|
| |
|
TULAMBEN |
| |
|
|
| |
The small, rather unattractive village of TULAMBEN , about 10km west
of Culik, is the site of the most famous and most popular dive in Bali,
the Liberty wreck , which sank during World War II. The wreck lies about
30m offshore, and is completely encrusted with coral, providing a
wonderful habitat for over 400 species of reef fish. Parts of the stern
are only about 2m below the surface, making this a good snorkelling site,
too. Up to a hundred divers a day now visit, so it's worth avoiding the
rush hours (11.30am-4pm); night dives are especially good. Most divers
come to Tulamben on day-trips from Candi Dasa or Lovina, but you can
also dive with local operators: check out Tauch Terminal Resort, Mimpi
Resort and Dive Paradise Tulamben at Paradise Palm Beach Bungalows.
Expect to pay around US$60 for two dives at Tulamben, US$75 for two
dives at Amed or Jemeluk and US$350 for a PADI Open Water course.
Snorkelling gear is also available for rent.
Tulamben is easily accessible from either Singaraja or Amlapura by
public bemo or bus. When it comes to moving on , daily tourist shuttle
buses leave for all major destinations in Bali and Lombok. There is also
a Perama office in Ganda Mayu guesthouse. It's worth noting that shuttle
buses travelling from Tulamben to Candi Dasa can drop you off at Culik
if you are intending to explore the far east of the island.
Accommodation here is fairly pricey, but Ganda Mayu (tel 0363/22912;
$5-10) is a good budget choice, just above the main road. Paradise Palm
Beach Bungalows (tel 0363/22910; $5-40), centrally located on the coast
in the middle of the village, has several standards of rooms in a cosy
compound and Puri Madha (tel 0363/22921; $5-10) is very near the Liberty
wreck, which is offshore, at the western end of the village. The biggest
place is Tauch Terminal Resort (tel 0363/22911 or through Kuta
reservations office tel 0361/730200; $20-80), which fronts a long
section of the coast and has an attractive pool and a very busy dive
centre. The top-end rooms are the best in the area, with high ceilings,
huge windows and lovely furnishings.
|
| |
|
