Diving in Brunei

* Ampa/Victoria Reefs – Amid the sandy beaches and mangroves that lie along much of Brunei’s coast, beautiful reefs, such as the Ampa and Victoria patches off the district of Tutong, delight divers. The currents that sweep over these shallow reefs support fantastic fish and coral. Macro photographers in particular will think they have found paradise. * The “Australian” Wreck – What’s in a name? Not much in this case, as it turns out the “Australian” wreck is actually a Dutch ship with the unusual distinction of sinking twice. The SS De Klerk is 90 metres/300 feet long and was built in 1909 and scuttled in 1942 to keep her out of Japanese hands. The ploy failed, and the Japanese refloated the ship and renamed her the Imabari Maru. Some believe the skeletal remains of this massive steamship are haunted. There are reliable reports of sailors falling ill after pilfering the wreck. Better to simply enjoy the barracuda, lionfish and other denizens. * Rig Reef - Festooned with sea fans, sponges and sessile marine life, Rig Reef is a decommissioned oil rig chopped up into several sections, which now lie in 19 metres/65 feet of water off the coast of Berakas. Big pelagics such as schools of barracuda and jacks patrol the wreckage. Parrotfish and grouper lurk closer to the structure, and everywhere you look you’ll find marvelous macro invertebrates.