Batu Kelebit Dive Site – Tulamben, Bali

Site Overview

Batu Kelebit is a dramatic volcanic pinnacle that rises from the depths off the Tulamben coast, offering one of the most exciting and pelagic-rich dive sites in the area. Unlike the gentle reef slopes and muck diving sites that characterize most of Tulamben's underwater offerings, Batu Kelebit delivers a more adventurous experience with the possibility of encountering larger marine life attracted to the exposed pinnacle by the nutrient-rich currents of the nearby Lombok Strait. The pinnacle itself is a rocky outcrop that starts at approximately 5 meters below the surface and drops steeply on all sides to depths exceeding 35 meters. The upper sections of the pinnacle are covered with a lush garden of soft corals, gorgonian fans, and barrel sponges that filter the passing current, while the deeper walls are patrolled by whitetip reef sharks and schools of barracuda. Giant trevally and eagle rays are regular visitors, particularly during the stronger tidal flows when they use the pinnacle as a hunting ground. The site's exposed position means that conditions can be more challenging than the sheltered sites within Tulamben Bay, but the reward is a more dynamic and exciting dive with the potential for big animal encounters. Batu Kelebit is often described by local dive guides as the 'advanced version' of Tulamben diving, providing a perfect complement to the more relaxed wreck and reef dives in the bay.