Tulamben Dive Sites
Diving Tulamben is very easy, most of the time there are no strong currents, swells, surges or big waves. Almost all of the sites are shore dives, so all you have to do is walk right in. Other sites are accessible by JUKUNG (small traditional wooden outrigger boats).
Tulamben beach is rocky, covered in volcanic stones from nearby Mount Agung which exploded most recently in the 1960s. It can be difficult to walk along the beach if you are not used to it, so make sure to wear your booties. The porters have no problem scrambling along the beach with a tank or two balanced precariously on their heads, but you might find that it’s hard enough just to manage your own balance.
Divers are spoiled by the porter system in Tulamben. You set up your gear at the hotel or cafe where you are based, and the porters carry your gear for you along the stony beach to your dive site. So all you have to do is put on the gear and walk into the water. When you finish your dive, just take off your tank and leave it for the porters to carry back to your base station. But be kind to the porters- make sure you carry your own weights (and fins and mask)… still easy though compared to lugging your tank around!
In addition to the porter service, many local women have also organized a massage cooperative. So after your dives, you can get massaged right on the beach while gazing out at the tranquil ocean. Just ask your hotel to organize this for you if you don’t get approached by one of the masseurs.
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