After a five-day trip diving in Sipadan, my two buddies and I headed to Brunei for the first time. Located on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei might not be the first place that comes to mind when people think about diving. But beneath its calm surface, there are some amazing shipwrecks quietly waiting to be explored. With very little mass tourism, diving in Brunei feels peaceful and untouched — perfect for those who enjoy history, wrecks, and slow, relaxed dives.

Brunei’s warm tropical waters are part of the Coral Triangle, which means marine life is rich and diverse all year round. Water temperatures stay comfortable at around 28–30°C, so diving is easy in any season. Visibility can vary from 5 to 20 meters, but what you get in return is something special: uncrowded dive sites, calm seas, and wrecks that feel like they’ve been forgotten by time.

One of the most iconic dive sites here is the Australian Wreck, a steamship that sank over 100 years ago. Resting at depths of more than 30 meters, it’s large and still quite intact. This makes it a favorite for experienced divers who enjoy wreck penetration and underwater photography. Swimming alongside the massive structure, with corals growing over the metal and fish circling around, feels both dramatic and surreal.

Not far away is the American Wreck, once a U.S. Navy minesweeper during World War II. Today, the wreck is broken into several sections scattered across the seabed. Marine life has completely taken over, turning this piece of history into a living reef with a slightly haunting but beautiful atmosphere.

For a more relaxed and fun dive, the Bolkiah Wreck sits at a comfortable depth of 18–24 meters, making it suitable for many diving levels. Formerly a passenger ferry, it’s now home to reef fish, lionfish, frogfish, and plenty of macro life. Nearby is my personal favorite — the Dolphin Wreck (Dolphin 88). This relatively newer barge lies in shallower water, and swimming along huge schools of snappers and barracudas was an unforgettable experience.

The best time to dive in Brunei is usually between March and October, when sea conditions are calmer. For divers looking for a destination that offers wrecks, marine life, and a quiet, unhurried vibe, Brunei is truly a hidden gem beneath the sea.