When we’re considering a new destination for GAS Divers, we don’t just scroll through photos online or rely on brochures.
We go there ourselves.
We had already planned our Blissful Bali trip for November 2027, but before bringing a larger group to Bali, we wanted to experience the destination firsthand. We wanted to dive Tulamben, explore the area, experience the resort, try the spa and cultural excursions, and see what Bali was really like for both divers and non-divers.
Several of our travelers from our Komodo trip joined us for the Bali portion, giving us the chance to experience it together and get real-time feedback from people who know what makes a great dive vacation.
We wanted to answer one simple question:Would this be a trip we’d be proud to host?
By the end of the week, the answer was easy. Absolutely.
First Impressions: Welcome to Bali!
After landing at Denpasar International Airport (DPS), we made the scenic drive to Bali’s northeast coast. At roughly three hours, it’s not a short transfer, but it quickly becomes part of the experience as you pass through villages, rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, and everyday Balinese life.
When we arrived, the pace immediately changed.
One of the things we look for when choosing a resort is space. We don’t want a property where everyone is crowded around one pool or where it feels busy from sunrise to sunset.
Traveling halfway around the world should give you the chance to slow down, unplug, and enjoy your surroundings—not feel like you’re competing for a lounge chair or listening to loud music all afternoon.
The bungalow-style accommodations are spread throughout beautifully landscaped gardens, giving the property a cozy, intimate feel while still offering everyone plenty of privacy. Instead of long hotel hallways, you’re greeted by winding pathways, tropical plants, and the sound of the ocean in the distance.
The infinity pool overlooks the water, sunsets become part of your evening routine, and before long you find yourself settling into a much slower pace.
It felt less like staying at a resort and more like settling into your own little corner of Bali.
Diving Tulamben:The Hunt for the Wonderpus, Rhinopias, Ribbon eels & more!
One of the things we loved most about diving Tulamben was never knowing what we’d find next. We went looking for wonderpus and rhinopias, but the tiny nudibranchs, ribbon eels, turtles, and unexpected critters made every dive feel like a treasure hunt.
Much of Tulamben’s fame comes from its muck diving and incredible macro life.
Learn more about why muck diving is so special in our guide to Muck Diving: Why the Weird Stuff Lives in the Sand
The dive operation made everything easy. Gear was handled for us, there was plenty of room to organize camera equipment, and before our first dive the guides asked one simple question:
“What do you want to see?”
That personalized approach continued throughout the week as they helped us search for some of the area’s most sought-after marine life.
We hit the jackpot. Wonderpus. Rhinopias. Ribbon eels. Sea turtles. Tiny nudibranchs. And so much more! Check out our gallery below!
Beyond the famous black sand slopes, Tulamben also offers healthy reefs, dramatic walls, and the iconic USS Liberty wreck, making it a destination with something for macro lovers and wide-angle photographers alike.
Our Favorite Bali Finds
Tulamben’s underwater world kept us busy. From the famous macro critters to the unexpected finds, every dive seemed to turn up something new.
The Spa: Yes, We Really Did Get Pampered
Let’s be honest: the spa became a pretty big part of our Bali experience.
And we’re not complaining.
The open-air spa was something we were curious about when we arrived. If you’re used to a traditional enclosed spa, the idea of having your treatment in an open-air setting surrounded by tropical greenery can take a little getting used to.
But once you settle in, it’s incredibly relaxing.
The spa incorporates locally sourced ingredients into many of its treatments, including body scrubs and wraps. Our group especially enjoyed trying the different treatments—and the spiced flower bath quickly became a favorite.
After a morning of diving, there are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
And that’s one of the things we loved about this experience. The spa isn’t an afterthought or something you have to squeeze into a packed schedule. It’s part of the experience. Dive. Explore. Spa. Repeat. That’s Bliss.
Tours and Cultural Exploration
Our itinerary included cultural experiences and opportunities to explore the Balinese countryside, while the resort could also arrange more adventurous activities such as hiking and rafting.
Since our trip was quite short, we chose to focus on experiencing some of Bali’s culture and explore a local rice field, try some Balinese coffee, and explore the beautiful Tirta Gangga Temple.
Bali Rice Fields
We spent time exploring Bali’s famous rice-growing landscapes, learning more about how rice is cultivated and getting beautiful views of the countryside.
It was a completely different perspective from what we experienced underwater and a great reminder that there is so much more to Bali than its coastline.
Coffee & Tea Tasting
We also stopped for a coffee and tea tasting, including the famous Luwak coffee.
This is one part of the experience where we want to be transparent: traditional Luwak coffee production has significant animal-welfare concerns, and it’s not something we support.
The location we visited told us they did not keep the civets in captivity or use the same practices associated with those operations, which we appreciated. That said, the experience still gave us plenty to talk about.
And the coffee?Let’s just say it was strong.
There may or may not have been quite a few jokes made around the table while we tried it.
Exploring the Tirta Gangga
Built in 1946 by the last King of Karangasem, the complex was designed as a retreat and is centered around the importance of water. The name Tirta Gangga translates roughly to “water from the Ganges,” reflecting the site’s significance within Balinese Hindu culture.
The grounds are filled with elaborate fountains, pools, stone sculptures, and lush gardens, making it a beautiful place to wander and take in a very different side of Bali. The pathways wind through the gardens and across the water, with ornate statues and fountains around nearly every corner.
The intricate architecture, peaceful surroundings, and importance of water within Balinese culture made this one of our favorite cultural stops.
What We Really Loved About Our Bali Trip
What surprised us most during the trip wasn’t any one dive site, excursion, or spa treatment. It was how easily all of these experiences fit together.
A morning could be spent underwater searching for a wonderpus. By afternoon, we could be exploring Tirta Gangga or wandering through rice fields. Another day might mean diving in the morning, enjoying a spa treatment afterward, and watching the sunset from the pool.
There was never a feeling that we had to choose one kind of experience and miss out on everything else.
What Our Travelers Thought
One of the reasons we invited several of our Komodo travelers to join us in Bali was simple—we wanted honest feedback.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long.
“Wow 😮 just wow! From the bungalows to the spa to the food to the land tours to the diving! What an incredible adventure in Bali. I don’t know how, but Global Adventures for Scuba Divers has done it yet again.”
That review made us smile because it captured exactly what we hoped this experience would become.
Not just another dive trip. A memorable vacation.
The review continued:
“They took care of every detail and are extremely responsive to any questions I had. Top notch people running a top notch company. Highly recommend.”
There’s no better confirmation than hearing it from the people who experienced it alongside us.
We’re Going Back!
When we first planned Blissful Bali, we were excited about the possibilities. After experiencing it ourselves—and hearing the feedback from the travelers who joined us—we’re even more excited to bring it to our next group.
We’ll be returning in November 2027 to host another Blissful Bali adventure.
November is one of the best times of year to visit Bali, offering wonderful diving conditions and warm, sunny weather before the busy holiday season begins.
If you’re looking for a trip that combines great diving with culture, relaxation, wellness, and the flexibility to enjoy Bali at your own pace, we’d love to have you join us.
We can’t wait to share Blissful Bali with you.