MAHA THEVI - Tioman Island

Maha Thevi isn't just any old wreck; she’s a proper piece of history right off Tioman. This steamship, built in '44, ran aground in '67 and now sits in an unusual spot, barely five metres deep. We love how accessible she is, making it a perfect second dive or even a snorkel if the conditions are calm. Her sheer size is impressive, even in such shallow water – 91 metres long, you can trace a lot of her structure. What makes Maha Thevi special is the way the light filters through the shallows, illuminating her massive hull and the rock formations she came to rest on. It’s a very different vibe from some of Tioman’s deeper wrecks. You'll often find a decent school of barracuda hanging out, and the nooks and crannies of the superstructure are home to pipefish and the occasional moray eel peeking out. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we’d suggest going on a rising tide for the best chance of clear water. It’s a site that really makes you feel connected to the past, a silent giant now reclaimed by the reef.

Location
Tioman Island, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
2.590000, 104.336670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Pulau Pemanggil 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 MAHA THEVI

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 MAHA THEVI

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