KETAMA - Redang Island

Ketama is a gentle old girl, and we’re quite fond of her. This 92-meter cargo vessel, built in 1949, went down in a typhoon in 1975 carrying cement. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at seven meters, which makes it perfect for a long, relaxed exploration, especially for those newer to wreck diving. Even after all these years, you can still make out the superstructure, the hull, and some of the cargo holds. We’ve spent many a dive poking around, imagining the ship's last moments. The visibility here can be decent, usually 10 to 15 meters, allowing light to filter through, illuminating the schools of yellowtail snapper that swirl around the deck. Look closely and you’ll spot resident lionfish tucked into crevices and the occasional turtle grazing on algae. It’s a really accessible piece of maritime history, not a deep dark imposing wreck, but a living reef that tells a story. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is softer and brings out the colours of the corals starting to grow on the metal.

Location
Redang Island, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
4.792083, 103.439370
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Rantau Abang Fisheries Prohibited Areas

Best Time to Dive in Redang Island

The warmest water temperatures in Redang Island occur in May, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.0°C
  • February: 28.0°C
  • March: 28.8°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.5°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.5°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.5°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 29.6°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Redang Island

Nearest Dive Centres to KETAMA

Marine Life in Redang Island

Home to 153 recorded species including 101 reef fish, 34 hard corals, 7 sea cucumbers, 3 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for KETAMA

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 53 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • 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 are the typical dive depths at Kerama Islands dive sites?
The provided data is for the KETAMA dive site located in Redang Island, Malaysia, not the Kerama Islands. At KETAMA, divers can expect a depth of 7m. We cannot provide information on typical dive depths for the Kerama Islands based on the given context.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see in the Kerama Islands?
The provided data describes the KETAMA dive site in Malaysia, which is a wreck site. KETAMA is a motor vessel sunk in 1975, measuring 92m x 13.1m, classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure. The data does not include information on marine life for KETAMA, nor can we provide details for the Kerama Islands.
How challenging are the dive sites in the Kerama Islands, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The provided information pertains to the KETAMA dive site in Redang Island, not the Kerama Islands. KETAMA is classified with an intermediate difficulty. While this suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, divers should always assess their own experience and comfort levels.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Kerama Islands for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data is specific to the KETAMA dive site in Malaysia, not the Kerama Islands. This context does not include information regarding the best time of year for diving at KETAMA for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general advice on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive in the Kerama Islands?
The provided data is for the KETAMA dive site in Redang Island, Malaysia, and does not specify required diving certifications. Divers interested in KETAMA should consult local dive operators in Malaysia for specific certification requirements. We cannot provide information for the Kerama Islands.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like when diving in the Kerama Islands?
The provided data describes the KETAMA dive site in Redang Island, Malaysia, not the Kerama Islands. This context does not include details on typical water conditions, visibility, or currents for KETAMA. Divers should always check with local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning a dive.