Malaysia is quickly becoming one of the leading destinations for diving in the world with one of the richest marine environments in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life, coupled with beautiful islands, clear warm waters and white sandy beaches, keeps divers coming back time and time again.

The best dive sites around Malaysia include diverse underwater geography including sloping reefs, wall dives, coral blocks, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives. A dip below the warm sea’s surface guarantees anyone a breathtaking experience, with a concentration of vibrant and exotic marine life rarely rivalled anywhere else in the world. From schooling Hammerhead Sharks, to huge schools of barracudas and various species of turtles, to the bizarre Ghost Pipefish and Frogfish, there is always something incredible waiting for you. It's no overstatement to say that almost every time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in Malaysia’s tropical seas, the list of species increases!

Dive centres in Malaysia are plentyful, well equipped and certified by all the internationally recognised dive agencies like PADI, SSI and SSAC for upholding their standards of safety and professionalism. Naturally, all scuba diving courses in Malaysian waters are also endorsed by these certifying agencies. After completing your scuba diving course, get outfitted with the newest scuba equipment as all international brands are available from Malaysian dive centres. Almost all the islands in Malaysia cater to divers of all levels of experience.

Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, Malaysia also offers professional dive centres and pristine beaches for the pleasure and safety of the advanced and beginning diver. For the most memorable diving holiday, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

Key Tips
If you plan to do some diving out here, you should try to book a package with an operator that would include diving, food and accommodation. It's a good way to save money. Also, the sea gets rough and murky during the east coast's monsoon (November - March), so try to time your visit outside of this period.

		Sipadan Island Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan Island as ‘an untouched piece of art’, while divers around the world voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world. As an oceanic island, it rises about 700 metres from the sea floor, attracting diverse marine life from the blackness of the open sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing marine animals.
		Labuan Wreck Diving Labuan is an island in the South China Sea, just off the coast of Sabah, East Malaysia. Because of its strategic location, it has been a port and a naval base for local and international powers since the 19th Century. Due to this history, divers come from around the world to explore the many excellent ship wrecks and rich marine history that rest in Labuan's shallow waters. Four of these wrecks include the American Wreck, Australian Wreck, Cement Wreck, and the Blue Water Wreck.
		Layang Layang Island Layang Layang, meaning kite, is fast becoming another one of Malaysia's premier dive destinations after the world-famous Sipadan Island. This oceanic atoll is situated in the South China Sea about 300km north-west of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. Some of the marine animals observed around the 14 dive sites include black-tip sharks, hammerheads, jacks barracudas, bump-head parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels, turtles, nudibranches, gobies and the ghost pipe fish.
		Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park The Tunku Abdul Rahman park comprises a group of five islands located only 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which is sea. The five idyllic islands, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya and Sapi have soft white beaches and are teeming with fish and coral, perfect for beginner divers as well as snorkellers and picnickers. Gaya and Sapi Islands also have hiking trails through their pristine jungles.
		Pulau Redang Located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.
		Pulau Aur, Johor The island off Mersing, along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the area ensure good visibility and a large variety of marine life, the island is popular among weekend divers. The rich pelagic action also attracts numerous sport fishermen, hoping to try their luck with the marlins or sailfish outside the marine park island. Many private yachts anchor in the calm waters between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.

 

For a complete listing of diving destinations, please click here.