Dive Site: Anker Wreck

About Anker Wreck

The Anker Wreck, sometimes referred to as Angker Wreck, is a small, historically significant wooden shipwreck located off Menjangan Island in the protected Bali Barat National Park. Dating back to the 19th century, this wreck once carried a cargo of copper and ceramics before sinking. It is situated in the northwest of Bali, approximately a three-hour drive from Kuta, followed by a 30-minute boat ride from Labuan Lalang to reach Menjangan Island itself. The site is celebrated for its well-preserved walls, which are the main draw of Menjangan Island diving, offering crevices, small caves, and overhangs adorned with abundant soft corals. The Anker Wreck itself lies within a depth range of 5 to 40 meters, making it accessible to divers with varying experience levels, though some experience is preferred due to its location. Menjangan Island typically offers very good visibility, often reaching 15 to 30 meters, and exceptionally up to 50+ meters, particularly in October and November. Currents around the island are generally mild to zero, providing comfortable diving conditions. This area is recognized as one of Bali's earliest internationally acclaimed diving locations, known for its warm water and rich marine biodiversity.

Dive site facts: Anker Wreck

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Zero to mild

Visibility

15–30 m (up to 50+ m)

Water temperature

27–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Preferably with some experience

Dive type

Wreck, wall, reef

Region / port

Menjangan Island, Northwest Bali

Coordinates

8.5687° S, 115.4552° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Anker Wreck site, located around Menjangan Island, are notably mild to non-existent, making it a generally calm and comfortable dive. It is rare to encounter even a one-knot current around Menjangan Island, distinguishing it from other Bali sites. Divers can typically expect a relaxed experience without significant drift. The conditions are usually excellent, allowing for unhurried exploration of the wreck and surrounding walls. The absence of strong currents contributes to the exceptionally clear visibility often experienced here.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Manta rays

rare

Sharks

rare

Mola Mola

rare

Titan triggerfish

occasional

Trevally jack fish

occasional

Angelfish

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Crocodile fish

occasional

Garden eels

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at the Anker Wreck usually involves a boat entry due to its location off Menjangan Island. After a 30-minute boat ride from Labuan Lalang, divers will descend near the wreck or the adjacent wall. The dive typically starts at a depth of 5 meters, progressing deeper along the wreck's structure or the renowned Menjangan walls, which can drop to 40 meters. The wreck's cargo of copper and ceramics, along with its wooden structure, offers interesting exploration. Divers often follow the wall, exploring its various crevices and overhangs. The dive concludes with a safety stop typically performed in the shallower sections of the reef, usually around 5 meters, where soft corals are abundant.

Underwater photography

The Anker Wreck and its surrounding Menjangan Island environment offer diverse photographic opportunities. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye lens is recommended to capture the expansive reef walls, large fan corals, and the overall structure of the shipwreck, especially given the excellent visibility. For macro enthusiasts, there are profusions of soft corals, sponges, and smaller invertebrates to focus on. Artificial light sources like strobes are beneficial to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, which can otherwise appear subdued at depth. Pay attention to composition, using the wreck's historical elements or the dramatic wall topography as your main subject. Maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the delicate corals and avoid disturbing the wreck site.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Eel Garden

  Located on the west end of Menjangan Island, featuring a wall to a shallow sandy area.

• Bat Cave

  Also on Menjangan Island, known for its caves on the waterline and schools of fish.

• Jepun Wreck

  The Jepun Wreck is a dive site nestled in Padang Bai, Bali, a coastal town offering a diverse range of underwater experiences.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Anker Wreck begins with an international flight to Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). From there, a four-hour or more drive to the western tip of Bali, specifically Labuan Lalang, is required. Most resorts in the area can arrange this transportation. From Labuan Lalang, it's a 30-minute boat ride to Menjangan Island, where the wreck is located. Dive trips are typically day trips from resorts in Pemuteran or other Northwest Bali areas, often including two dives and returning to the resort by early afternoon. As Menjangan Island is part of Bali Barat National Park, park fees may apply, though specific details on permits for diving were not provided.

Safety & environment

Diving at Anker Wreck on Menjangan Island is generally safe due to mild to zero currents and good visibility. However, divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance that covers recompression chamber treatment and emergency evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber facilities are typically located in Denpasar, requiring a significant land and potentially sea transfer from Menjangan. Site-specific hazards are minimal but maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid damaging the historical wreck and delicate corals. Given that some experience is preferred, divers should be comfortable with boat entries and exits and have good air consumption management for the depths up to 40 meters.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Anker Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Anker Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Anker Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$371/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day