wreck

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NICHINAN MARU

The Nichinan Maru, down at 40 metres, isn't your typical Singapore dive. Forget the usual shallow reefs; this is deep, dark, and utterly atmospheric. We love it because it’s a proper wreck dive, a piece of history resting upright on the seabed. She’s a large steamship, torpedoed in 1944, and her story feels palpable when you’re down there, gliding over her decks. Visibility can be hit or miss, so pick your day. On a good day, though, the sheer scale of the Nichinan Maru reveals itself. We’ve found huge groupers lurking in her holds and a surprising number of lionfish perched on the rails, their spines fanning out. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often some species we don’t see elsewhere in Singapore. It’s a dive for advanced wreck enthusiasts, those who appreciate the quiet solitude of a deep historical site, and who don’t mind working a bit for the reward. Our favourite part is always the bow, a dramatic sight emerging from the gloom.