BINTANG MAS - Southern Islands

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.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.025686, 104.202350
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Wreck History - BINTANG MAS

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.

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 BINTANG MAS

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 BINTANG MAS

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