ASIA PACIFIC - Palawan

The ASIA PACIFIC wreck is one of our favourites in Palawan, precisely because it’s a carrier, not a purpose-sunk warship. It ran aground in 1973, making for an accidental, fascinating dive. We love that the wreck starts right at the surface, its superstructure breaking the water, letting you snorkel around the upper sections before you even gear up. Below, the ASIA PACIFIC slopes down to about 25 metres. Because it wasn't scuttled, it rests at an interesting angle, creating all sorts of swim-throughs and pockets. You can spend an entire dive just exploring the bridge area and cargo holds, watching the light filter in through gaps. Look out for schools of snapper hanging in the shadows and the occasional turtle grazing on algae growing on the hull. The continuous swell that eventually claimed her still makes its presence felt; sometimes there’s a gentle surge, which adds to the atmosphere. We’d suggest hitting this site mid-morning; the sun angle really brings out the textures of the encrusting corals and creates some dramatic light shafts inside. This wreck is perfect for divers who enjoy exploration and appreciate a bit of history without needing deep depths or strong currents.

Location
Palawan, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.058333, 116.675000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ASIA PACIFIC

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

Built in 1967, the carrier vessel Asia Pacific had a short service life. In December 1973, while on a voyage from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, the ship ran into serious trouble near Palawan Island. It ran hard aground on a reef, breaching the hull. The relentless pounding of the ocean swell flooded the vessel throughout, causing catastrophic damage. With no hope of salvage, the ship was abandoned by her crew and declared a constructive total loss.

Resting at a depth of 0 meters, the wreck of the Asia Pacific is a unique site, more of a shoreline feature than a dive location. It is likely partially visible above the water, with its rusting hull exposed to the elements. This makes it an intriguing target for snorkelers, kayakers, and photographers exploring the Palawan coastline, offering a stark and dramatic reminder of the power of the sea just a stone's throw from shore.

Best Time to Dive in Palawan

The warmest water temperatures in Palawan occur in January, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • February: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 29.0°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • April: 29.0°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • May: 29.0°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • July: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • August: 29.0°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • September: 29.0°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • October: 29.0°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • December: 29.0°C (air: 27.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Palawan

Marine Life in Palawan

Home to 6 recorded species including 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASIA PACIFIC

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°C.

  • 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