Where Can I Go Snorkeling Or Diving In Malaysia?
Malaysia is a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving, blessed with pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible diversity of marine life. Whether you are a beginner looking to get certified or an experienced diver seeking new adventures, there are spectacular sites on both Peninsular and East Malaysia.
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, a string of idyllic islands in the South China Sea offers fantastic underwater experiences.
- Perhentian Islands: These islands are perfect for learners, offering affordable diving courses, calm conditions, and about 20 dive sites with shallow reefs teeming with marine life.
- Redang Island: Part of a protected marine park, Redang is famous for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful corals, and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and even baby blacktip sharks.
- Tioman Island and Tenggol Island: These islands boast diverse diving spots, with healthy reefs, dramatic underwater pinnacles, and rich marine ecosystems. Tenggol is particularly noted for its untouched corals and is recommended for more experienced divers due to stronger currents.
In East Malaysia (Borneo), you will find some of the planet's most legendary diving locations.
- Sipadan Island: Consistently ranked among the best dive sites in the world, Sipadan is a must-visit for serious divers. It is renowned for its dramatic wall dives and astonishing biodiversity, including massive schools of barracuda, turtles, and numerous species of sharks.
- Mabul and Kapalai Islands: Located near Sipadan, these islands are famous for their "muck diving," offering world-class opportunities to spot rare macro species like frogfish and pygmy seahorses.
Diving is possible year-round, as you can always find a region with ideal weather conditions.