Gerombong is a reef dive site in Tulamben made up of two distinct reef sections separated by a rocky slope. The site offers varied terrain within a single dive, with coral-covered ridges, sandy channels and lava rock formations.
As you move across the slope between the two reef areas, the underwater landscape shifts noticeably. This natural separation gives the dive a layered feel, with each section offering slightly different structure and marine life.
Gerombong is dived for its variety. Instead of following one continuous wall or slope, divers explore two reef systems connected by a transitional zone, creating a more exploratory dive profile.
The reef ridges are covered in coral growth, sea fans and sponge formations, while sandy channels provide habitat for reef fish and bottom-dwelling species.
For divers who enjoy structure and movement through changing terrain, Gerombong offers a dynamic and engaging dive without requiring extreme depth.
Marine life at Gerombong varies across the two reef sections. Divers may encounter:
Large gorgonian sea fans occasionally host small reef species, and turtles are sometimes seen moving between the two reef sections. Schools of fusiliers and snapper are among the more consistent mid-water sightings.
Gerombong combines structure, movement and reef life to create a dive that feels varied and exploratory from beginning to end.
To kick start our honeymoon we decided to get our scuba diving certifications. We managed to do the open water and the advanced open water in 6 days (including 1 rest day). We did night dives, sunrise dives, shipwreck, drift and deep and lots more. Really good fun and Amed has enough to explore for both courses.
Wow, Wow, Wow! Could not recommend any other place to go if you are looking at diving in Amed. Myself and my friend completed our Advanced Open Water course (followed by a number of fun dives), with Wayan and the team at Bali Dive Cove. The whole experience was seamless!
At Bali Dive Cove, we typically organise two to three dives per day in the Tulamben area. Gerombong is included when conditions suit the group and experience level.
We plan the dive to follow the natural reef steps gradually, keeping profiles within recreational limits while making the most of the site’s structure and cave feature.
We start at 8am and two-dive days usually finish around lunchtime. Three-dive days conclude at approximately 2pm.”
Most dives at Gerombong last between 40 and 60 minutes depending on the dive profile, depth and individual air consumption. Shallower profiles can sometimes allow for longer dive times.
Yes. Gerombong is often combined with other Tulamben and Kubu dive sites as part of a two or three dive day. It pairs well with nearby wreck dives such as the USAT Liberty or other reef dives along the Tulamben coastline.
Yes. The coral-covered ridges, sea fans and reef fish provide interesting wide-angle photography opportunities, while the reef surfaces may also reveal smaller subjects for macro photography.
Gerombong can be suitable for Open Water certified divers when conditions are calm. The gradual reef slope makes the site relatively comfortable to explore, though deeper sections are better suited to more experienced divers.
Current is usually mild but can vary depending on tides and sea conditions. When present, it often moves gently along the reef slope and dive plans are adjusted based on the conditions on the day.
Divers have spotted reef fish, moray eels, groupers and schools of fusiliers moving along the reef slopes. Larger species such as turtles or pelagic fish may occasionally pass through the area depending on conditions.
Yes. Gerombong is typically accessed directly from the beach in Tulamben. Divers enter from shore before descending along the reef slope where the two main reef sections are located.
Gerombong generally ranges from shallow reef areas starting at around 5 metres down to approximately 30 metres depending on the dive profile. The site slopes gradually, allowing divers to explore both shallower coral sections and deeper reef structure during the dive.
Interested in diving Gerombong? Contact us to check availability.
If Gerombong sounds like a good fit for your dive plans, get in touch and we can advise based on conditions and your certification level.
