I awoke at 7 am, starting my day slowly. Anticipation filled me as I looked forward to my PADI ocean dive in Tulamben, a crucial part of my PADI course. For breakfast, I indulged once again in a delicious banana pancake. Eschewing tea or coffee, I opted for a refreshing glass of still water. Live was good at Manis Homestay. Kadek promptly delivered my breakfast, complete with a delightful plate of fruit, just 10 minutes later. She inquired about my night’s rest, and I happily shared that the bed had been remarkably comfortable. Expressing my desire to extend my stay by another two nights, I could sense Kadek’s approval and satisfaction.
Diving Preparations
Shortly afterward, I reached the diving center, and the proprietress informed me that a group of Dutch individuals would be joining us to Tulamben. Initially thinking they would be joining us for a dive experience in Tulamben, but I discovered they were opting for snorkeling instead. Boarding a minivan, we headed towards the ocean, and the capable staff handled the equipment, leaving me to relax. During the journey to the diving spot in Tulamben, I exchanged friendly smiles with the Dutch group ahead of me, maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. Upon reaching the diving site, I geared up, underwent a buddy check with my instructor, and received a briefing on the day’s plan.
The agenda for the day involved practicing the mask technique and the ‘finding your air hose back’ maneuver. I executed both techniques seamlessly. Honestly, performing these tasks in the salty seawater felt more manageable in comparison to the freshwater conditions of yesterday’s swimming pool. Buoyancy maintenance is more manageable in saltwater.
The US Liberty Wreck
My PADI ocean dive in Tulamben proved incredible! The underwater scenery was breathtaking, featuring a sunken ship from World War II. On January 11, 1942, the USAT Liberty, an American cargo ship, succumbed to Japanese torpedoes. Towed to Singaraja, the damaged vessel took on too much water and was eventually brought ashore at Tulamben for salvage efforts. In 1963, the tremors from the eruption of Gunung Agung shifted the ship into the sea.
Witnessing this marvel was truly captivating. The entire ship is adorned with vibrant corals, creating a kaleidoscopic display. While I marveled at the underwater world, my primary focus remained on perfecting my breathing and clearing techniques. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture any pictures, but you can find a captivating blog post that provides a remarkable depiction of the Liberty Wreck in Tulamben.
A Mandatory Break
Following the initial PADI ocean dive in Tulamben, we observed a mandatory one-hour break to reduce nitrogen levels in our bodies—a crucial aspect of diving. During this interval, I engaged in conversation with the Dutch couple, discovering their pleasant nature. Hailing from Hulst in the province of Zeeland, a province I frequent annually for a brief vacation with my parents, we bonded over shared experiences. Whenever holidays or beaches are mentioned, my mind conjures images of the beautiful beaches in Zeeland—an affection I hold dearly.
While at the Tulamben beach, I met Jeroen and Sabine. Jeroen, a junior doctor employed at a hospital, planned to extend his career, pursuing a three-year study to become a general practitioner next year. Sabine, his girlfriend, worked as a podiatrist. Although they were enjoying a two-week vacation in Bali, their time was dwindling. With just two days left, they were set to head to Sanur tomorrow for their final moments. I eventually invited Jeroen and Sabine to join me for dinner that night, and they gladly accepted. Sabine also shared insights about the best restaurant in Amed, a place I had come across online but initially thought was located in Ubud according to TripAdvisor.
The Second PADI Ocean Dive Experience in Tulamben
As I spent time with my new friends, the hour flew by, and soon it was time for my second dive. The experience was much more relaxing than the first one, making it ten times more amazing. Regrettably, after 40 minutes, we had to surface as I was running low on air. I took a brief snorkel, capturing some pictures with my mini camera. Post-dive, I showered and headed back to the car, where Jeroen and Sabine were already waiting. We bid farewell to Tulamben and continued our journey.
Lunch at the Dive Resort
After my PADI ocean dive, Jeroen, Sabine, and I enjoyed a delightful lunch at the dive resort, and it was undeniably delicious. We savored a rice dish with vegetables in a sweet yet spicy yellow curry sauce. As we indulged in our meal, a downpour began, creating a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of my dining experience in Malaysia’s Taman Negara during a similar rainstorm.
During lunch, Sabine shared details about an incredible water palace near Amed. Intrigued, I decided to explore it this afternoon. After the rain ceased, I bid farewell and departed. We planned to reconvene around 7 pm at the restaurant. Returning to Manis Homestay, the family inquired about my diving experience and current well-being. Enthusiastically, I recounted my adventures. Following my narrative, I sought directions to the water palace from Kadek. Swiftly, I set out, driving toward the main road leading to Denpasar. Along the Amed-to-main-road route, I paused to capture some picturesque moments.
A downpour and No Directions
The main road was situated 5 kilometers from Amed. Taking a left turn, I headed towards Southern Bali, Denpasar. Due to the rain, I had to stow my camera inside my moped to shield it from the downpour. Despite the enchanting rice terraces in the vicinity, the rain thwarted my attempts at photography. Gradually becoming soaked and frustrated in my quest, I relinquished my efforts. Despite seeking directions multiple times, the locals couldn’t guide me to the desired location. After thirty minutes, I conceded and opted to return to Manis Homestay, considering the lateness of the hour.
In hindsight, I was on the quest for the Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Amlapura, merely a 40-minute journey from Amed. However, it proved challenging to locate without mobile coverage for GPS navigation. Here is an insightful blog post that perfectly encapsulates the experience at the water palace.
Dinner
Upon my return, I showered, changed into fresh clothes, and headed to the restaurant. Unsure of its exact location, I sought directions midway. A local Indonesian man informed me about a ceremony, claiming the restaurant was closed. He suggested I dine beside their house. Politely thanking them, I continued on my way. Recognizing it as a scam, I chuckled as I drove away, reminiscent of a similar experience in Yogyakarta.
In just three minutes, I reached the restaurant where Jeroen and Sabine were already seated. They had arrived an hour earlier. We promptly placed our orders; Sabine and I opted for shrimps, while Jeroen chose chicken satay. Within thirty minutes, the restaurant buzzed with tourists, and the food proved fantastic, with no issues to report.
Together, we engaged in a delightful conversation about amusing patient encounters, generating laughter through the entertaining stories shared by Jeroen and Sabine. The tales brought back memories of home and my part-time role in the neurology ward. Following the main course, we unanimously selected banana bread with vanilla ice cream for dessert—a first-time delight for me, thoroughly enjoyed! Around 10 pm, I returned to Manis Homestay, retiring to bed by 11 pm, anticipating my final day of my PADI ocean dive experience tomorrow.
