Javanese Ship Wreck

The Javanese Ship Wreck is a shallow, upright wreck about 20 m long lying on a sandy bottom amid coral outcrops in the protected bay at Banyuning Beach near Amed. The hull and mast are encrusted with soft red and orange corals and sea fans, forming an artificial reef that supports abundant macro and reef life; the site is popular with divers and snorkelers. Shore entry is a short swim from Banyuning Beach. Depths range from about 3-5 m at the highest points to roughly 12 m at the deepest parts of the hull, with a gently sloping sandy reef extending seaward and a coral slope beyond. Conditions are generally mild with visibility often over 15 m in calm weather and water temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s °C. Currents are usually light inside the bay but can be moderate along the outer reef slope, so caution and experience are advised. Typical dives start on the wreck's upper deck and proceed along the coral-encrusted hull toward the sand; there are no penetrations and divers should avoid stirring up sediment. The wreck is believed to be a World War II era Japanese vessel, variously reported as a small cargo ship or a patrol boat, but its exact identity and sinking date are unknown.