BUMI PERSADA - Southern Islands

The Bumi Persada wreck is a proper dive, one that asks for a bit of experience. Dropping down onto the bow, you immediately feel the scale of this roll-on, roll-off vessel, sunk in 1986. At 81 metres long, she’s a substantial structure on the seabed at 35 metres, making it a deep dive for Singapore. Currents can be unpredictable, so we always suggest timing your descent for slack water if you can. What we love about the Bumi is the way the wreck has become a living reef. The entire structure is encrusted with sponges and soft corals, a vibrant counterpoint to the steel. You’ll find schools of yellowtail fusiliers swirling around the superstructure and often a giant grouper or two lurking in the deeper holds. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, with the vehicle ramps offering interesting swim-throughs, but it’s a silty environment, so good buoyancy is key. For those who enjoy deeper wreck diving with a bit of a challenge, and the thrill of exploring a piece of history, the Bumi Persada delivers.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.189550, 104.889330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Wreck History - BUMI PERSADA

Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
storm

The Bumi Persada was a modern Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) vessel, built in 1977 and designed for the efficient transport of vehicles and cargo. These ships are characterized by their large, open vehicle decks, accessed by ramps in the bow or stern. In December 1986, the Bumi Persada was on a voyage from Surabaya to Singapore, navigating the busy shipping lanes of the region.

On December 20th, her journey was cut short when she was caught in a powerful storm about 80 miles east of Singapore. Battered by the elements, the vessel was overwhelmed and sank, coming to rest on the seabed at a depth of 35 meters. For today's divers, the Bumi Persada presents a challenging and rewarding exploration. As an advanced dive, it offers the chance to see a relatively modern and large vessel. Divers can investigate the superstructure and, with proper training and caution, peer into the vast, cavernous vehicle bay that makes this type of wreck so distinctive.

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 BUMI PERSADA

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 BUMI PERSADA

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