Dive Site: Jepun Wreck

About Jepun Wreck

The Jepun Wreck is a dive site nestled in Padang Bai, Bali, a coastal town offering a diverse range of underwater experiences. This site features a fishing boat, approximately 20 meters in length, which was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Lying on a gently sloping, sandy bottom, the wreck rests between 17 and 21 meters, making it accessible for a wide range of certified divers. Padang Bai itself is known for its healthy coral reefs, colorful fish, and challenging ocean currents. The topography at Jepun Wreck is characterized by a gradual sandy slope leading to the wreck, which is now colonized by various marine organisms. Beyond the wreck, the surrounding area continues with this gentle slope, offering opportunities to observe diverse reef fish and macro life that seek shelter and sustenance on and around the structure. The site provides an excellent habitat for schooling barracuda, a variety of reef fish, and resident turtles. The marine life here is a vibrant mix of pelagic and reef species. Schooling barracuda are a common sight, often circling the wreck, while various reef fish populate the structure itself. Turtles are frequently observed, adding to the site's allure. The sandy bottom around the wreck also hosts smaller creatures, contributing to its biodiversity. Diving the Jepun Wreck typically involves a boat entry, often from a traditional wooden boat called a jukung, with a relatively short ride from shore. The dive profile is generally straightforward, focusing on exploring the wreck and its immediate surroundings. Currents can vary, so an awareness of local conditions is beneficial to fully enjoy the experience. The site is considered an intermediate dive, suitable for Open Water certified divers with some experience.

Dive site facts: Jepun Wreck

Depth

17–21 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Entry

Shore dive

Level

Intermediate / Open Water+

Dive type

Wreck, reef, sandy bottom

Region / port

Padang Bai

Coordinates

8.5434° S, 115.5097° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Jepun Wreck are generally not mentioned as strong, indicating a typically mild to moderate flow. The site features a gently sloping sandy bottom, which usually means less direct exposure to strong tidal pushes compared to exposed reefs. Divers should expect conditions that allow for relatively comfortable navigation around the wreck. Visibility can be affected by rainfall, potentially decreasing during the wet season from November to April, though it is usually clear. This makes the site accessible for Open Water divers, though an intermediate level is suggested, implying some current awareness is beneficial.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda (schooling)

common

Green sea turtle

common

Reef fish (various types)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Jepun Wreck is typically a shore dive from Padang Bai. Upon entry, divers navigate towards the gently sloping sandy bottom where the small fishing vessel wreck is located between 17 and 21 meters deep. The dive route generally involves circling the wreck to explore its structure, which provides habitat for schooling barracuda, diverse reef fish, and resident turtles. Divers can also investigate the surrounding sandy areas for macro life. Due to its depth and the nature of wreck diving, careful buoyancy control is essential to avoid stirring up sediment. The safety stop is usually performed on the ascent, utilizing the clear water column or shallower parts of the slope.

Underwater photography

For capturing the Jepun Wreck, a wide-angle lens is beneficial to encompass the 20-meter fishing boat and schooling barracuda. Alternatively, a macro lens will be excellent for the diverse reef fish and smaller inhabitants found on the wreck and sandy bottom. Strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the marine life and illuminate the wreck’s details in the ambient light. Given the sandy bottom, maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to prevent silting and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bias Tugel

  Steep slope, good for macro/muck diving and deep adventure.

• Blue Lagoon

  Gently sloping lagoon, suitable for snorkeling and all entry-level divers.

• Gili Tepekong

  Steep slope with wall and small cave, reef sharks, for advanced divers.

• Jetty

  Known for muck diving.

Getting there & logistics

Jepun Wreck is situated in Padang Bai, a coastal town in Bali, typically reached by road from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Dive trips to Padang Bai, including Jepun Wreck, usually depart from local dive centers in the area, offering daily excursions. Padang Bai is often combined with other East Bali dive sites or as part of a wider Bali dive safari. Shore dives are common for this site, making access relatively straightforward. No specific permits beyond standard dive operations are usually required.

Safety & environment

For dive safety in Bali, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring transport from Padang Bai. It is highly recommended that all divers carry valid dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Jepun Wreck are minimal, but divers should be mindful of proper wreck diving etiquette, maintaining buoyancy to avoid damaging the wreck or disturbing marine life. Always dive with a reputable guide and adhere to planned dive profiles, especially considering the intermediate level and depth range.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Jepun Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Jepun Wreck

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$372/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day