Having spent decades in the water and logged thousands of dives, my criteria for a great dive resort have definitely evolved. You want comfort, sure, but you also need a place that fundamentally understands the logistics of diving. On our recent trip to Bali’s north coast, we set up basecamp at the Ocean Sun Dive Resort in Tulamben.
Tulamben is world-famous for the USAT Liberty Wreck, but getting the most out of this coastline requires the right setup. Here is a look at why Ocean Sun might just be the perfect diver’s base in Bali.
The Heart of the Resort: Chops & Hops
Our tour of Ocean Sun has to start at the social hub of the resort: Chops & Hops. It’s the perfect central spot to start your morning before hitting the water or to wind down after a heavy day of diving. Whether you’re grabbing a solid breakfast to fuel up for a dive on the Liberty Wreck, logging your bottom time over a hot coffee, or just swapping stories with a cold drink in the evening, Chops & Hops sets a welcoming, laid-back tone for the whole stay. It’s exactly the kind of relaxed environment you want between dives.
The Resort Vibe and Grounds
Moving from Chops & Hops and into the grounds themselves, you’re immediately met with a decent-sized pool and loads of lush greenery. It creates an incredibly tranquil habitat that leads right up to your doorstep. After a long day of saltwater and sun, having a quiet, shaded space to decompress is exactly what you need before heading back to Chops & Hops for dinner.
Rooms Built for Divers
This leads us to the rooms, and honestly, they are spot on. They are large, light, and airy. Speaking strictly from a diver’s point of view, they are perfectly equipped—featuring more power points for your camera gear and torches than you could ever wish for.
You’ve got crisp, ice-cold AC to retreat to, and the bathrooms feature that classic open-air Balinese style, complete with a top-notch shower unit to wash off the day’s dive.
The Engine Room: The Dive Center
Moving from the restaurant, the gardens, and the rooms, we come to the real reason we’re here in Tulamben: the dive center.
A great room is nice, but the dive center is where the real work happens. Ocean Sun’s setup is spacious and well-organized, with plenty of room for rinsing and drying gear without feeling like you’re stepping on anyone’s fins.
Seamless Logistics and Local Guides
Accessing the water here is as easy as it gets. Depending on the dive site, it’s either a simple walk across the road for a shore entry, or a quick, breezy ride in the back of a van to reach the boat or a more distant entry point along the coast.
Finally, a massive word of appreciation for the local guides. They were a huge help both in and out of the water. This was especially true on those days when the surge picked up and the shore entries weren’t as easy as we would have liked. Their local knowledge and extra set of hands make all the difference when you’re hauling gear over the rocks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to dive the Liberty Wreck or explore the incredible macro life along the black sand slopes, Ocean Sun Dive Resort is a fantastic place to drop your bags. If you liked the look of it, definitely check out their website to book a stay.
Watch the Full Tour: Want to see the resort and the dive sites for yourself? Check out our full Tulamben series on the Scuba Diving & Dogs YouTube channel.
Get the Gear: Want to take a piece of the wreck home with you? Check out the official Scuba Diving & Dogs apparel. We’ve just dropped our exclusive Tulamben Liberty Wreck tees, designed for divers who know there’s more to Bali than just the beach. Grab yours via the link on our channel!
Until we see you again on the next dive, be safe and keep on enjoying your life.
The Scuba Diving & Dogs Blog 
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