes a dramatic silhouette against the waves.

Cultural and Environmental Preservation

The Balinese people continue to preserve Tanah Lot not only as a sacred site but also as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. The temple is part of a larger effort to protect Bali’s religious traditions, while its surrounding environment is maintained to ensure the temple’s stunning views remain unspoiled.

In conclusion, Tanah Lot stands as a symbol of Bali’s natural beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn by its religious significance or simply its scenic beauty, a visit to Tanah Lot is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Bali’s mystical charm.

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