Dive-site story
Resting off Pulau Soyak near Tioman Island, the MV Sawadee is an intentionally scuttled Thai wooden fishing vessel functioning as an artificial reef. The hull sits upright on a flat sand basin, colonized by soft corals, hydroids, and encrusting sponges. Divers navigate between the main wreck structure and adjacent reef patches. Penetration remains limited to open hold areas because of structural decay, while schooling pelagics circle the exterior and macro critters shelter in degraded timber seams.
Batfish and yellowtail snappers schooling around the wheelhouse and mast remnants
Lionfish and scorpionfish camouflaged along the wooden ribs
Nudibranchs and juvenile sweetlips sheltering within the hull framework
Blue-spotted stingrays and moray eels along the surrounding sand basin
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Monsoon winds affect the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia from November through February, closing diving operations across the island.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallfin batfishPlatax teira | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail snapperLutjanus kasmira | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red lionfishPterois volitans | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue-spotted stingrayNeotrygon kuhlii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant morayGymnothorax javanicus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great barracudaSphyraena barracuda | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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