USAT Liberty Wreck

The USAT Liberty wreck is one of Bali’s most famous and accessible dive sites, rich with history and marine life. Originally built in 1918 as a United States Army cargo ship, the Liberty served in both World War I and II. On January 11, 1942, during World War II, it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Lombok Strait while transporting rubber and railroad parts. Severely damaged, the ship was towed toward Singaraja in North Bali but began taking on water, forcing its beaching at Tulamben to salvage its cargo.

For about 20 years, the ship remained beached, becoming a familiar landmark. In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung triggered earthquakes and land shifts that pushed the ship off the beach into the sea, breaking it in two. The wreck now lies underwater approximately 40 meters from the shore, with depths ranging from 5 meters at the stern to about 30 meters at its lowest point. It rests parallel to the shore, making it easily accessible for divers and snorkelers of all experience levels.

Over decades, the Liberty has formed a thriving artificial reef, covered in coral and inhabited by more than 400 marine species, including notable residents like the bumphead parrotfish. Its unique history combined with vibrant underwater life makes the USAT Liberty wreck a must-visit dive site in Bali