Learn to Dive in Malaysia
Malaysia’s Highlights
Located in the Coral Triangle, marine biodiversity is huge in Malaysia. Split into two main parts, Borneo and peninsular Malaysia, both contain many fantastic places to dive. Sipadan is considered to be one of the best areas to dive in the world and is located on Borneo. Layang Layang in Borneo is known as one of the only places where you can dive with hundreds of Hammerhead sharks on a single dive.
Muck diving is famous on Mabul Island. On the Malaysian side, beautiful islands like the Perhentians Islands, Redeang Island, Tioman Island and Langkawi Island all have great diving. Above water, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and palm trees before diving under to see a huge diversity of marine life and vibrant coral. The marine life in Malaysia is diverse with manta rays, sharks, turtles and more to be discovered.
When is the best time to go diving in Malaysia?
You can dive in Malaysia at any time of year. In some parts, monsoons cause some dive sites to close and it may not be possible to dive.
Malaysian Peninsula
The two sides of the Malaysian Peninsula get hit by monsoons at different times. Dry season on the East coast is from April to October. The rainy season runs from November to March. In contrast, the West Coast is dry from November to April and the rainy season is from September to November with light showers.
Borneo
It is possible to dive on Borneo all year-round.
Water Temperature: 26°C to 30°C all year-round.
Currents: Depends on the location. From none to strong. Borneo tends to have stronger currents than the Malaysian peninsula.
Visibility: Visibility can range from 5 to 50 meters depending on the site and conditions.
Malaysia’s best dive sites
Barracuda Point, Sipadan, Borneo
Labelled as one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world, Barracuda Point is one of the only dives in the world where you drop down into a vortex of barracuda. As you drop, there may be a strong current which is what brings food to the site and attracts the barracuda. This dive site is accessible all year-round but between March to July are when conditions are calmest and visibility at its highest.
Crack Reef, Layang Layang
Located in Sabah with some of the best coral on the planet. What makes this dive site remarkable is the chance to spot whale sharks and hammerheads at the right time of year. Starting with a beautiful coral garden with a wall that gradually drops down, you may spot a leopard shark. Check the gorgonians for pygmy seahorses.
Amazing Grace, Tenggol Island
Tenggol Island is world renowned for its beautiful and healthy coral. Amazing Grace is located on the second largest island of the Tenggol group. There can be quite a strong current but with this current comes trevallies, batfish, shovel-nose sharks and rays.
About the country
Malaysia is a diverse country with a mixed heritage. Malays, Chinese and Indians are the three main races in the country. The three live in harmony and there is a multicultural feeling in Kuala Lumpur and around Malaysia.
It has beaches, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, tasty food, mountains and forests. Malaysia has something to offer every type of traveller. It’s neighbors include: Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand.
For the best food experiences, head to Penang otherwise known as Georgetown. The influence from China, India and Malaysia provide a culinary dream. Street food is extremely popular and you’ll be glad to know it’s completely normal to eat 5 times a day.
Recreational Courses in Malaysia
Dive Centers in Malaysia
Getting to Malaysia
Getting to Malaysia from Europe, Asia and Australia is relatively easy. There are many direct flights between major European, Asian and Australian destinations and Malaysia.
To visit Borneo, check connections in Hong Kong and Singapore which operate direct flights to Kota Kinabalu. Once in the country, it’s easy to get around by using trains, buses, ferries and cars.
Other important information
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Official Language: Malaysian
- Demonym: Malaysian
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
- Calling code: +60
- Driving Side: left
- Population: Above 32,000,000
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
