Japanese Wreck Amed — Indonesia

The Site Overview

The Japanese Wreck sits near Amed. It is a small wooden patrol boat from the WW2 era. Most divers find it by swimming out from Banyuning Bay. You will cover about 20 minutes of swimming to reach the hull. The wreck stays at shallow depths of 6m to 12m.

It is not a massive ship. This vessel rests on the sand. I first saw it in 2015 during a morning drift. Although it is small, the structure provides plenty of nooks for critters.

What you’ll see

This site is a macro paradise. You should look closely at the wooden hull. Many nudibranch species live on the decaying timber. I often spot colorful varieties near the bow.

Frogfish are also common here. They hide well among the debris. You might need a macro lens for good photos. The wreck acts as an artificial reef. It attracts small crustaceans and gobies.

Visibility usually stays between 10m and 20m. This range depends on the local swell. Small fish move through the wreckage constantly. It is a slow dive. You do not rush here.

Conditions and skill

The currents are generally mild. This makes it accessible for Open Water divers. You do not need advanced certifications for this site. However, you must be comfortable with shore entries.

The swim out requires some fitness. You will swim 20 minutes through open water. Some divers prefer using a small dinghy instead. Check with your local Amed dive center first. They often offer boat transfers for roughly $15 USD.

Buoyancy is critical here. The wreck is fragile. You must avoid touching the wood so that the ecosystem remains intact. Poor buoyancy can damage the structure or stir up silt. Silt reduces visibility quickly.

Logistics from Bali

Amed is on the east coast of Bali. Most travelers arrive via a 3-hour drive from Denpasar. You can stay in small guesthouses in Jemeluk or Bunda. Many shops operate directly from the beach.

Equipment rental is easy. Most shops charge $10 to $15 USD per day. You can walk to the site from most Amed hotels. This saves money on boat fees. Just remember your fins for the swim out.

If you stay in Sanur, expect a longer journey. The road to Amed is winding. It takes time to reach this corner of the island. Many divers combine this with trips to Tulamben. Tulamben is only 15 km away.

When to go

The best months are April through November. This window avoids the heaviest monsoon rains. I prefer visiting in June or July. The water temperature stays around 27°C during these months.

Visibility is better in the dry season. You can expect 15m of clarity on most days. Avoid the peak holiday weeks in late December. Crowds can make the swim out feel rushed.

Rainy months bring more surge. The swell can make the shore entry difficult. Check the local weather forecast before you head out. A calm sea makes the swim much easier.

Honest negatives

The wreck is quite small. Some divers might find it underwhelming after seeing the USAT Liberty. It lacks the scale of larger shipwrecks. You are looking at a patrol boat, not a freighter.

Banyuning Bay can be tricky. The entry requires careful footing on rocky patches. I have seen divers struggle with heavy surge here. This makes the initial swim more taxing.

Macro focus is required. If you want big pelagics, go elsewhere. You will not see sharks or rays here. This is a site for small, detailed life. It requires patience and a steady hand.

If you want bigger wrecks, head to Tulamben. If you prefer macro, stay in Amed.