USAT Liberty Wreck
USAT Liberty Wreck
A world-famous wreck dive site accessible from the shore. A rich sea with everything from macro life to large pelagics.
The small village of Tulamben on Bali's northeast coast is world-renowned among divers. The reason is the massive 120-meter-long shipwreck, the USAT Liberty, resting just 30 meters from the shore. This ship was hit by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine in 1942, ran aground, and later slipped off the beach onto the seabed during an earthquake following the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung. Lying at depths from 3 to 30 meters, the hull is now completely covered in colorful soft and hard corals, transformed into a massive artificial reef. It's often called 'the world's easiest wreck dive' due to its accessibility from the beach, captivating divers of all levels, from beginners to veterans.
History: From a Relic of War to a Haven for Life
The USAT Liberty was originally an American cargo ship. After running aground, it was left on the beach for over 20 years. The natural force of the Mount Agung eruption ultimately delivered it to the underwater world. Over half a century, this relic of war has transformed into a cradle of life, home to countless marine creatures. This site is a moving monument demonstrating how a history of destruction can lead to rich natural regeneration.
Rich Marine Ecosystem
The Liberty wreck is home to resident schools of giant trevally and bigeye trevally, and the sight of them swirling is spectacular. The hull also teems with macro life, including endemic pygmy seahorses, beautiful nudibranchs, and frogfish. 'Dawn dives' are famous for encounters with massive schools of bumphead parrotfish, still waking from their sleep. Snorkelers can also fully enjoy the shallower stern and deck sections.
Diving Etiquette and the Community
The beach at Tulamben is covered in pebbles, making it difficult to walk with heavy gear. It's common to use the (paid) services of local women who act as porters, skillfully carrying equipment on their heads. This is an important source of income for the community. The wreck is fragile in many places, so you must never touch it or break any part of it. As it's a popular site, be mindful of other divers' bubbles and fins, and maintain a safe distance.
Highlights (What to See!)
For divers, 'penetration' (entering the wreck) to explore the cargo hold or wheelhouse is a thrilling option. However, this must only be done with an experienced guide. Snorkelers should head for the shallowest part of the ship, the stern (around 3 meters deep). You can see plenty of fish just in this area. Besides the Liberty, the nearby 'Drop Off' and 'Coral Garden' are also fantastic dive sites with their own unique charms.
Activities at This Location
Activities you can enjoy at this attraction
beginnerPADI Open Water Course
The most popular introductory certification for scuba divers. This 2-3 day course certifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet.
Fun Dives
For certified divers itching to explore Bali's underwater world. Dive groups are kept small, never exceeding more than 4 customers per divemaster.
Beginner Dives
An introductory scuba diving experience for non-certified divers, including a basic skills briefing and a guided dive in Tulamben.
Advanced Open Water Course
Build upon your Open Water skills and get certified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters/100 feet in this 2-day course.
Muck Diving
Explore Tulamben's black volcanic sand for a treasure trove of tiny, unusual creatures. Perfect for macro photography.
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TempleBesakih Temple
The "Mother Temple" at the foot of Mount Agung. A massive sanctuary of 23 temple complexes aligned on an axis toward the mountain.