Pasir Timbul - Raja Ampat

Sasavele Dump Site isn't your average wreck dive, and that's exactly why we love it. What you get here is a sprawling, almost surreal landscape of massive steel pontoons, once part of a US Navy base, all scuttled and now spread across a gently sloping wall. It's less about exploring a single, intact vessel and more about navigating a historical graveyard, with old machinery and scattered live ordnance – though don't worry, it's inert these days – creating little habitats everywhere. We often find ourselves lingering over the smaller details. Keep your eyes peeled for the Red-streaked Blenny poking its head out from crevices, or the delicate Jebb's Siphonfish hovering near the metal. The macro life here is genuinely impressive; we've spotted some spectacular nudibranchs and more cleaner shrimp than you can count. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, best suited for those who appreciate history and the way nature reclaims man-made structures, especially if you enjoy hunting for tiny critters rather than grand pelagics.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.550000, 130.691200
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat

The warmest water temperatures in Raja Ampat occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 29.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.7°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 29.9°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Nearest Dive Centres to Pasir Timbul

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Home to 250 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 43 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Pasir Timbul

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 20 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Pasir Timbul and its surrounding dive sites?
At Pasir Timbul, divers can expect a maximum depth of 20m. This depth makes it accessible for a range of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when diving around Pasir Timbul?
Divers at Pasir Timbul can explore a beautiful slope coral reef. The site is teeming with marine life, including white tip sharks, black tip sharks, eagle rays, spade fish, fussiliers, tuna, groupers, pygmy seahorses, and eels. For more information on species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive conditions at Pasir Timbul, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Pasir Timbul is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. As it is a drift dive, it may present specific challenges, making it generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at Pasir Timbul for optimal visibility and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Pasir Timbul for optimal visibility or marine encounters. However, the average visibility at the site is an excellent 19m. For general information on dive seasons, you can consult our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Pasir Timbul or nearby dive spots?
The provided data does not explicitly state the specific scuba diving certifications required for Pasir Timbul or nearby dive spots. Given its intermediate difficulty and drift dive nature, it is advisable to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements and recommended equipment.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions to be aware of when diving in the Pasir Timbul area?
Yes, Pasir Timbul is explicitly described as a drift dive site, indicating the presence of currents. These currents contribute to the "plenty of action with fish and sharks" that divers can expect. Divers should be prepared for drift diving techniques when visiting this site.