By Jennifer Ross
Earlier this May (2025), my partner David Fleetham and I spent two weeks diving Tulamben, a destination on Bali’s northeast coastline renowned for its muck diving and macro photography potential. What we experienced at Alam Batu Beach Bungalow Resort was not just world-class diving, but a photographic masterclass that combined the essential importance of focus along with the goal of having as much fun as possible.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 1000 © Jennifer Ross
The Beauty of Alum Batu
Alam Batu is uniquely framed between the black sands of the Bali Sea and the towering cone of Mt. Agung. The resort’s oceanfront bungalows, infinity pool, and lush gardens create an atmosphere of serene retreat, while its facilities—secure gear storage, dedicated rinse tanks, and ample camera stations—cater directly to the needs of divers and photographers. If you’re an early riser like me, you’ll take great pleasure in watching the stunning sunrise. As you sip coffee, you’ll enjoy the unique shades of red, orange, and yellow that nature blends every morning. No two sunrises were alike.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 250 © Jennifer Ross
Plot Twist
And, no great dive story comes without a plot twist! A problem with my Canon R7 camera left me without a system to shoot. I was two full days of travel away from home so grabbing a back up camera was out of the question. 90% of the trip lay ahead of me, and there I was with no camera. As the thunderous rain pounded the black sand at my feet that day, it felt like the trip was over for me.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
TG-7 to the Rescue
Instead, my rather frustrating situation began to feel hopeful before the day was done. Thanks to Alam Batu’s dive concierge, Susan, I was able to procure a backup setup from Denpasar. Within 2 days I was ready to go again with an OM System TG-7. While not the camera I planned to shoot, the TG-7’s microscope mode and compact size proved surprisingly effective, especially for tight compositions.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
Macro Parade
Over the course of 14 days, we settled into a rhythm of four dives per day; three during the day plus a night dive. Supported by excellent conditions: water temperatures averaging 28–29°C (82–84°F), minimal current, and 15–20 meters of visibility, these parameters paired with Tulamben’s distinctive volcanic sand to provide a perfect stage for macro subjects while minimizing backscatter—ideal for photographers.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 500 © Jennifer Ross
Our private guide, Nengah, was nothing short of extraordinary. His sharp eye revealed a daily parade of Rhinopias, pygmy seahorses, snake eels, mantis shrimp, hairy frogfish, and flamboyant cuttlefish, often so camouflaged they would have gone unnoticed without his expertise.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 1600 © Jennifer Ross
Night Diving in Bali
Alam Batu’s night dives were particularly impressive. Blackwater drifts—conducted over depths exceeding 1,500 feet—unveiled alien-like pelagic juveniles, ctenophores, and bioluminescent plankton suspended in the inky dark. Reef night dives revealed cuttlefish on the hunt, ribbon eels prowling, and even a tiny pygmy squid - as small as a grain of rice, dancing in the glow of our lights. As I watched this little guy boogie I could already hear the accompanying soundtrack in my head!
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
Evenings were spent sharing meals of fresh fish, tropical fruit, and fragrant rice in the open-air restaurant, where conversations with fellow divers often centered on rare critters and photographic techniques.
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 500 © Jennifer Ross
An Underwater Playground for Photographers
Looking back on our experience in Tulamben and at Alam Batu always puts a smile on my face. This combination of ideal location and well-appointed resort offer an underwater playground for photographers that ranks among the worlds best. It is a destination that balances comfort and logistics with exceptional diving and biodiversity. For photographers, especially those passionate about macro, Alam Batu Beach Bungalow Resort is more than a resort—it’s a gateway to one of the richest muck diving regions in Indonesia. Whether you bring a professional rig or a compact camera, you’ll find endless opportunities to enjoy and create.
OM System TG-7 • 1/60 • f/11 • ISO 160 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/200 • f/6.3 • ISO 200 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/4.9 • ISO 200 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/80 • f/13 • ISO 200 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/100 • f/14 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/40 • f/9 • ISO 800 © Jennifer Ross
Canon R7 + EF 100mm f/2.8 • 1/125 • f/20 • ISO 400 © Jennifer Ross
Canon R7 + EF 100mm f/2.8 • 1/125 • f/20 • ISO 400 © Jennifer Ross
OM System TG-7 • 1/200 • f/6.3 • ISO 320 © Jennifer Ross
Additional Viewing
Canon EOS R100 Underwater in Micronesia
TG-7 Microscope Mode Settings for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]
Packing Made Easy for the TG-7 Deluxe Kit [VIDEO]
Macro Minded: Creating Meaningful Underwater Macro Photo and Video
3 Lightroom Edits to Make Macro Subjects POP [VIDEO]
Jennifer Ross found her passion for underwater photography after spending years in front of the camera, swapping out commercial and catalog work for backrolls and dive tables. In 1986 Jennifer was introduced to scuba diving and earned a number of dive certifications while working in the dive industry in Guam. During an extended surface interval Jennifer ran a successful private medical practice while raising her family. In 2021 she began taking photos underwater and two years later she won her first photography award at MantaFest. While in Yap at MantaFest Jennifer met renowned underwater photographer David Fleetham. Fast forward a year and a half and the two now call Guam home, the perfect launch pad for exploring Asia and Micronesia's breathtaking dive sites.
