ASIA INDONESIA (POSSIBLY) - Visayas

Asia Indonesia isn't a deep dive, bottoming out around 11 metres, but it offers a fantastic wreck experience for that depth. This old ferry, sunk by Typhoon Ike in '84, lies on its side, mostly intact, though time and current have started to open her up. We love poking around the open cargo holds, where schools of batfish often hang out, seemingly suspended in the dim light. Look closely at the hull; there are often nudibranchs, particularly along the deck railings. Entry to the wreck's interior is possible for trained wreck divers, but even exploring the exterior is a treat. Keep an eye out for lionfish tucked into shadowy corners and the occasional moray eel peering from a porthole. For divers wanting to experience a historical wreck without the depth, Asia Indonesia is a brilliant choice. We'd suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be better before the boat traffic picks up.

Location
Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.298889, 123.917500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - ASIA INDONESIA (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1984
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
storm

The Asia Indonesia has a peculiar history of sinking not once, but twice. This 46-meter ferry first went down off the coast of Cebu City in July 1984. However, salvage crews successfully refloated the vessel, and she was brought to shore awaiting repairs. Her story wasn't over yet. Before she could be made seaworthy again, the powerful Typhoon Ike struck the Philippines in September 1984. The storm's fury was too much for the damaged ship, and the Asia Indonesia sank for a second and final time.

Today, she rests in the calm, shallow waters of the Visayas at just 11 meters. Her accessible depth makes her an excellent site for novice wreck divers and photographers who can take advantage of the abundant natural light. Over the decades, the structure has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, offering a gentle introduction to the unique history and marine life that wrecks can harbor.

Marine Protected Area: Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in Visayas

The warmest water temperatures in Visayas occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 23.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Visayas

Nearest Dive Centres to ASIA INDONESIA (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in Visayas

Home to 577 recorded species including 463 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 21 hard corals, 19 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASIA INDONESIA (POSSIBLY)

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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