BINTANG MAS
Why dive here
With 263+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue-spotted stingrays, dugongs, giant moray eels, seahorses and sea turtles - BINTANG MAS offers some of Southern Islands's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 28°C.
The Bintang Mas is, without a doubt, our favourite wreck in Singapore. Dropping down onto her, you immediately feel the history. This isn't just a pile of metal; she was a motor vessel, 32 metres long, and lies at a decent 35 metres. We love how intact she feels despite being classified as "dangerous," a nod to her age and the currents that sometimes sweep through here. What really makes the Bintang Mas special is the way marine life has completely taken over. We've seen schools of fusiliers so thick they block out the sun, and the resident batfish here are always curious, swimming right up to your mask. Look closely into the nooks and crannies of the superstructure and you’ll often spot massive groupers lurking, or even a bamboo shark tucked away. We’d suggest going during slack tide, usually around the moon’s quarters, for the best exploration. It lets you really take your time and appreciate the scale of her, from the bow right back to the stern, and peer into the hatches without fighting the flow. This site is definitely for those who appreciate a wreck with character, and a bit of a challenge when the current picks up.
Typical BINTANG MAS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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.
BINTANG MAS Wreck History
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
The story of the BINTANG MAS, or "Golden Star," is shrouded in the turbulent history of its location. While its specific sinking date is not recorded, its presence among the wrecks of Singapore's Southern Islands strongly suggests it is a casualty of the Second World War. In February 1942, these waters were a chaotic scene of retreat and naval conflict as Singapore fell to Japanese forces. Countless small vessels like this 32-meter motor vessel were lost while attempting to evacuate personnel or transport supplies, sunk by bombs, shells, or scuttled to prevent capture.
Today, the BINTANG MAS rests in 35 meters of water, offering a challenging and poignant dive for the experienced. The visibility in these busy shipping lanes can be low and the currents strong, demanding skill and careful planning. Divers who descend upon the "Golden Star" will find a vessel that has become part of the seabed, its metallic structure providing a home for soft corals, sponges, and schools of fish. It is a silent monument to a desperate moment in history, a dive that connects you directly with the dramatic events of the past.
Nearest Dive Centres to BINTANG MAS
Dive shops near BINTANG MAS
PT Meimo Toronta Sera
CHANGE LIFESTYLE
Dugong Divers
SWIMCRAFT SG PTE LTD
Turtle Buddy Divers
Scuba Warehouse
Reviews for BINTANG MAS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BINTANG MAS
BINTANG MAS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BINTANG MAS, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (1.2, 103.77) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.23°C
83°F
Air Temperature
27.23°C
81°F
Wind Speed
4.55 m/s
8.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1009.8 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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