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HMS BANKA

HMS Banka isn’t your typical shallow Tioman wreck. At 55 metres, this is serious technical diving territory, and we love it for its quiet, sombre atmosphere. She’s a coaster, pressed into service as a minesweeper, and went down in December 1941, just days after HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse. You feel that history when you descend; the sheer depth strips away the usual buzz of a dive site, leaving just the hulk and the vast blue. The wreck itself is intact but well-encrusted. Coral has completely taken over the deck and superstructure, forming intricate patterns that hide small nudibranchs if you look closely. We’ve spotted large groupers lurking in the shadows of the holds, and often see schools of barracuda circling the mast. Penetration is possible for experienced tech divers, though the silt can be easily disturbed, so buoyancy is key. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and the silent grandeur of a deep wreck, not for reef fanatics. Go early to avoid currents, and make sure your gas planning is spot on.