wreck

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Japanese Wreck

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.