ARWANA - Southern Islands

The Arwana, a carrier vessel, settled upright on the seafloor after an unfortunate encounter. She's a dangerous wreck, no doubt, but that's part of her charm – she’s not been picked clean or artificially stabilised. We love the eerie silhouette she casts against the sometimes murky Singaporean waters, a genuine challenge for navigation, even at just 21 metres. Diving Arwana feels like stepping into a forgotten corner of history. Penetration isn't really an option, but we still spend ages exploring the superstructure. Look closely at the hull and you’ll spot a surprising amount of soft coral growth, surprisingly vibrant given the low light. Our favourite game is spotting the resident batfish schools, often circling the mast in a slow, hypnotic dance. They’re usually joined by snappers and fusiliers, darting in and out of the darker sections. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet mystery of a wreck, the kind of place that reveals more with each visit. Come prepared for limited visibility and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.665278, 104.190280
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Wreck History - ARWANA

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The story of the Arwana is shrouded in mystery. This carrier vessel lies at a depth of 21 meters in the busy shipping lanes around Singapore's Southern Islands, but records of how and when it sank are scarce. Its official maritime classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' adds a layer of intrigue and caution for any diver wishing to explore it. This designation typically means the wreck poses a hazard to navigation, often due to its position, structural instability, or potentially hazardous cargo.

For divers, the Arwana presents a challenging and rewarding experience. Its 'dangerous' status means it should be approached with care, as sharp, twisted metal and potential for entanglement are ever-present. The wreck itself is an artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and other marine life seeking shelter in its decaying holds. Exploring the Arwana is a dive into the unknown, a chance to piece together clues from a forgotten maritime incident in one of the world's busiest ports.

Best Time to Dive in Southern Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Southern Islands occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southern Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to ARWANA

Marine Life in Southern Islands

Home to 284 recorded species including 179 reef fish, 46 hard corals, 17 seagrass & algae, 13 sharks & rays, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARWANA

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°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