Day trip · from Ubud
Amed in a day from Ubud: the Tulamben wreck, Jemeluk and Lipah
Bali’s north-east coast for a day of snorkelling: the Liberty wreck a few metres off the Tulamben pebbles, then the coral at Jemeluk and Lipah, reached from the beach. The road is long, but you see the underwater world without a boat, children included. The times given here are indicative.
- Updated on
- 4 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
You leave Ubud at sunrise to reach Tulamben before the dive groups, and look at the top of the wreck from the surface. You then follow the coast down to Jemeluk for the coral, then Lipah after lunch. The drive back to Ubud starts mid-afternoon.
Contents
Key points
- Indicative times: they depend on traffic, the state of the sea and the time spent in the water.
- Leave early: the sea is calmer in the morning, and dive groups reach Tulamben in the late morning.
- All three beaches are pebbly: water shoes for everyone, children included.
- You see everything snorkelling from the beach, without a boat; diving is booked separately.
Amed is a string of fishing villages on the north-east coast, at the foot of Mount Agung. Tulamben, a little further north, is known for the Liberty wreck, lying just off the beach.
On the programme: Tulamben, Jemeluk and Lipah. For the road, see Ubud to Amed; for gear, the diving and snorkelling guide.
The day, indicative times
- 6 amLeave Ubud with the driver, road to the east.
- 8:30 amTulamben: snorkelling over the Liberty wreck, ahead of the groups.
- 10:30 amRoad to the Amed coast.
- 11 amJemeluk: snorkelling from the beach, coral a few metres from the edge.
- 12:30 pmLunch facing the bay.
- 1:30 pmLipah: a last swim or a break on the pebbles.
- 3 pmBack towards Ubud, arriving in the early evening.
How the day runs
You leave Ubud at sunrise to reach Tulamben before the dive groups, and look at the top of the wreck from the surface. You then follow the coast down to Jemeluk for the coral, then Lipah after lunch. The drive back to Ubud starts mid-afternoon.
Three swims in a day is a lot for children. With them, keep Tulamben and Jemeluk, and make Lipah a beach break rather than a third swim.
Who it suits
- Families with children at ease in the water, with a life vest if needed.
- Travellers who want to see coral and a wreck without taking a boat.
Who it does not suit
- Non-swimmers or anyone who dislikes the water: mostly the road remains.
- People who cope badly with several hours by car each way.
- Divers who want several dives: better to sleep in Amed.
Getting there: east, then the coast
From Ubud to Amed, allow less than the airport to Amed, published at roughly 2 h 30 to 3 h. The hard stretch is crossing the towns of the east, then the Amed coast road, narrow and winding between the bays. Between the three beaches the distances are short, but the road is slow.
- Car with a driver: the easiest with children and wet gear.
- Scooter: possible on the coast once you are there, but not for the round trip from Ubud.
- Tulamben is on the main north-east road; Jemeluk and Lipah on the Amed coast road.
What you see
At Tulamben, the Liberty wreck, lying a few metres off the beach, whose upper part can be seen snorkelling in calm seas. At Jemeluk and Lipah, reefs that start a few strokes from the shore. You see neither Tirta Gangga nor sunrise over the bay, kept for those who sleep there.
What you pay for, and what you do not
The driver for the day is the first item. On site, add mask and fin rental, parking or a small contribution at some beaches, and the village porters at Tulamben if you bring heavy gear. Prices are displayed or given on site. Access to the beaches is free.
| Item | Paid? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Ubud ↔ Amed | Yes | By the day; mention Tulamben when booking |
| Mask, fins, life vest | Yes | Rented on the beaches, or bring your own |
| Porters at Tulamben | If needed | For diving gear |
| Try dive | Optional | With a dive centre, booked separately |
| Beach access | No | Parking sometimes paid |
Mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes: reaching Tulamben in the late morning, among the dive groups; walking into the water barefoot on the pebbles; standing on or touching the coral; and swimming for hours with your back unprotected in the sun. Driving back to Ubud after dark is also best avoided.
- Never put your feet on the coral, even where it looks dead.
- A rash vest protects your back from the sun without leaving sunscreen on the reef.
- Keep an eye on fishing boats coming into the bays.
- Leave Amed before late afternoon so you are not driving after dark.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Tulamben wreck without diving?
Yes: the upper part of the Liberty can be seen snorkelling in calm seas, from the beach. Diving shows you more of it.
How long is the drive from Ubud?
Less than the airport to Amed, published at roughly 2 h 30 to 3 h. Allow a good part of the morning.
Is this day trip suitable for children?
Yes, if they are at ease in the water: the coral can be reached from the beach. Bring water shoes and a life vest if needed.
Should you bring your own mask?
It is not necessary: masks are rented on the beaches. A mask that fits is still more comfortable, especially for children.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
