Molas Wreck - Sulawesi

The Molas Wreck, just off Manado, is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're in North Sulawesi. It's a Japanese cargo ship, sunk during WWII, and she sits upright on a sandy slope, starting around 20 meters and disappearing into the depths. What we love about this one is the way the light filters through the structure. Penetrating the holds, even just a few meters in, you get this incredible sense of history, the air inside noticeably cooler. We’d suggest bringing a good torch; there are swim-throughs where you can pop out the other side into a school of glassfish, or surprise a turtle resting on the deck. The wreck itself has become a giant artificial reef. We’ve spotted everything from lionfish tucked into crevices, to massive groupers lurking under the bow. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the encrusted railings; our favourite find was a vibrant *Chromodoris annae* near the stern. The current here is usually mild, making it a relaxed dive, good for photographers or anyone who enjoys taking their time exploring a piece of the past. It’s a site that tells a story, and every dive seems to reveal a new chapter.

Location
Sulawesi, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.531252, 124.826960
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: KK Kota Manado

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 Molas 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 Molas 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