BANOWATI
Why dive here
With 119+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue-spotted stingrays, giant moray eels, grey reef sharks, pygmy seahorses and sea turtles - BANOWATI offers some of Mabul & Kapalai's richest wreck diving.
Banowati isn't your typical Mabul muck dive, and that's precisely why we love it. This isn't some tiny, broken-up hull. We're talking about a serious wreck, a 106-meter cargo ship that went down in 1992, practically within spitting distance of Kapalai. It sits upright, mostly intact, with its superstructure just peeking out of the water at low tide. Dropping down, the sheer scale hits you. You can spend an entire dive just exploring the bridge, the cargo holds, or swimming along the immense deck. It's a proper adventure, a real wreck dive without the extreme depth. The Banowati is a haven for schooling fish; we often see huge swirling masses of yellow-striped snapper and batfish, so thick they almost obscure the wreck itself. For macro lovers, keep an eye on the railings and nooks for nudibranchs and flatworms. It’s perfect for photographers looking for that dramatic wide-angle shot of a ship colonised by the sea, or those who enjoy the thrill of exploring human history underwater. We always make sure to bring a good torch; there are plenty of dark corners to peek into.
Typical BANOWATI Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BANOWATI Wreck History
Year Sunk
1992
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Unlike wrecks born from tragedy, the MV Banowati was given a new purpose in her retirement. Built in Japan in 1975 and originally named the 'Aldrich', this motor vessel served a full career with an Indonesian shipping line. After years of service, instead of being sent to the scrapyard, she was prepared for her final, most exciting chapter in the world-renowned diving hub of Mabul and Kapalai.
In October 1992, the Banowati was deliberately scuttled to create an artificial reef, and she has since blossomed into a spectacular dive site. Resting in just 10 meters of calm, clear water, she is perfectly suited for divers of all levels, from beginners on their first wreck dive to seasoned photographers hunting for macro critters. Situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the wreck has been completely colonized by marine life. Her structure is a magnet for frogfish, ghost pipefish, colourful nudibranchs, and schools of reef fish, making the Banowati a premier destination for underwater photography and a testament to how a retired ship can be given a vibrant second life.
Nearest Dive Centres to BANOWATI
Dive shops near BANOWATI
The Reef Dive Resort - Mataking Island
Sipadan Pom Pom Resort & Tours Sdn Bhd
Mussah Poteh Holiday SDN BHD
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BANOWATI
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