BONNIE - Southern Islands

Bonnie is our top pick if you're diving Singapore’s Southern Islands. Forget the coral, this is all about the history. This old motor vessel, which went down back in '78 with a full load of machinery and timber, now rests upright at ten metres. It’s perfect for a leisurely explore, especially for divers who love poking around wrecks without worrying about deep deco stops. We love finning along the deck, imagining the heavy machinery it once carried. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, which is a rare treat for a wreck in these parts. Keep an eye out for batfish – they often hang out around the stern, fluttering in the gentle current. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, a big barracuda will cruise by, a silver flash against the murky green. The visibility can be hit or miss, usually around three to five metres, but that just adds to the atmospheric feel of exploring a sunken ship. It’s a proper wreck dive, even if you do have to deal with the occasional passing cargo ship rumble overhead. Our favourite tip? Go on a weekday morning; it’s usually quieter.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.274167, 103.863335
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BONNIE

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The story of the motor vessel Bonnie is one of a routine job gone wrong. In May 1978, the ship was at anchor in Singapore's Eastern Anchorage, taking on a heavy cargo of machinery and timber destined for Bangkok. Suddenly, the vessel began to develop a dangerous list. Before the situation could be controlled, the Bonnie capsized and sank where she was anchored.

Fortunately, all 15 crew members were rescued from the water, but the ship was a total loss. Today, the Bonnie rests in just 10 meters of water, making it a highly accessible wreck for novice divers and a great training site. Lying in the busy shipping lanes, the wreck serves as a reminder of the perils of the sea, even within the relative safety of an anchorage. Divers can explore the remains of this cargo vessel, now a home for local marine life, and imagine its final, dramatic moments.

Marine Protected Area: Labrador Nature Reserve

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 BONNIE

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 BONNIE

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