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ADHIGUNA MERANTI

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Adhiguna Meranti. It’s not a deep dive, only five metres at most, but what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in character. This old carrier, built in ‘64 and sunk in ‘81 after running aground south of Keelung Island, now sits broken but proud. You can explore the bow and stern sections, which are largely intact and full of nooks and crannies. We particularly like the way the sunlight filters through the collapsed superstructure, illuminating schools of small baitfish that swirl around the metal. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers looking for interesting angles or newer divers getting their first taste of a wreck. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and we’ve often seen lionfish lurking in the shadows. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really penetrate the water. The visibility can be a bit variable, so pick your day carefully; after a few dry days is usually best. It’s a proper piece of history, now a vibrant artificial reef, and we think it’s a real standout on Taiwan's Northeast Coast.