ANN TONG - Tioman Island

Ann Tong isn't your typical Tioman wreck site. This isn't a deep, dramatic plummet, but a shallower, more intimate encounter with history. The wreck sits at a mere 4 metres, broken into pieces, a testament to those heavy seas back in '76 that tore her apart. What we love about Ann Tong is how accessible it is, even for newer divers or those who prefer longer bottom times. You'll spend your dive weaving through the scattered hull sections, which are now completely encrusted with corals. Look closely for pipefish camouflaged amongst the growth, or a grumpy stonefish hiding in plain sight. We've seen schools of juvenile yellowtail snapper shimmering over the larger pieces of metal, almost like a living blanket. It’s an interesting contrast to the natural reefs, a reminder of nature reclaiming what was once man-made. Our favourite spot is usually around the engine room section, where the structure offers great shelter for smaller critters. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for a second dip or just taking your time with a camera.

Location
Tioman Island, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
2.200000, 104.000000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - ANN TONG

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The Ann Tong was a local motor vessel operating in the warm waters of the South China Sea. Her final voyage occurred on January 8, 1976, during the monsoon season, which is known for bringing unpredictable and powerful weather to the region around Tioman Island, Malaysia.

Caught in heavy seas, the Ann Tong's engine room began to take on water and was eventually swamped, leaving the vessel powerless. Adrift and at the mercy of the storm, she was pushed onto a sandbar. A salvage operation was quickly mounted, but the persistent strong winds and battering waves proved too much. The vessel's hull gave way, and the Ann Tong broke apart and sank in the shallows.

Today, the wreck of the Ann Tong rests in a mere 4 meters of water, making it one of the most accessible dive and snorkel sites around Tioman. The shallow, sunlit conditions have allowed a vibrant coral reef to colonize the wreckage, transforming it into a bustling nursery for juvenile fish. Divers and snorkelers can easily explore the scattered remains, which are now almost indistinguishable from the natural reef, offering a perfect opportunity for underwater photography and a gentle introduction to the world of wreck diving.

Marine Protected Area: Pulau Sibu Marine Park

Best Time to Dive in Tioman Island

The warmest water temperatures in Tioman Island occur in May, averaging 30.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 30.7°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.5°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.3°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Tioman Island

Nearest Dive Centres to ANN TONG

Marine Life in Tioman Island

Home to 118 recorded species including 75 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 8 sharks & rays, 7 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 3 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANN TONG

Based on average water temperature of 29.6°C, currents 20 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