The wreck is a small steel-hulled vessel, often mistakenly attributed to WWII but frequently identified by researchers as a more recent construction.
The ship lies in such shallow water that the upper parts of the structure can sometimes be seen from the surface during low tide.
The hull has become a protected artificial reef, covered in soft corals and sponges that attract schooling fusiliers.
The site is part of the Amed/Bunutan marine corridor, known for high levels of biodiversity within the Coral Triangle.
Japanese Ship Wreck Point is a renowned shore-entry snorkeling and diving site located in the coastal village of Bunutan in East Bali. The site features the wreckage of a small, unidentified patrol boat submerged at shallow depths ranging from 2 to 6 meters. Its proximity to the beach allows snorkelers to reach the wreck by swimming just a short distance from the shoreline. The site is characterized by calm, clear water conditions and a vibrant reef ecosystem surrounding the metal remains. The coral structures at this site are home to a diverse array of tropical marine life, including nudibranchs, lionfish, and occasional reef sharks. Underwater visibility is generally high, benefiting from the area's relative isolation from major tourism hubs. The site is situated along the coast of the Karangasem Regency, overlooked by the slopes of Mount Seraya.
From the surface directly above the wreck, using an underwater camera to capture the contrast between the dark, rusted steel and the bright, colorful soft corals.
Bring your own snorkel gear as rental facilities on the immediate beach are limited compared to larger hubs like Amed.
Enter the water at high tide to ensure enough clearance over the reef flat when swimming out to the wreck.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the fragile coral colonies surrounding the site.
Do not attempt to enter the internal compartments of the wreck as the metal has become unstable and sharp due to corrosion.
Avoid touching or standing on the coral reef; maintain neutral buoyancy to prevent damaging the ship's delicate marine growth.
