Mawali Wreck - Sulawesi

The Mawali Wreck isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a living museum, a time capsule resting on the seabed off Sulawesi. We love a good wreck, and this Japanese patrol boat, scuttled during WWII, has aged gracefully, now completely encrusted. We’re talking serious coral growth here, especially those colossal gorgonian fans that look like purple dinner plates. Dropping down, the bow is a fantastic place to start, often swarming with schools of fusiliers and yellowback snappers that shimmer in the ambient light. Penetration is possible for experienced divers, but it’s tight in places. We’d suggest a good torch even during the day; it really brings out the colours of the sponges and nudibranchs clinging to the bulkheads. Look for frogfish camouflaged on the deck plates – they’re masters of disguise, but their huge mouths give them away. The stern, at around 25 metres, feels particularly moody, often patrolled by reef sharks. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current to explore a well-preserved piece of the past, now totally reclaimed by the ocean.

Location
Sulawesi, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.446300, 125.225600
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: KK Kota Bitung

Best Time to Dive in Sulawesi

The warmest water temperatures in Sulawesi occur in November, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.5°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.3°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 28.8°C
  • September: 28.7°C
  • October: 29.5°C
  • November: 30.4°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sulawesi

Nearest Dive Centres to Mawali Wreck

Marine Life in Sulawesi

Home to 252 recorded species including 162 reef fish, 53 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 clams & mussels, 4 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Mawali Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 4 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