NIPO MARU - Southern Islands

The Nipo Maru is Singapore’s marquee wreck, a big ship with a big story. We love this site not just for the history, but for the sheer scale of the vessel. At 140 metres long, you're not seeing this beauty in one dive, or even two. Dropping down to 44 metres, the visibility often plays hide and seek, but when it clears, the freighter really looms out of the blue. You can feel the cold thermocline hit you around 30 metres, a stark reminder of the depth. We often find leopard whips and moray eels tucked into the superstructure, and the bow section, our favourite part, is absolutely blanketed in cup corals. Keep an eye out for batfish patrolling the mast. This is a dive for experienced deep divers, absolutely. Currents can pick up, and that depth means bottom time is always ticking away. If you’re coming, target an incoming tide for the best chance at clearer water, and bring a good torch; the holds are dark and enticing. It’s a proper expedition, a journey back in time, and always worth the effort.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
0.733333, 105.700000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

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 NIPO MARU

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 NIPO MARU

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