ASIA MALAYSIA
Protected Area
Sagay Marine Reserve
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including sea turtles, thresher sharks, lionfish and pufferfish - ASIA MALAYSIA offers some of Malapascua's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest June, July, September.
Asia Malaysia, Malapascua, isn't your typical deep wreck dive. She’s a roll-on/roll-off ferry, sunk in 2011, sitting upright in a shallow 10 metres of water. We love that it’s accessible to almost everyone, a gentle introduction to wreck diving. The story itself is fascinating – everyone onboard was rescued after she succumbed to heavy seas on a run from Cebu to Iloilo. Today, she’s a playground for macro life. You can spend an entire dive exploring the upper decks, looking into the bridge windows, and imagining the final moments. We've often found robust ghost pipefish tucked into crannies, and our last visit yielded a beautiful ornate ghost pipefish camouflaged against some soft coral. Schools of small silversides shimmer around the superstructure, and lionfish often lurk in the shadows, waiting for an easy meal. This is a site we’d suggest for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed, rewarding dive. It's a proper wreck, but without the nitrogen penalty.
Typical ASIA MALAYSIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ASIA MALAYSIA Wreck History
Year Sunk
2011
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
storm
The ferry Asia Malaysia was on a routine passage from Cebu to Iloilo City in July 2011 when the weather took a dramatic turn. Battered by large waves and powerful winds, the vessel began to list heavily to starboard. As the situation worsened, the captain made the difficult decision to abandon ship. In a remarkable display of coordination and bravery, rescue operations were successful, and all 168 passengers and crew were brought to safety before the ferry finally slipped beneath the waves.
Lying at a recreational depth of just 10 meters near the world-famous diving destination of Malapascua, the Asia Malaysia is a fantastic wreck for divers of all levels. Its recent sinking means the structure is still largely intact, allowing divers to easily identify features like the passenger decks and bridge. The shallow depth ensures long, relaxed bottom times and provides a perfect canvas for the colonization of new coral and the arrival of reef fish, making it a story of survival both for its passengers and for the new ecosystem it now supports.
Reviews for ASIA MALAYSIA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ASIA MALAYSIA
ASIA MALAYSIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ASIA MALAYSIA, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
29.59°C
85°F
Current Speed
5.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (121°)
Salinity
33.71 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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