wreck

Log This Dive

KELAPA

Kelapa is our pick for a wreck dive in Bali, no question. This isn't one of those purpose-sunk affairs, it's a proper accident, sunk in 1979 after a run-in with an anchor in the Madura Strait. That history gives it a real character. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the 51-meter cargo vessel. We love tracing the deck, noting the old winches and the still-intact mast. The penetration here is fantastic for experienced divers; you can swim through cargo holds that are now cavernous homes for schools of trevally, their scales catching the light. We often find ourselves just hovering, watching the shadows play inside the wreck, feeling the slight current move around the rusted hull. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics cruising by, and don't be surprised to spot a turtle or two resting on the superstructure. It's an exploration dive, pure and simple, best suited for those comfortable navigating interiors and appreciative of a wreck with a genuine story.