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WRECK DIVING

Wreck diving is a type of recreational diving where shipwrecks are explored. Although most wreck dive sites are at shipwrecks, there is an increasing trend to scuttle retired ships to create artificial reef sites.

A shipwreck is attractive to divers for several reasons:

  • it is an artificial reef, which creates a habitat for many types of marine life

  • it often is a large structure with many interesting parts and machinery, which is not normally closely observable on working, floating vessels

  • it often has an exciting or tragic history

  • it presents new skill challenges for scuba divers

  • it is part of the underwater cultural heritage and may be an important archaeological resource

  • it provides a first-hand insight into context for the loss, such as causal connections, geographical associations, trade patterns and many other areas, providing a microcosm of our maritime heritage and maritime history.

Wreck Diving in Malaysia

The warm sparkling seas around Malaysia are recognized ashaving some of the best diving spots. The tropical waters support an underwater ecosystem of magnificent coral reefs, diverse fish species, sea turtles, and giant clams.

Scuba diving to appreciate the rich marine environment is common, with outstanding dive sites such as Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Layang-Iayang in Sabah, as well as Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang and the Perhentian islands on the Peninsula's East Coast. Wreck diving presents another facet to enjoy in Malaysian waters.

Pulau Labuan, just off the west coast of Sabah is a haven for wreck diving. The four wrecks around Labuan's waters, namely American, Australian, Blue Water, and Cement Wrecks are accessible to all, but internal exploration is best left to expert divers. In addition, barracuda, groupers and batfish are commonly sighted here.

Off the Sarawak coast, divers can engage in wreck diving at a World War 11 Japanese troop carrier, the Katori Maru.

On the Peninsula's East Coast, the seas off Lanjut in Johor offers two shipwreck sites, including that of a World War 11 Japanese frigate, which can be found off Pulau Berhala.

Diving is not recommended during the monsoon months of November to January in the South China Sea.