PERHUTANI I - Southern Islands

Perhutani I, a motor vessel that went down in 1976, sitting at 60 metres, is a serious dive, one we really respect. We’re talking about an advanced-level trip, no question. The wreck itself is a good size at 56 metres long, built in 1968, and she’s got that classic cargo ship outline, still largely intact, which is what we love about her. The stern section is our favourite, often blanketed in a fine layer of silty growth, where you’ll spot a surprising amount of invertebrate life if you slow down and look closely. You’re not going to find schooling pelagics here, not usually. Instead, it’s all about the nooks and crannies of the wreck itself. We often see lionfish tucked into doorways, their fins fanning slowly, and sometimes a grumpy moray eel peering out from a dark corner. Penetration is possible for suitably trained divers, but honestly, we find the exterior, particularly the bridge area and the cargo holds, offers plenty to explore. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet, slow colonisation of steel by marine life. Expect low light, often 10-15 metres of visibility on a good day, and a definite sense of deep water. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration for maximum manoeuvrability around the decks.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.342621, 104.379005
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

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 PERHUTANI I

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 PERHUTANI I

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 depths for diving at Perhentian Islands dive sites?
The provided data context is for the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, not the Perhentian Islands. For PERHUTANI I, divers can expect a depth of 60m, making it a deep wreck dive. This site is a motor vessel wreck, sunk on December 9, 1976.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in the Perhentian Islands?
The provided data context describes the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, a motor vessel wreck located in the Southern Islands. This data does not contain information about marine life in the Perhentian Islands. Therefore, we cannot provide details on marine life for the Perhentian Islands based on the given context.
How challenging are the dive sites in the Perhentian Islands for different skill levels?
The provided data context pertains to the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, not the Perhentian Islands. Diving at PERHUTANI I is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience for deep wreck diving. The site is a 56.1m x 9.1m motor vessel wreck.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Perhentian Islands for optimal conditions?
The provided data context describes the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, a motor vessel that sank on December 9, 1976. This data does not include information about optimal diving seasons or conditions for the Perhentian Islands. Therefore, we cannot advise on the best time of year for diving in the Perhentian Islands based on this context.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required or recommended for diving in the Perhentian Islands?
The provided data context is for the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, not the Perhentian Islands. Given its depth of 60m and classification as an intermediate wreck dive, advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties would be recommended for safely exploring PERHUTANI I. The site is a non-dangerous wreck.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Perhentian Islands dive sites?
The provided data context describes the dive site PERHUTANI I in Singapore, a wreck located in the Southern Islands. However, the data does not contain specific information regarding current conditions or visibility for either PERHUTANI I or the Perhentian Islands. We can only confirm it is a wreck type dive.