Sekotong: Japanese Wreck Dive Site – Lombok

Site Overview

The Japanese Wreck in Sekotong is a historically significant WWII-era vessel that rests upright on a sandy bottom at depths of 6 to 22 meters, providing both a fascinating dive into history and a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life. The wreck is believed to be a Japanese patrol boat or supply vessel from the Pacific campaign, and its presence on the Lombok seabed serves as a poignant reminder of the war's reach into the Indonesian archipelago. Over the decades, the metal hull has been extensively colonized by soft corals, sponges, barnacles, and crinoids, creating a complex three-dimensional habitat that supports a remarkable diversity of marine creatures. Striated frogfish in various color phases are commonly found perched on the gunwales and deck structures. Moray eels peek from every porthole and opening, lionfish hover around the overhangs, and scorpionfish camouflage perfectly against the encrusted hull. The wreck's accessible depth and sheltered bay position make it ideal for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced wreck enthusiasts. The site is typically combined with Elves Reef for a two-tank day trip that pairs the macro critter hunting of the wreck with the vibrant coral biodiversity of the reef. Night dives on the Japanese Wreck are particularly rewarding, with hunting moray eels, active lobsters, and bioluminescent organisms transforming the wreck into an entirely different underwater world.