ARWANA
Why dive here
With 263+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue-spotted stingrays, dugongs, giant moray eels, seahorses and sea turtles - ARWANA offers some of Southern Islands's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, November.
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.
Typical ARWANA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ARWANA Wreck History
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.
Reviews for ARWANA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARWANA
ARWANA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARWANA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (1.18, 103.96) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 29.5–31.1°C
Air Temperature
27°C
81°F
Wind Speed
4.07 m/s
7.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1009.8 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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