IRIAN SARMI - Southern Islands

Irian Sarmi is one of our favourites in the Southern Islands, a proper old wreck that always gives you something new to look at. We love the way the light filters down through the murky green, illuminating different sections of the hull as you circle it. The ship, a 62-meter motor vessel that went down in '68 after taking on water, sits upright at 15 metres, so it’s a good easy dive for anyone comfortable with Singapore’s often lower visibility. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the deck and superstructure, which is now completely encrusted. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, often some vibrant colourful ones, and we’ve seen plenty of large groupers sheltering in the deeper holds. Keep an eye out for resident batfish, they’re usually swirling around the masts. The currents here can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide if you want a more relaxed exploration. It’s a surprisingly intact wreck for its age and location, offering a real sense of history beneath the waves.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.213889, 103.831110
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

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 IRIAN SARMI

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 IRIAN SARMI

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths encountered at dive sites around Irian Sarmi?
The primary dive depth encountered at the Irian Sarmi wreck site is 15 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training for moderate depths. The site itself is a fascinating wreck, a motor vessel sunk in 1968.
What unique marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when diving in Irian Sarmi?
The provided data for the Irian Sarmi dive site does not specify unique marine life or coral formations. For general information on marine species found in the region, we recommend consulting our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive conditions in Irian Sarmi, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The dive conditions at Irian Sarmi are classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without supervision or additional training. Divers should possess skills beyond entry-level to comfortably explore this 62m x 10m wreck in the Southern Islands of Singapore.
What is the best time of year to dive in Irian Sarmi for optimal weather and underwater visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal weather and underwater visibility at the Irian Sarmi dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels recommended for diving in Irian Sarmi?
Given that the Irian Sarmi dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience. This ensures they are comfortable and proficient with wreck diving techniques and navigating at a depth of 15 meters. The site, a 62m x 10m motor vessel, offers an engaging experience for those with suitable skills.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like at dive sites in Irian Sarmi?
The provided data for the Irian Sarmi dive site does not include specific details on typical water currents or visibility conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these factors before planning their dive.