BURUNG 3003 - Southern Islands

Burung 3003, for us, is a gritty Singapore dive, a proper wreck experience close to home. Forget your colourful reefs; this is about penetration, exploring the steel skeleton of a barge that went aground back in '76. We love tracing the outline of the hull, imagining the storms that dragged her here. You’ll find a good spread of resident critters: crabs scuttling in the crevices, moray eels peeking out from the darker corners, and sometimes, a school of barracuda hanging just off the wreck, eyeing you with mild interest. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in these waters, but on a good day, the light filtering through the rusted metal is pretty dramatic. It’s definitely a site for those who appreciate the history and structure of a wreck, divers comfortable with overhead environments and keen on seeking out the smaller, shyer residents. Our best advice? Go on a slack tide and bring a good torch; there’s plenty to illuminate.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.066667, 103.316666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BURUNG 3003

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
grounding

The story of the BURUNG 3003 is a classic tale of nature's power. In December 1976, this unassuming barge was caught in a fierce storm and driven hard aground on Karimun Island, Indonesia, just a stone's throw from Singapore. The vessel was heavily damaged and ultimately abandoned, left to the elements. Today, its remains lie in the shallows, a testament to the unforgiving sea.

With a depth of zero meters, the wreck of the BURUNG 3003 breaks the surface, making it an incredibly accessible site for snorkelers and novice divers. Its exposed hull and superstructure offer a dramatic visual against the tropical backdrop of the Southern Islands. Divers can explore the wreckage and the marine life that has begun to colonize it, turning this industrial casualty into a fledgling artificial reef. It's a stark, fascinating dive that highlights the dramatic end of a vessel's life.

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 BURUNG 3003

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 BURUNG 3003

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