Malaysia is a land of varied and alluring attractions, with soaring skyscrapers, vibrant markets, delectable food, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Its location in the coral triangle also makes it one of the most spectacular and rewarding dive sites on the planet. Scuba diving in Malaysia offers you a chance to unravel the mysteries of the kaleidoscopic marine world thriving under its oceans. With two main diving regions, peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, it offers some breathtaking diving sites thronged by diving enthusiasts from across the world. Let’s dig deeper into the hidden secrets of this beautiful country to reveal the spots for best diving in Malaysia.
Why Scuba Diving In Malaysia Is A Great Idea?
With ample shallow dive locations, it is a great idea to learn best scuba diving in Malaysia if you’ve decided to take the plunge. Easily accessible shore dives with depths starting from 3 metres are comfortable for beginners. The breathtaking bio-diversity of aquatic flora and fauna and top diving sites ensure your diving in Malaysia experience will make you come back for more.
10 Places For Scuba Diving In Malaysia
Here are the 10 most popular islands for scuba diving in Malaysia to explore the depths of the sea:
- Sipadan Island – For Coral Gardens
- Islands Of Mabul & Kapalai – Spot Macro Species
- Lankayan Island – Scuba Diving Hub
- Layang-Layang Island – Rich Marine Life
- Mataking Island – For Diving Resorts
- Redang Island – For A PADI Certif
- Tenggol Island – Discover Untouched Corals
- Perhentian Islands – Perfect For Learners
- Tioman Island – Diverse Diving Spots
- Lang Tengah – Night Scuba Dive
1. Sipadan Island – For Coral Gardens
This gorgeous island holds the unrivalled spot for the best scuba diving in Malaysia, with its perfect diving conditions and an unparalleled range of marine species to discover. Sipadan Island is an outstanding diving location with top sites like Barracuda Point, Coral Garden, Hanging Garden, etc. teeming with an unbelievable display of underwater life. Sipadan scuba diving in Malaysia, allows you to witness turtles, reef shark, gray sharks as well as lots of leaf fishes, frog fishes and pygmy seahorse.
Best time to visit: March to October
Best time to dive: April to December
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2. Islands Of Mabul & Kapalai – Spot Macro Species
Mabul Island scuba diving in Malaysia allows you to experience one of the best spots for Muck Diving in the world. Macro species are abundant too and you will be amazed to discover rare species of Nudibranch, cuttlefish and the blue-ringed Octopus. You can pick luxurious 5-star resorts or a budget backpacker lodge for your stay here. Kapalai Island, with its shallow diving spots is a paradise for underwater photography as well as night diving.
Best time to visit: March to October
Best time to dive: July and August
3. Lankayan Island – Scuba Diving Hub
After Sipadan, this probably offers the best diving in Malaysia. With about 30 dive sites close by, Lankayan offers the rare opportunity of enjoying beautiful corals, muck diving and easy wreck diving at the same destination. With just one luxury resort, Lankayan is the perfect getaway for a relaxing vacation spent exploring the underwater world and enjoying the lovely resort stay. The wreck diving spots around the island are teeming with huge schools of fishes, as well as barracudas and trevallies.
Best time to visit: June and September
Best time to dive: June to September
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4. Layang-Layang Island – Rich Marine Life
With more than 10 dive sites within 5-15 minutes of speed boat ride, Layang Layang is an amazing choice for scuba diving in Malaysia. Untouched by human intervention, the corals and underwater world at this remote island are in pristine condition which makes it one of the best dive sites in Malaysia. With huge schools of pelagic fish, manta rays & even whale sharks, diving around Layang Layang is just fantastic. If you’re visiting the island in April-May you can also spot the stunning hammerhead sharks that gather in the deep waters for mating.
Best time to visit: March to August
Best time to dive: March to August
5. Mataking Island – For Diving Resorts
Both amateurs and experienced divers will find Mataking Island diving hugely rewarding and satisfying. The island also has beautiful luxury resorts from where you can plan your dive trips. The divers can spot manta rays, eagle rays, grey reef sharks and huge green turtles. Mataking along with Sibuan is one of the best diving spots in Malaysia for muck diving as well, with chances of spotting rare critters. Do not miss the experience of visiting the first underwater post-office in the world through a wreck diving trip near Mataking. Apart from Mataking Island, Pom Island and Sibuan Island also offer similar scuba dicing experiences.
Best time to visit: February to November
Best time to dive: March to October
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6. Redang Island – For A PADI Certif
Lying on the Eastern coast of peninsular Malaysia, Redang Island is part of the Terengganu Marine Park and offers superb diving opportunities, with clear calm waters bejewelled with rich and beautiful corals. With its perfect diving conditions and exotic marine treasures, it is the ideal spot for scuba diving in Malaysia near Kuala Lumpur. The 4-day PADI certification course is quite affordable here, making it a great spot to learn scuba diving in Malaysia.
Best time to visit: April to October
Best time to dive: NA
7. Tenggol Island – Discover Untouched Corals
Another splendid peninsular Malaysia dive site, Tenggol island is recommended mainly for experienced divers as the currents are quite strong. With some fantastic resorts and untouched corals to explore, this beautiful island just a 45-minute speedboat ride away is considered amongst the best diving in Malaysia. Get ready to explore vibrant marine life at more than 20 spectacular dive spots with unforgettable underwater landscapes.
Best time to visit: October to February
Best time to dive: March to October
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8. Perhentian Islands – Perfect For Learners
One of the best places to learn best scuba diving in Malaysia, Perhentian Islands offers great diving conditions and abundant diving spots for beginners. Also part of the Terengganu Marine Park, there are about 20 dive sites around the archipelago with clear water and shallow reefs brimming with spectacular marine species. Sugar Wreck is a great wreck diving site around the island which offers wonderful opportunities for underwater photography. Perhentian Islands also offer the most reasonable prices for learning scuba diving at Malaysia.
Best time to visit: March to November
Best time to dive: April to October
9. Tioman Island – Diverse Diving Spots
Just like other peninsular Malaysia diving sites, Tioman islands is great for both beginners and experienced divers with more than 25 exciting dive sites including the incredible Tiger Reef, making it one of the best spots for diving in Malaysia in February. As you traverse the fascinating topography with granite boulders, caves, and canyons you enter a magical world brimming with colorful fishes, reef sharks, turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks. Beginners seeking best sites for scuba diving in Malaysia will love the Salang Jetty and ABC House Reef on this island.
Best time to visit: March to October
Best time to dive: February to November
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10. Lang Tengah – Night Scuba Dive
Literally meaning ‘The eagle in the middle’, this pristine island located between Redang and Perhentian Islands has some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in West Malaysia. The deep sea diving enthusiasts will be rewarded with shoals of rabbitfish, snappers and fusiliers while the shallow bays are abundant with crustaceans and critters. The island is also perfect for night scuba diving in Malaysia.
Best time to visit: March to October
Best time to dive: NA
Cost For Scuba Diving In Malaysia
A one-day trip is usually in the range of INR 6000 – INR 7000, which includes:
- Three guided boat dives
- Jetty & marine park fees
- Dive equipment rental
- Pick-up & drop from the hotel/resort
- Lunch and refreshments
There are some fantastic & reliable scuba diving schools in Malaysia at all the top diving spots which offer a complete package with your stay as well as dive plans. Most diving schools PADI certificate courses & authentic scuba diving license in Malaysia. Diving spots like Perhentian & Tioman Islands usually offer the most reasonable scuba diving license cost in Malaysia and are the best bet for beginners.
Further Read: Sarawak Gawai Festival: Witness The Zeal And Vigour Of This Local Malaysian Event
Already enticed to visit these scuba diving in Malaysia spots? Well, we don’t blame you. It is adventure worth your time and money. So, don’t think much and plan your trip to Malaysia with TravelTriangle right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Malaysia
Is Malaysia good for diving?
Malaysia has calm waters and protected reefs making it ideal for scuba diving of all levels. Scuba diving in Malaysia is not only a wonderful experience, where you can explore breathtaking diversity of marine life but its also soul-soothing.
What is there to do in Malaysia?
The most amazing things to do in Malaysia for a wonderful vacation are: 1. Go for Skydiving 2. Go on Awana Skyway tour 3. Try Bunjee Jumping 4. Visit the Taman Negara National Park 5. Take a Mangrove Boat Safari.
How much does scuba diving cost in Malaysia?
A one-day scuba diving trip in Malaysia will cost you within a range of Rs. 6000 to Rs. 7000.
Where can I dive in Malaysia?
Some of the best places for scuba diving in Malaysia are Sipadan Island, Mataking Island, Tioman Island, Redang Island, and more.
How dangerous is diving?
Diving is one of the most adventurous sport. Diving underwater and witnessing the marine life from up close obviously entails some sort of risk. However, with proper guidance and instructions, this adventure activity can be carried out very easily.
How do I get to the Perhentian Islands?
The Perhentian Islands are well-connected with Malaysia via airways, roadways, and waterways. Ome can either take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bahru, a bus, a train, or a ferry to reach the Islands.
Is scuba diving difficult?
On the contrary, scuba diving is one of the easiest activities to learn. This sport is a combination of the three most basic skills including floating, kicking, and breathing, making it easier to learn.
Can non-swimmers do scuba diving?
Yes, even the non-swimmers can do scuba diving as it is mainly about gliding and floating underwater. However, certain limits are implied for non-swimmers.
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