scuba diving malaysia

Malaysia is a tropical country all year round. There are many islands in Malaysia which actually perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling. Not only Malaysia is good at conserving natural habitat, its strategic location attracts many marine life to inhabit at islands either near Peninsular Malaysia or East Malaysia.

Besides, these islands successfully attract many tourists not only from locals, but also tourists from other countries. Let us explore thoroughly about the best dive spots in Malaysia.

Scuba Diving Locations in Malaysia

Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, and Kapalai Island
Lankayan Island
Layang-layang Island
Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island and Sibuan Island
Redang Island
Lang Tengah Island
Tenggol Island
Tioman Island
Perhentian Island
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kapas Island
Pulau Payar
Langkawi Island
Pemanggil Island

1. Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, and Kapalai Island

Sipadan Island, Mabul Island and Kapalai Island are three islands located in Sabah and North Borneo which are extremely close to each other. These three islands are often visited together as it only takes 15 to 20 minutes by speedboat to travel from one island to another.

To reach here, you might prefer flying to Tawau Airport, as it will be the nearest airport to the island. If you are living nearby that area, head over to Semporna Jetty and once you are there, just take any speedboat that heads Mabul Island. The boat ride will takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.

These three islands are all well-known because of various sea-activities being carried out by locals and tourists from all around the world. Except for being a strategic and thrilling site for scuba divers, these islands also suitable for ocean kayaking and island hopping. Besides, you can also learn about the cultural of Bajau Laut People, which is referred as the nomads of the sea which live on the Mabul Island.

As there are no resorts or hotel on Sipadan Island, most of the tourist stayed in Mabul Island, Kapalai Island or the town of Semporna. Take note that Sipadan permits will be required during your visit to Sipadan Island, according to the marine park gazetted in 2009.

Homestays, lodges and hotel on Mabul Island will be the most popular stays for tourists. These hotels accommodate every budget became even more popular as they are situated right on the island itself, so tourist would not have to rush back to the town where jetty was located and back to the island on the next day.

If you are visiting here in the month of April, you might be interested to check on their unique festival, which is the Regatta Lepa Festival. There are also another festival who attract divers from other countries which is during the month of November, the Miss Scuba International competition.

2. Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island, located in Sabah, Malaysia is also a popular site for scuba diving or snorkeling. If you are looking for a complete get away from your busy urban life, this will be the perfect choice for you as there is only one resort available on the island, the Lankayan Island Dive Resort.

The resort is built in 1997, experience in guiding divers exploring the underwater world. Divers are also attracted to this small jewel in the Sulu Sea because of its diverse marine life, corals and sunken wrecks.

To reach here, head over to Sandakan Yatch Club and there will be speedboats available taking you to Lankayan Island. The journey to this island from Sandakan Yatch Club takes about 2 hours and it is the only way to reach here. In addition, Lankayan Island was one of the key nestling side for sea turtles. Eggs lay by the shore will be collected and preserved in a fenced off nursery to keep away from predators or poaching by the local marine preserve staff.

Diverse fauna can be found underwater in the area of Lankayan Island. The most popular for this scuba diving site will be its whale shark sightings. While you swim and explore through casuarina trees and pandan screwpine underwater, you will find many fauna inhabits here such as spider crabs, coral shrimps, leopard sharks, marbled stingray, yellow tail barracudas and many more!

The island is small and allow you for island hopping after your dive. Sit along the beach during dawn and enjoy this beautiful small island in Sandakan!

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3. Layang-layang Island

Layang-layang Island is the paradise for every divers in Malaysia. Although it is a little bit costly to get here, this intriguing jewel which lies in the middle of the South-China Sea is definitely worth at least a visit! However, it might turn you down if you are looking forward for a tropical beach paradise where you can enjoy your lovely cocktail under the sun.

The island used to be an active marine base until recently it was opened to public. There will be nothing else except for air runways, naval base, and the only resort of this island, the Layang Layang Island Resort.

The nearest city to this island will be Kota Kinabalu, and it will be your best choice to fly from this city. While the airbus travel you from Kota Kinabalu to Layang-Layang Island, prepare yourself to immerse in the beauty of this island. It may be nothing but a man-made island, the true jewels and beauty lies below the island, protected by a diverse of marine life. As this island have only one resort just like Lankayan Island, you can only repeat the daily process of eat, sleep, dive.

So what is so special about Layang-layang Island that made every diving enthusiasts visit here? Well, there will be a season where swarms of hammerhead sharks swimming nearby the area. If you are on your luck, you might get the chance of spotting the legendary whale shark, which is the dream of every divers around the world.

That particular period falls between 1 April and 15 May annually. Within a period, a surcharge of additional 10% will be collected just for you to enjoy this majestic view underwater. Note that the island is closed between September and February, the period when monsoon hits.

4. Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island and Sibuan Island

Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island and Sibuan Island are all neighbours to each other. These island remotely located nearby the town, Semporna in Sabah. Three of these island are always visited together as they are closed to each other.

If you are setting Sibuan Island as the centre point, the distance to Pom Pom Island will be around 25 minutes and approximately 35 minutes to Mataking Island, travelling by speedboat. Moreover, there are no accommodations on one of the island which is the Sibuan Island. While Mataking Island possess one resort available on the island and Pom Pom Island have two available resorts.

Let’s start with the well-known Mataking Island. This island is actually made up of two island, the Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil. As mentioned earlier, there are only one resort available on Mataking Island which is The Reef Dive Resort, located on the Mataking Besar.

Once you are immersing in these beautiful ocean, you will only see thousands of marine life swimming across tranquil coral gardens. If you are travelling in the months between May and August, you might stand a chance to witness the laying of eggs by Green turtles and Hawksbill turtle by the beach.

There are various popular dive sites being prepared and guided by the dive school on this island, so divers would not need to worry about getting used to underwater exploration just like any other dive sites in Malaysia as you might find something more unique here.

While for Pom Pom Island, it is surrounded by glittering white sandy beach. It is much shadier compare to its neighboring islands as the island itself was filled with lush green mangroves. Apart from being a key island for nesting and feeding site for Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles, Pom Pom Island is also popular with its underwater coral gardens and vivid species of fish.

However, main attraction of this gorgeous island does not go too deep underwater. The main attraction lies in the shallow sea in front of the resorts. With small creatures such as starfish and colorful preserved corals being planted, diver enjoy swimming freely and in a relax manner in Pom Pom Island.

Lastly, the nearby island will be the Sibuan Island. Unlike the other two island, this Sibuan Island have no accommodation nor public facilities. The only living things on this island will be the flora and fauna, sometimes cleaning session is being held by dive school nearby to this island.

Sibuan Island is mostly visited by divers in the daytime, a short stop when you are travelling among neighboring island such as Mataking Island and Pom Pom Island. Do not be disappointed by its remote condition, its true beauty lies below it! Dive in and you will find many amazing creatures such as pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish, crocodile fish, scorpion fish and many else.

Just like Mataking Island, Sibuan Island also have a few fabulous dive sites being explored by the authorities which ease every underwater expedition.

5. Redang Island

Redang Island, or commonly referred as Pulau Redang is one of the popular beach destinations not only among locals, but also tourists from other countries. The island is a duty free zone where alcohol and tobacco product is cheaper than any other places in Malaysia. The Island is popular for beach activities and scuba diving, not to mention the music festival occasionally being held here. Ready for something that can hype you up at the beach? Let’s get into it!

Located under the state of Teregganu in Malaysia, Redang Island needs around 45 minutes departing from Kuala Terengganu by a ferry or speedboat. The island is gorgeous of its clear water and many small islands surrounding it. Although Redang Island was considered a luxury destinations in Malaysia, many tourists are still willing to spend their holiday here.

Also Read : What To Do In Redang Island: 9 Exciting Activities You Must Try It Out

Redang Island is also a perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Not only its water is extremely clear, there are many flora and fauna living in this perfect habitat. Clarity of the water is so clear that you can even see various corals on the seabed. Once you make your dive, swim along with schools of black tip reef shark, cuttlefishes, sea turtles, and many more!

The most popular dive school on this island will be Coral Redang Divers, Redang Bay Divers, and Redang Pelangi Dive Centre. Not only they have the latest diving equipment for rent, there are guides on your exploration under the sea.

If you just want a casual swim underwater, the island also got you covered! Enjoy a cool snorkeling around the shallow water at Redang Island. There are also some small island in the surroundings of Redang Island. If you are bringing your family members to Redang Island, they can enjoy a nature walk or hanging out by the beach while you enjoy your adventure underwater.

Also Read : Nightlife In Redang Island: 7 Most Popular Bar To Hang Out With

The best time to visit here is between April and October. Tropical Monsoons blows starting the month of November, and most of the dive schools will be closed.

More about Redang Island: Top Luxury Resorts To Stay At When In Redang

6. Lang Tengah Island

Also located in Terengganu, Lang Tengah Island is also a beautiful destination except from Redang Island. To get here you may prefer to head over the jetty at Merang, which is the closest jetty transporting you to the island.

The journey takes about 40 minutes. Some ferry even pre-arranged you accommodations and ease your trip planning. Don’t worry, their arrangements is highly affordable unlike those who specially arrange you for higher price accommodations.

Lang Tengah Island may not be as popular as its neighboring islands such as Redang Island and Perhentian Island. However, this is also a perfect dive spot you must visit in Malaysia. Except on highlighting its crystal clear water, the tides are calm and suits best for beginner divers.

Lang Tengah Island features 12 dive spots, meaning that few days will be required to dive in all dive spots for a fully exploration of this island. You might want to avoid the monsoons which fall under October to February, as all resort will be closed and diving is prohibited.

The best thing about here will be its less crowded conditions. It may sounds bad but this will be the chance you get more schedules for diving. Under the water you may find sea creatures similar to Redang Island. As the crowd is much lesser, there will be more schools of fishes and also sea-turtles. If you are a non-divers, go jungle trekking and get yourself closer to tropical faunas such as monkeys, and birds.

The island have no road, every path is on the sand or soil of the jungle. While for the accommodations, four resorts are being developed here. They include D’Coconut Lagoon Resort, Redang Lang Resort, Lang Sari Resort and Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa. The most popular will be the luxurious five-stars Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa.

7. Tenggol Island

Located also in Terengganu, Tenggol Island suits better for advanced or experienced divers. To get to Tenggol Island, you have to head over to nearest jetty which is located at Dungun town. The earliest boat will be available at 8am. If you cannot make it that earlier, the latest to depart from this town must be at 10.30am, as the check in time for resort on the island will be at 12.30pm.

Tenggol Island features around 20 dive spots. Some of the dive spots are only accessible by advanced or experienced divers due to its strong current underwater. Due to this reason, beginners may prefer to start off at nearby islands such as Perhentian Island, Redang Island or Tioman Island.

In Tenggol Island, there will be three dive operator, which will be the Discovery Divers, MrDive Malaysia and Scuba Explorers. Popular dive sites among all will be the Batu Chanang, Tokong Laut, Tokong Burung and Coral Gardens. Here in Tenggol Island, every divers’ dream can be fulfilled by the encounter of Whale Shark. This unique species can only be meet between the month of August and October. However, take note that October will be the month where monsoons hit, current will be much stronger than usual.

Some of the dive sites feature beautiful wrecks which homed for various fishes. If you are a non-divers, you can still go for casual snorkeling or trekking in the jungle of Tenggol Island. Numerous beaches can be accessed by trekking path for as long as 3km.

While for accommodations, there are only a few for you to choose on Tenggol Island. They include Tenggol Resort, Tenggol Island Beach Resort and Tenggol Aqua Resort. Take note also that there will be no ATM on this island. Although some of the resort accept visa payment but it is advised to bring enough cash along. There will also be no shops here, bring along also your daily necessities.

8. Tioman Island

If you are finding a nice spot for diving in Pahang, Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island may be your best choice as this island will be the biggest among 64 others island in that area. Spreading 56 kilometres of the coast, Tioman Island is popular even compared to Perhentian Island and Redang Island because of its diving and snorkelling possibilities.

To get here, you might want to head over to Mersing, where the jetty located at. The ferry is operated by Bluewater express and the fare is highly affordable by every tourists. If you are looking for a faster way, there will be an airport available on the island. You may prefer to fly from Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore Changi Airport. The price tag, however, is much more expensive which is around RM700 including return. Check out here for alternative methods from Singapore to Mersing.

The paradise for divers, Tioman Island features many popular dive spots and dive schools. Here in Tioman Island, you can even get your diving license which is the Open Water License (PADI). Dive schools which are on the trend include DiveAsia, B&J Dive Centre, Tioman Dive Centre and Fisherman Divers.

All of these listed dive schools receive many compliment and good comments from the divers on their experienced guidance and coaches. The licensed can be obtained at a price of RM1, 000 and dive cost around only RM90. If you are planning to obtain the license here in Tioman Island, lengthen your trip for at least 5 days as there are many lesson to be learned.

In the other hand, Tioman Island is also a favorite spot for snorkeling. Not to mention their crystal clear water, tropical fishes swam in schools may also amazed you. Due to the conversation of corals in this island, snorkelers are forced to wear on life vest to keep you on the surface of the water.

Snorkeling equipment are easy to find here as many it is available for rent at most of the dive schools and even your resort. Some resorts are near to snorkeling sites, so you can enjoy exploring the water in front of your cabana. However, you are advised to double check if your resort have a house reef at the time before your booking is done.

In additional, Tioman Island is also popular for deep-sea fishing, waterfall and jungle trekking. Note that fishing are prohibited in this marine park, unless you are 25km off the coast. No roads are built on this island, every beach is only accessible by trekking through the jungle.

There is even waterfall where you can chill your afternoon at except from the beach. There are also island hopping available for tourists. Skip from one village to another by the services provided by Mersing or Tioman Bluewater Express, where each trip costs only at RM15 per person.

More about Tioman Island:

9. Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island is located near Kota Bahru, Kelantan in Malaysia. This less famous but gorgeous beauty that lies in the middle of the sea is made up of two small island, namely Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil respectively.

This island is easy to reach and popular for its diving and snorkeling spots. To get here, you may want to get to Kuala Besut which is the nearest town to the island. There are ferry travelling from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island at almost every hour and the journey to this island takes about 40 minutes.

Perhentian Island features a few great resort with nice services and facilities, not to mention the great and peaceful view of the ocean from your cabana. The resorts on this island suitable for tourists either for luxury enjoyment or budget travelers. They include Perhentian Island Resort, Bubu Long Beach Hotel, Arwana Perhentian Beach Resort, Bubbles Dive Resort and many else!

It is advised to make your bookings at an earlier date as these resorts are among the most popular and it is always full, especially during public holidays or year end.

Also Read : Top 10 Perhentian Island Resort You Must Not Miss (Editor’s Pick)

Perhentian Island is also one of the island in Malaysia where you can get your PADI License. Many dive operator have been operating on this gorgeous island and they are really experienced in guiding divers exploring the underwater world. Moreover, the Perhentian Island is also beginner-friendly due to its visibility and current.

On Perhentian Kecil, which is the smaller island of Perhentian, the dive schools are Sunlight Divers, Quiver Dive Team, Turtle Bay Divers, Seadragon Divers, Matahari Divers, Spice Divers, and Angel Divers. While on the Perhentian Besar, there are a few more, including Flora Bay Divers, Watercolours and Sea Horse Divers, and many more high standards dive schools.

The snorkeling site on this island may be the Teluk Pauh. Teluk Pauh is located right in front of Coral View Resort. If you want to enjoy snorkeling in the middle of the sea, you might want to make your reservation for this resort as earlier as possible, as this will be one of the popular resort in Perhentian Island.

The chance of meeting a Green Turtle here on Perhentian Island is very high. Besides, enjoy the beauty of nature by experiencing schools of barracudas, black reef tip sharks, humphead parrotfish, and cuttlefish swimming by your side while you snorkel freely in the water.

10. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, or also referred as TAR Park is located near Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The park is actually made up of 5 islands which are Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik. The islands consisted in TAR Park is highly accessible, there are speedboats take you from one to another and the journey takes less than 20 minutes.

To get to TAR Park, there will be ferry services at almost every hour at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu. Multiple operators were available but all charge the similar price at RM23 for any island within the park, make it an highly affordable price that also increase the tourists to TAR Park.

Except from Sipadan Island and Mabul Island that were also located in that area, most of the divers will still not miss out the gorgeous underwater world in TAR Park. The main dive operator is based in Pulau Gaya, which is the most popular dive schools, the Downbelow Dive Centre.

However there are still many dive centre operated by the resorts in TAR Park, which ease you the way of finding a decent dive schools in that area with fully equipped equipment available for rent. There are a total of 25 dive spots in this park, ranging from beginner level to advanced or experienced level.

Divers are willing to spend their time here in TAR Park because some of the dive spots have not been explored and discovered as premier dive spots in Malaysia. Not only the water surrounding the island have decent underwater livings, there are also some spot which features wreck of boats which will definitely be one of the wow-factor.

While for snorkeling site, there are a few of it especially around Manukan Island and Sapi Island. Do not worry if you did not make earlier arrangement with dive operator on the island, bookings are available on the spot at public beaches within TAR Park.

While for accommodation, TAR Park features 3 luxurious resorts which are Manukan Island Resort, Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort. Three of these resorts were located in Manukan Island and Gaya Island. However, if you are looking for a more budget place to stay over, you may prefer other resort or campsites that most of the islands in TAR Park.

The seas will get rough between the month of November and February, try to avoid bad weather for your visit to TAR Park as most of the resorts and dive operators will be closed.

11. Kapas Island

Kapas Island is a nearby island to Perhentian Island and Redang Island, located near Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. Compare to its neighbouring island, this tiny island is less crowded. However, it is another popular island for tourists because of its perfect condition for relaxation.

What you can do in this tiny gems that lies in the middle of the sea? Ranging for sun-bathing, light trekking, scuba diving to snorkeling, Kapas Island prepares you for all the activities similar to larger island surrounding it.

How to get to Kapas Island you may wonder. To get here, you may want to head over to Marang Town in Kuala Terengganu. The boat at Marang Jetty starts as earlier at 7am, to evening 5pm. The fare is around RM25 including return, and the boat ride takes around only 15 minutes since Kapas Island is near to the coast of Marang Town.

Take note that before departing from the town, you have to bring enough cash to the island as there will be no ATM machine on the island. Although some resorts accept credit card or VISA payment, it would still better off by bring enough cash with you.

Although Kapas Island is a small island compared to other island, it is still equipping some fabulous dive sites. Except from highlighting its decent underwater livings, there is even a World War II Japanese ship wreck beneath the sea-bed waiting to be explored. Kapas Island features only one dive school which is the Aqua Sport Divers.

It may appear to be lower class dive school to you but you can also get your PADI License here. The dive sites are beginner-friendly due to its calm current, easier for you to pass your PADI test here in Kapas Island.

12. Pulau Payar

Pulau Payar or Payar Island is an island near Kelantan, Malaysia. Payar Island is only one of the island in Pulau Payar Marine Park, other island includes Kaca Island, Lembu Island, and Segantang Island. If you are not able to visit islands located in the east side of Peninsular Malaysia, here might be your better choice.

Take note that there are no accommodation on Payar Island as it was as uninhabited island. Due to this reason, the nature conservation is in perfect conditions for diving and snorkeling and this is the reason where tourists either from local or other countries will visit.

If you are a non-diver, you can enjoy casual snorkeling and feeding the fishes along the beach. The best location for snorkeling on this island will be at Coral Garden. The condition of water surrounding that area is rich with algae and normally attract big species of fish. Want to encounter something adventurous? Jump into the water at Coral Garden and swim along with the fishes!

Besides, you can explore more thoroughly under the water of Payar Island if you own a PADI License. Explore your way to this underwater world not only with the companion of fishes but also the beauty of colorful corals on the sea-bed. Take note that fishing is strictly prohibited on this island for its preservation of corals around the island.

To get here, you can either make a booking with your hotel or travel agents in Penang or Langkawi. The price tag may be slightly higher which is at a price of RM250, but it includes the boat rides to and from this island and all the equipment you need for diving and scuba diving.

Not to mention, the price also include your meals during your trip to Payar Island. The boat ride will eventually take 2 hours if you are travelling from Penang. Langkawi may be your better choice as it only takes 45 minutes to reach. The tour to this island is normally a one day trip since there is no accommodation as mentioned earlier on this island.

13. LANGKAWI ISLAND

Langkawi is a largest duty-free island are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. Officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is a district and archipelago of 104 islands some 30km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. Langkawi has more popular destinations are the Hot Spring, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand.

Also Read : Langkawi Tourist Attractions: Top 10 Attractions You Must Never Miss

Boat tours are organized to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). Kuah is the main town in Langkawi and the main shopping area on the island. There are many shops that sell a variety of duty-free goods, especially beer and chocolate.

Best time to visit Langkawi is mid-season, from April to August ( neither dry nor rainy )

Also Read: Places to Stay in Langkawi: Top 10 Hotels and Resorts You Must Visit

14. PEMANGGIL ISLAND

Pemanggil Island is located in eastern Johor and is 70 kilometers from Mersing, at the heart of the island, there is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau which locals regard as scared. It is a paradise for anglers, known for deep-sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins and mackerels.

Only one resort, Lanting Beach Resort on the island, the resort will provide all equipment you need. You will have opportunity to dive with dolphin in May to June.

Best time to visit Pemanggil Island is between March and June.

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