Tyre City

Tyre City

An artificial reef success story

Tyre City stands as one of Tioman Island's most remarkable artificial reef success stories. This underwater sanctuary, created from thousands of carefully placed recycled tires, has evolved into a thriving marine ecosystem.

What began as an innovative environmental initiative in the 1980s has transformed into one of the most biodiverse diving sites around Tioman. The tire structures, now completely colonized by vibrant coral formations, sponges, and marine growth, provide essential habitat for countless species of tropical fish.

The site showcases nature's incredible ability to adapt and thrive. Bright orange and red sponges carpet the tire surfaces, while schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and reef fish create a dynamic underwater ballet around these artificial structures.

12-18m

DEPTH

15-25m

VISIBILITY

Mild

CURRENT

All

SKILL LEVEL

Gallery

Collection of tires on ocean floor with marine life
Coral and sponge growth on tire reef structure
Diver swimming above tire reef with fish schools
Marine encrusted tires with diver in background
Tires covered in orange sponges and marine growth
Diver exploring tire reef with fish schools

3D Photogrammetry

Explore Tyre City in full 3D — a photogrammetric reconstruction of the artificial reef captured during dive surveys.

Interactive 3D viewer coming soon.

Marine Life

Tropical Reef Fish

Angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish thrive among the tire structures, creating a vibrant display of color and movement.

Schooling Fish

Large schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and snappers patrol the reef, offering spectacular encounters for divers.

Coral & Sponges

Vibrant orange and red sponge colonies have completely colonized the structures, creating a stunning underwater landscape.

Invertebrates

Crabs, lobsters, and colorful nudibranchs find shelter in the complex structures of the artificial reef.