BALANGIGA - Malapascua

Balangiga, just off Malapascua, isn't about deep dives or thresher sharks. This is a shallow wreck, resting at a mere 5 meters, which makes it perfect for a leisurely second dive or even a snorkel. The ferry went down in 1988 during a storm, carrying far too many people. You can feel that history when you’re finning over it, a quiet kind of respect. What we love about Balangiga is how approachable it is. It’s a 22-meter hull, broken but still recognisable, and sunlight just drenches the whole scene. You’ll find schools of batfish circling the main structure, and clouds of damselfish darting in and out of the deck openings. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs clinging to the metal, maybe a lionfish tucked into a shadowy corner. It's an easy dive, ideal for photographers wanting to practice natural light wreck shots, or just anyone who wants to spend some relaxed time exploring without the pressure of depth limits. It’s a gentle reminder of both human stories and nature's resilience.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.100000, 125.316666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BALANGIGA

Year Sunk
1988
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
storm

The Balangiga ferry has a tragic history that serves as a somber reminder of the power of the sea. On October 14, 1988, while on passage from Samar to Tacloban, the vessel was caught in a fierce storm and capsized. The ferry was tragically overloaded; though authorized to carry only 34 passengers, it was carrying over 120 people. In the disaster, 51 lives were lost, while 78 were rescued. The ferry was likely named after the historic town of Balangiga on Samar, the vessel's point of origin.

Today, the wreck of the Balangiga rests in just 5 meters of water near Malapascua, making it an extremely accessible dive site. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light for underwater photography. While the structure is now an artificial reef hosting a variety of local marine life, it is also a gravesite. Divers are reminded to explore this wreck with the utmost respect for the tragedy that occurred here and the lives that were lost.

Marine Protected Area: Guinob-an Marine Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in Malapascua

The warmest water temperatures in Malapascua occur in June, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.6°C
  • April: 28.3°C
  • May: 29.6°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.8°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Malapascua

Nearest Dive Centres to BALANGIGA

Marine Life in Malapascua

Home to 88 recorded species including 72 reef fish, 5 crabs & lobsters, 5 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BALANGIGA

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°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