On the north east coast of Bali, Island of the Gods, are two small fishing villages, Tulamben and Kubu. Lying within the coral triangle, They are at the heart of marine biodiversity on our planet, and flushed with strong ocean currents, nutrient rich volcanic slopes explode with life. Lying in the shadow of the island’s largest active volcano, the black sand coastline drops off with enormous boulders and rubble scattered across the underwater landscape. Shipwrecks and spiritually inspired creations become artificial habitats. To dive quietly along these reefs, early in the morning or when the weather isn’t favourable, allows one to experience a place marked by constant change. Mother nature gives and takes away in equal measure. No matter how dark the waters appear at times, life adapts and thrives.
Threatened with the fallacies of modernization; overfishing, pollution, development and habitat loss, Tulamben is still a relative sanctuary. It is a place that commands great respect amongst the Balinese people, where balance is deemed essential to both their physical and spiritual survival. These otherworldly landscapes represent unique eco-systems, are struggling to survive and require our collective conservation.
Threatened with the fallacies of modernization; overfishing, pollution, development and habitat loss, Tulamben is still a relative sanctuary. It is a place that commands great respect amongst the Balinese people, where balance is deemed essential to both their physical and spiritual survival. These otherworldly landscapes represent unique eco-systems, are struggling to survive and require our collective conservation.
INDONESIA. Kubu, Bali. June 20th, 2013. A view from the stern of shipwreck near the shoreline in the village of Kubu. Recently sunk, this wreck is intended to act as an artificial reef.
INDONESIA. Pemuteran, Bali. June 28th, 2013. A large Barrel sponge lives atop the coral reef at a diving area named 'Close Encounters', located outside Pemetruan bay on the northeast coast of Bali.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. July 6th, 2013. A large great barracuda (sp. sphyraena barracuda) swims on the seaward side of the USS Liberty wreck. Normally, this species of barracuda will make its home in and around shipwrecks, preying on small baitfish that use the wreck for shelter.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. June 19. 2013. Small stupas sunken along a volcanic slope. They are part of a Balinese style shrine that was sunk to become an artificial reef.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. July 1st, 2013. A medium sized barrel sponge lays under the stern of the USS Liberty Wreck.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. July 19th. 2013. A wide view of the USS Liberty wreck. A former cargo ship, it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo during WWII and subsequently laid to rest just offshore in Tulamben. In 1963, tremors created by the local volcano, Mount Agung, caused the ship to roll on its side and into the water, upon which it became an artificial coral reef that today is frequented by scuba divers.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. May 30th, 2013. A view inside the hold of the USS Liberty Shipwreck.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. June 29th, 2013. A view inside the hold of the USS Liberty Shipwreck.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. July 8th, 2013. The frame of a small twin prop aircraft sits on the volcanic slope and acts as an artificial reef.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. June 19th. 2013. Small stupas sunken along a volcanic slope. They are part of a small Balinese style shrine that was sunk to become an artificial reef.
INDONESIA. Tulamben, Bali. July 8th, 2013. Two divers, just after sunsrise, begin to descend over the steep reef slope at a dive site named Drop Off.
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