Exploring the USAT Liberty Wreck: Securing Nannies in Tulamben While You Dive
The USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben is one of the world’s most accessible and spectacular wreck dives. The bow is just a stone’s throw from the pebbly beach, making it a perfect shore dive.
But for parents traveling with young children, the proximity to the shore is irrelevant once you are underwater.
The “Diver’s Dilemma” is unique. Unlike a dinner date where you are just a phone call away, when you are at 20 meters depth, you are completely inaccessible. You need more than just a babysitter; you need absolute certainty.
Tulamben is a quiet fishing village, not a bustling tourist center. There are no “On-Demand Nanny” apps here. Finding trusted childcare requires tapping into the local village network.
Here is how to navigate childcare in Tulamben so you can explore the wreck without anxiety.
1. The Tulamben Reality Check
Before you start looking, understand the context of East Bali:
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It’s a Village Ecosystem: Everyone knows everyone. Reputation is currency. A nanny here isn’t an anonymous freelancer; she is likely the sister of your dive guide, the wife of the resort cook, or a neighbor of the hotel owner. This community accountability is your biggest safety net.
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English Levels Vary: While dive guides speak excellent English, village women who babysit may have more basic language skills. Communication often relies on warmth and intuition.
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Agency Reach is Limited: While some big South Bali agencies might send a nanny up for a hefty travel fee and mandatory accommodation, it is rarely the most practical option for daily diving needs.
2. The Best Strategy: The “Dive Resort Family”
Do not try to find a freelancer online via Facebook groups. The most reliable way to secure a nanny is through the dive resort or accommodation where you are staying and diving.
Why it works: Dive resorts know their clientele. They understand the “unreachable underwater” anxiety because they deal with parents every day. They have a vested interest in ensuring you are relaxed so you keep diving.
How to do it: Do not wait until you arrive. Email the resort managers when you book your accommodation (at least two weeks prior).
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The Script: “We are 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.”
The Advantage: You are likely to get a close relative of a long-term staff member. The resort vouching for them is the strongest reference you can get in a village setting. If anything goes wrong, the resort manager is on-site to handle it while you are underwater.
3. The “Pre-Dive Meeting”: Essential Vetting Protocol
Since you cannot be reached underwater, your vetting process must focus on emergency protocols. Have a 20-minute coffee with the potential nanny the day before your first dive.
The Critical “Underwater” Protocol: Standard nanny questions don’t apply here. You need to establish the chain of command for when you are submerged.
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“Do you understand that when I am diving, my phone will not work?” (Make sure this concept is clear).
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“Who is your backup person on land?” If the child gets sick or injured while you are at 25 meters, who does she run to? It should be the Dive Center Manager or the Resort Manager at the front desk.
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Introduce them to the backup: Physically walk the nanny over to the dive shop manager and say, “If anything happens while we are out, come straight to Bli Wayan here.”
Water Safety: Tulamben beaches are rocky and generally safe, but many resorts have pools.
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Ask explicitly: “Can you swim?” (Many village women in East Bali cannot).
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If they cannot swim, set a non-negotiable rule: No swimming pool time while we are diving. Stay in the restaurant area, garden, or room with the AC on.
4. Village Logistics & Etiquette
Rates are Lower, Hospitality is Higher: You won’t pay Seminyak prices here. Rates might range from IDR 60,000 – 100,000 per hour, depending on experience. However, generous tipping is highly appreciated in this poorer region of Bali.
Feed Them: Balinese hospitality is paramount. If she is there over breakfast or lunch, always offer her food from the restaurant menu or provide “uang makan” (meal money).
The Morning Handoff: Divers leave early. A nanny arriving at 6:45 AM is doing you a huge favor. Ensure she has coffee and offer her breakfast if your package includes it. A relaxed handover means a relaxed dive.