wreck

Log This Dive

DONGGALA II

Donggala II isn't just another wreck dive; it's a moody, atmospheric trip back in time. We think it’s one of Bali’s more intriguing artificial reefs, lying upright and mostly intact on a sandy slope. The moment you descend, the sheer bulk of the 45-meter tanker emerges from the blue, its outline softened by years of growth. Dropping to 36 metres, the ex-Saiwai Maru No. 8 feels like a ghost ship. You’ll find the bridge structure still well-defined, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into, though penetration should only be attempted by experienced wreck divers with proper training. Schools of yellow-tailed fusiliers often swirl around the mast, and we’ve spotted giant trevally patrolling the deeper sections. Look closely on the hull plates for ornate ghost pipefish and various nudibranchs, especially around the cargo holds. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before any potential currents pick up and when the light filters down, creating long, dramatic shadows across the deck. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy the quiet exploration of a substantial wreck.