Japanese Wreck - Lombok & Gili Islands

We're big fans of the Japanese Wreck, tucked away on Lombok’s south coast. It’s not the biggest wreck you’ll ever dive, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. This old patrol boat, probably sunk during WWII, sits upright on a sandy slope, starting at around 20 metres and extending down to 45. Dropping onto the stern, the first thing you notice is how completely encrusted it is. Corals have just taken over – soft corals in particular, painting the deck in shades of purple and orange. We love easing into the current, drifting slowly along the deck, peering into the small holds and cabins. You’ll often find lionfish perched dramatically on the superstructure, their fins fanning out, and schools of glassfish shimmering like mercury inside the darker sections. Look closely for pygmy seahorses on the gorgonians, though they’re masters of camouflage. The bow section has some lovely swim-throughs, tight but not too challenging, opening out into the blue where schools of fusiliers often swirl past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of the ocean, best enjoyed when the currents are mild, allowing you to really soak it all in.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.376966, 116.089066
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Japanese Wreck

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Japanese Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories