Top Diving Spots in Malaysia

Pulau Sipadan

Jacques Costeau, a well-known oceanographer, once alluded to Pulau Sipadan as an untouched work of art, a place that the most ardent divers have chosen it as the most intriguing diving spot in the world. Being Malaysia's only oceanic island, it is only 12 hectares in diameter. By foot, you can walk around the entire island in 25 minutes. The island is surrounded by crystal clear water, the crowning treasure is a the endless variety of some of the most fascinating marine animal life.

Pulau Sipadan has some of the best wall diving the planet has to offer. The water's edge drops off more than 2,000 feet just 30 feet from the beach, and all dive sites are easily accessible by boat. Thousands of marine life, big and small, make Pulau Sipadan their home, leaving it as one of the planets diving paradises.

Mabul Island

This island has earned the reputation as one of the best places in the world, for underwater macro photography. Situated in the crystal waters in the Celebes Sea, just off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by smoothly sloping reefs, ranging from 2 to 40 meters deep. Diving is the prime activity this island offers up and it can be enjoyed all year round. Marine life that can be viewed include the sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, pipefish and snake eels. Sporting over eight popular dive spots, each offering up its unique specialty.

Layang-Layang, Johor

Layang-Layang or better known as Shallow Reefs is situated approximately 300 kilometers north of Labuan cuddled up next to the famous Spratly islands. It is a first-class diving and fishing delight. Some refer to it as the big fish and the wall diving Mecca of Southeast Asia. Its coral walls dive more than 2000 meters into the floor of the South China Sea. Its warm waters are crystal clear with perfect visibility. Large shoals of pelagic, including numerous barracuda, jacks and the occasion hammerhead shark move about these waters.

The island is also a haven for thousands of migratory raptors and is heaven to birdwatchers. Layang-Layang has a 1,067-metre airstrip and a posh 90-room 3-star resort. Also on the island you will find a 200-seat restaurant, a full service PADI dive center and a free form water pool as well as a souvenir shop. If you are a serious diver or fisherman, this is a have-to visit.

Tioman Island, Johor

Looked upon as one of the most gorgeous islands in the world, Tioman is the voluminous island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the most riveting of the volcanic islands belonging to the Pahang Marine Parks. If you are in Tioman, you will want to begin at the dive site of Pulau Renggis, which is situated off Teluk Tekek. Here, there is a variety of reef life in boundless gardens of hard corals. Divers will find the likes of cuttlefish, angelfish, barracuda and turtles staring back at them. Those who venture into deep sea diving will fall in love with Pulau Chebeh, the site of many giant manta sightings while salvage divers will be intrigued by the Soyak Wreck with its many coral beautifications.

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

Here you will find waters with an aquamarine sparkle; Pulau Redang is a must-visit for adventurer’s intent on exploring the best of Peninsular Malaysia's bounty of diving opportunities. The reefs that make up Redang archipelago showcase more than 55 types of corals and 100 species of fish. The archipelago, situated off the coast of Terengganu state, comprises Pulau Redang , Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil and Pulau Lima. These islands lay claim to white sandy beaches, breath-taking coral reefs and water that lets you see to the ocean floor, making it one of the most tantalizing dive spots in the world. Among them, Terumbu Kili is the site that offers the best of Rendang. The massive coral variety here, such as soft corals, mushroom corals and gorgonian sea fans, attracts many red fish and quite a few green turtles.