Kubu Wreck

A Dutch-built patrol vessel (the Boga) intentionally sunk in 2012 as an artificial reef off Kubu village, sitting at 18–40 meters depth with a VW car, Buddha statues, and decorative props on deck.

Overview

The Kubu Wreck (officially named the Boga) is a former Dutch-built vessel, intentionally sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef off Kubu village on Bali’s northeast coast. Most operator sources (Let’s Dive Tulamben, Go Diving Tulamben, No Fear Diving) describe it as a former Indonesian government patrol vessel; one source (Bali Dive Cove) instead describes it as a former cargo ship, so the vessel’s original role is not fully settled across sources. Reported length also varies between roughly 40 and 45 metres depending on the source. The wreck sits on a sloping sandy bottom with the bow at approximately 18 metres and the stern extending to 38–40 metres. Over time the wreck has slowly settled deeper than originally planned. The deck has been decorated with props — a (non-original) wooden steering wheel, Buddha statues, scuba tanks, and a Volkswagen car — giving the wreck a distinctive, theatrical character. The site is located approximately 400 metres southeast of Kubu Reef.

Site Information

• Location: Kubu Village, East Bali, Indonesia (400 m SE of Kubu Reef)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 40 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 meters
• Water Temperature: 27-29°C
• Current: Generally mild
• Best Time: April to November (dry season)

Marine Life

Gorgonian fans and soft corals have colonised the wreck structure in the years since sinking. Confirmed species at the site include moray eels, barracuda, batfish, lionfish, nudibranchs, octopuses, and turtles. Reef fish — surgeonfish, fusiliers, angelfish, and damselfish — shelter around the structure. The wreck prop items (Volkswagen car, Buddha statues) have become focal points for marine life and unusual photographic subjects. The surrounding sand supports the same critter diversity found along the broader Tulamben–Kubu coast.

Dive Profile

Enter from shore and descend to the wreck. The bow at approximately 18 metres is the shallowest point and a good place to begin exploration. Work aft along the deck, observing the decorative props — Buddha statues, Volkswagen car, wooden steering wheel, and scuba tanks placed along the deck. The stern descends to 38–40 metres, so monitor depth and bottom time carefully when exploring the aft sections. Penetration of the wreck is possible but requires appropriate training, a clear exit plan, and redundant lights — never enter an overhead environment without proper wreck penetration training and equipment. Plan gas management carefully given the depth range.

Entry and Exit

Shore entry at Kubu village, the same access point used for Kubu Reef. Local porters can assist with carrying equipment from the road to the beach entry point. Enter over the rocky shoreline and navigate to the wreck site. Exit at the same location.

Tips and Recommendations

• Start at the bow (~18 m) and work deeper to manage bottom time efficiently
• Bring a torch to illuminate the wreck interior and highlight the prop decorations
• Nitrox extends bottom time significantly at the 18–25 metre deck level
• The prop items — VW car, Buddha statues — make for unusual and entertaining photographs
• The wreck has settled deeper than originally planned; verify current depths with your operator before diving

Safety Considerations

The stern depth of 38–40 metres makes this a deeper dive that limits bottom time on air. Plan gas management carefully and avoid spending too long at the deepest sections. Wreck penetration requires dedicated wreck penetration training, a guideline or clear exit plan, and redundant lights — never enter an overhead environment without proper equipment and training. The shore entry over rocks requires care, particularly with camera equipment.

Photography

The Kubu Wreck offers unique photographic opportunities. The prop decorations on the deck — statues, the old-style helm, portholes — create distinctive compositions unlike any other wreck dive. The adjacent artificial reef with motorbikes and pushbikes draped in gorgonias provides surreal wide-angle subjects. A wide-angle lens is recommended for wreck exteriors and artificial reef structures. Bring a torch to bring out colours and illuminate details in the wreck’s darker areas.

Sources: Let’s Dive Tulamben - Boga Wreck, Bali Dive Cove - Kubu Wreck Boga, Ecodive Bali - Boga Wreck, Go Diving Tulamben - Boga Wreck. Last updated 2026-07-17.