UNION STAR 17 - Perhentian Islands

The Union Star 17 is one of our favourites in the Perhentians, a proper wreck dive for those who enjoy a bit of history. She’s an old carrier, scuttled deliberately in 2000, and sits upright at a very comfortable 15 metres. We love that you can really take your time exploring her; the deck offers plenty of open space to cruise over, spotting the resident school of batfish that almost always hangs around the stern. Penetration isn't really an option here, this wreck is deemed dangerous, but there’s still plenty to see outside. Look out for the large groupers tucked into the shadowed recesses of the hold openings, and we’ve often seen big barracuda patrolling the mast. The coral growth isn't particularly dense, but colourful soft corals and sponges have started to bloom on the metal, adding texture to the rust. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the scale of the wreck against the bright Perhentian water. We'd suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds from the afternoon boats.

Location
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
5.884833, 102.634160
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Pulau Susu Dara Marine Park

Best Time to Dive in Perhentian Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Perhentian Islands occur in June, averaging 31.2°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.4°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 31.1°C
  • June: 31.2°C
  • July: 31.1°C
  • August: 30.9°C
  • September: 30.8°C
  • October: 30.4°C
  • November: 29.8°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Perhentian Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to UNION STAR 17

Marine Life in Perhentian Islands

Home to 169 recorded species including 105 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 11 sea cucumbers, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for UNION STAR 17

Based on average water temperature of 30.0°C, currents 5 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 maximum depth of the Union Star 17 dive site and how much of the wreck is accessible?
The maximum depth of the Union Star 17 dive site is 15 meters. While the wreck itself is a substantial carrier vessel measuring 89.7m x 13m, it is classified as a "Dangerous wreck." This classification suggests that internal penetration or extensive accessibility might be limited, and divers should exercise caution.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Union Star 17 wreck?
The Union Star 17 is a fascinating wreck dive, offering an impressive underwater feature in the form of a sunken carrier vessel. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided context, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and corals over time. Divers can anticipate exploring the structure of this 89.7m x 13m ship, which serves as an artificial reef. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Union Star 17 wreck dive suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a difficult dive?
The Union Star 17 wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers who have just completed their open water certification. Divers should have some experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions to safely enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Union Star 17 for optimal weather and water conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Union Star 17 for optimal weather and water conditions. General diving seasons for the Perhentian Islands typically run from March to October, avoiding the monsoon season. For more detailed information on regional diving seasons, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Union Star 17 wreck?
Given that the Union Star 17 is an intermediate wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification is typically recommended. Additionally, a specialty certification in Wreck Diver training would be highly beneficial to safely navigate and appreciate the features of this sunken carrier vessel. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and knowledge for wreck environments.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced at the Union Star 17 dive site?
The provided data for the Union Star 17 dive site does not include specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Conditions can vary greatly depending on local weather, tides, and time of year. We recommend checking with local dive operators in the Perhentian Islands for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.