The Diver’s Dilemma Solved: How to Find Trusted Nannies in Tulamben

The sun is just cresting over the ocean, casting a golden light on the rocky beach of Tulamben. The water is flat calm, porters are already balancing tanks on their heads headed toward the USAT Liberty wreck, and conditions are absolutely perfect.

But instead of excitedly checking your air gauge, you’re checking your watch with a knot in your stomach.

Back in the bungalow, your toddler is still asleep. To get in that two-tank morning dive trip, you need to leave them for at least three hours. And unlike a dinner date in Seminyak where you are just a quick phone call away, when you are at 25 meters depth, you are completely unreachable.

This is the “Diver’s Dilemma.” You need more than just a babysitter; you need absolute certainty.

Finding childcare in a remote fishing village like East Bali’s Tulamben is vastly different from booking a nanny in the slick tourist hubs of the south. There are no slick apps, few agencies, and “on-demand” booking doesn’t exist.

Here is your guide to navigating the village network and finding a nanny you can truly trust, so you can enjoy your safety stop without panic.

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1. The Tulamben Reality Check: Village vs. City

Before you start your search, it is crucial to understand the landscape of East Bali.

Tulamben is not Canggu. It is a small, tight-knit village ecosystem revolving almost entirely around fishing and scuba diving. Everyone knows everyone.

In the south, a nanny might be a stranger with a CV. In Tulamben, the nanny you hire is likely the sister of your dive guide, the wife of the resort cook, or the neighbor of the security guard.

Reputation is currency here. A local woman will not risk her family’s standing in the village (or her relative’s job at the dive resort) by doing a poor job with your children. This “social collateral” is actually a stronger safety net than any agency background check.

2. The Best Strategy: The “Dive Resort Referral”

Do not try to find a freelancer online via Facebook groups. The most reliable way to secure a trustworthy nanny in Tulamben is through the accommodation attached to your dive center.

Dive resorts understand the “unreachable anxiety” because they deal with parents every day. They have a vested interest in making sure you feel secure so you keep diving.

Action Step: Book in Advance Do not wait until you arrive. Email your resort at least two weeks before your trip.

• The Script: “We are very excited to dive the Liberty. We are traveling with our [age]-year-old child. Do you have trusted staff members, or female relatives of staff members, who provide babysitting services while parents are diving? We need someone every morning from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.”

Why this works: The resort management becomes the de-facto supervisor. The nanny is usually already familiar with the property layout, the kitchen staff, and the emergency protocols.

3. The “Surface Safety Protocol”: Mandatory Rules

Since you cannot be contacted underwater, standard nanny instructions don’t apply. You must establish a clear “Chain of Command” before you descend.

A. The “Backup Boss” Rule You need to designate a person on land who is in charge if an emergency happens while you are submerged. This is usually the Dive Center Manager or the Hotel Front Desk Manager.

• The Introduction: Physically introduce the nanny to the manager. Tell the nanny: “If my child cries uncontrollably, gets sick, or gets hurt, do not wait for us to surface. Go immediately to Bli Made [Manager’s Name] at the desk.”

B. The Water Safety Rule Tulamben beaches are rocky and generally safe, but most resorts have swimming pools. It is a hard reality that many village women in East Bali cannot swim, despite living near the ocean.

• The Hard Question: Ask explicitly: “Can you swim?”

• The Boundary: If the nanny is not a confident swimmer, you must set a non-negotiable rule: No pool time while we are diving. They must stay in the restaurant area, the garden, or the room with the AC on.

4. Managing the Morning Logistics

Tulamben is famous for early morning diving to beat the heat and the crowds on the wreck.

• The 6:30 AM Start: You will likely need the nanny to arrive very early so you can gear up. Be clear about this start time.

• The Handoff Breakfast: A nanny arriving at 6:45 AM hasn’t had breakfast. Balinese hospitality is paramount; offer her coffee and breakfast. If your room rate includes breakfast, ask the kitchen to plate one for her too. A welcoming start leads to a relaxed handover.

5. Rates and Tipping in East Bali

The cost of living in Tulamben is significantly lower than in South Bali, but this is also a poorer region. While rates are low, generosity from “rich divers” is highly appreciated.

• The Rate: Expect to pay between IDR 60,000 – IDR 85,000 per hour, usually paid directly to the nanny in cash daily.

• The Tip: If she arrives promptly at dawn and keeps your kids happy so you can see a bumphead parrotfish parade, a tip of IDR 50,000 extra per day is a kind gesture that ensures excellent service for the rest of the week.