The adage, beauty is only skin deep, doesn’t hold true for Malaysian Islands. Once you go beyond the white sand, coconut groves, and balmy breeze and immerse yourself under crystal clear water, the moment of epiphany strikes. An explorer’s joy grips you when you discover a new world where white-tip sharks stalk you, coral caves invite you, and navigating through a swarm of beautiful fish gives you a high. Great visibility and the warmth of tropical waters come as a blessing. After every dive, you feel besotted with the marine charm.
In case, you are inspired, take the whiteboard, hop on your boat, and explore these popular diving destinations in Malaysia.
#1. Sipadan Island
A dive into the warm waters of the island lets you discover the mysterious cave system – Turtle Tomb.
The entire world respects Siapadan – the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Those who have been there, consider it the “stuff of divers’ dreams.” An entirely different world exists underneath this famous site. A dive into the warm waters of the island lets you discover the mysterious cave system – Turtle Tomb. It’s an otherworldly pleasure to float through tunnels of an underwater limestone cave and wonder at the coral diversity.
#2. Mabul Island
The neighboring Mabul Island is renowned as a muck-diving destination. The underwater scene is dominated by white-tip sharks and Hawksbill sea turtles, but they are very well complemented by enigmatic lairs and tunnels. Night-time dives into the sandy seabed are also an option worth trying.
#3. Perhentian Islands
Both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil are a beginners’ paradise. Wooded hills around the islands shallow reefs, and colorful marine life are a study in contrast. The marine assets are too amusing for the divers to limit their expedition to few minutes. First-timers have the privilege of joining a diving course in these islands and turn into a pro. Here, water looks the clearest. Interestingly, the experience of diving comes at a very low price. If you want to avoid rough sea, visit the islands between July and October.
#4. Sarawak Island
A 20-meter dive into the sea and you enter the scene of wreckage dating back to World War II. This newly discovered diving site off the coast of Kuching houses the remnants of Japanese ships whose hopes were dashed by Dutch submarines during the war. Just like the long barracuda and the batfish, every inch of the historical ships such as Katori Maru and IJN Sagiri is real. The best diving site of its kind in Malaysia is certainly a treasure trove of history.
#5. Lankayan Island
Lankayan Island is where tropical forest meets the Sulu Sea and ghostpipefish is seen in the company of whales and Green and Hawksbill Turtles.
Lankayan Island is where tropical forest meets the Sulu Sea and ghostpipefish is seen in the company of whales and Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Its remoteness is alluring and the cluster of chalets reaching out to the sea are tempting for a traveling soul. Located off the east coast of Borneo, this diving destination casts a spell on visitors with its rich biodiversity and marine life. Even if diving is not your cup of tea, you won’t be deprived of adventure as the option for snorkeling and kayaking are always on.
#6 Layang Layang Island
Unlike other diving destinations in Malaysia, you won’t find any tropical beach on the Layang Layang Island. This naval base off the coast of Sabah has a couple of incredible diving sites. Try The Runway to explore crevices and fissures or move to Crack Reef to see flourishing coral gardens. But, before you dive into the blue in search of turtles, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks, know a thing or two from you dive master about the itinerary, depth, and marine sightings.
Know more about the amazing Places to Visit in Malaysia
Image Credits: Wyshe, CyberEak, Andy Lim, fenkieandreas, rmnunes, Marcus Bay
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