ASIAN LOGGER - Anilao

The Asian Logger, sitting around 40 metres, is a proper dive, not just a quick peek. We love this old carrier, sunk back in '72, because it feels like stepping into a time capsule. Built in '39, she’s seen a lot, and now she’s a home for all sorts of critters. You’ll drop down onto the deck, usually with a fair bit of current sweeping past, so be ready to hold on. The bow points slightly upwards, and you can still make out the cargo holds, now colonised by thick sponges and colourful crinoids. Swim through the main superstructure, where schools of fusiliers swirl, occasionally parting to reveal a grumpy stonefish or a well-camouflaged scorpionfish tucked into a corner. We've found frogfish here more than once, just chilling on the encrusted metal. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still mostly intact, drawing in batfish and barracuda. It’s a deep dive, definitely one for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current. Go early in the morning for the best light, though the thermocline can be a bit bracing.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
14.670000, 122.366670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - ASIAN LOGGER

Year Sunk
1972
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The Asian Logger had a long and storied career, having been built in 1939 and serving for over three decades. In February 1972, while on a cargo run from Burdeos to Manila for the Ravago Commercial Company, her long service came to an abrupt end. The vessel struck an unidentified submerged object, sustaining critical damage. As water poured into the hull, the crew made a valiant last-ditch effort to save their ship by deliberately beaching it. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, and the vessel was lost.

Now located at a depth of 40 meters in the famously biodiverse waters of Anilao, the Asian Logger is a premier technical wreck dive. Its depth places it beyond the limits of standard recreational diving, attracting experienced divers equipped for decompression. The wreck is a fascinating time capsule, offering glimpses of a mid-20th-century cargo ship. Over the years, it has been completely enveloped by marine life, with deep-water corals and schools of fish making their home on this piece of maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Mangrove Areas from Del Pilar River to Palita Island, Bo. Salvacion and Dahican Magrove Swamp Forest Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Anilao

The warmest water temperatures in Anilao occur in June, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 27.5°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 29.2°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 30.9°C
  • July: 30.4°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Anilao

Nearest Dive Centres to ASIAN LOGGER

Marine Life in Anilao

Home to 88 recorded species including 83 reef fish, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea urchins, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASIAN LOGGER

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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