Malaysia is situated at the heart of the world's richest marine habitat, where scientists believe the marine creatures of the Pacific Ocean envolved. The waters here have over 200 species of fish and 70 genera of Corals.
There are two distinct regions, seperated by 500km of the South China Sea, Peninsular Malaysia extends south-southeast from Thailand to Singapore, while East malaysia is the northern part of the island of Borneo.
The best dive sites in Malaysia can be found on the island of Borneo in a region called Sabah. Easiest to reach are the dive sites on the east coast, however, the region is prone to the yearly monsoon season between October and March.
We recommend two dive locations in Malaysia- they are both located in Sabah / Borneo. Both sites are recommended for Advanced Divers. As yet Nitrox is not available at either location. Best time to visit is in the Dry season between March to October
Sipadan / Kapalai
According to the World Wildlife Fund "no other spot on the face of the earth has more marine life than Sipadan Island." Located off Sabah, Malaysia, Sipadan is a small, isolated coral mount covered by tropical forest and surrounded by a 700 meter drop-off. To dive this iconic destination, we have chosen the Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort as our diving base. Kapalai is a Resort built over the water and surrounded by its own home reef. Just minutes away in the calm, clear waters you'll discover a pristine ecosystem encompassing an incredible concentration of marine life. You are able to experience wall, reef, drift, cave or night dives, either by boat or right off shore. Sipidan is regularly ranked as one of the top ten diving destinations in the world.
"I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now, no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art.......A Jewel." Jacques Cousteau
Sipadan, designated as a World Heritage Site, is Malaysia's only oceanic island. It is rated as one of the world's top five wall dives. The turquoise water of shallow turns deep indigo as the drop-off plunges a sheer 2,000 feet to the bottom of the Celebes Sea, a more than 20 feet from the shore. A cornucopia of weird and spectacular life exists just under the surface of Sipadan's limpid water. Schools of Jacks and Barracuda swirl gracefully in unison. Hundreds of Green and Hawksbill Turtles glide lazily in all directions, of which many lay eggs on the island. If you are fortunate, you might find turtle skeletons in caves deep down under - water. White Tip and Hammerhead Sharks, giant Groupers, Maori Wrasse and a myriad of other Kaleidoscope citizens of the reef awaits the scuba-diver and skin-diver alike.
Layang Layang Island
Off the mystical island of Borneo lies a little gem, a sparkle within the deep blue sea. Like a mariner's dream it stands all alone, a striking haven in the wide ocean waiting to be discovered. A tiny, little Island called Layang layang, surrounded by a chain of 13 coral reefs that hardly anyone knows about. The ring of reefs form a calm lagoon within the center of the atoll but outside the island hosts 14 world class dive sites. 2000 meter drop offs, 60 meter visibility, water temperature is around 30 °C year round. Most of your dives will be wall dives. You will see huge schools of big fish including hammerheads which congregrate every April / May to mate. Not to mention a fleet of fast, purpose built catamarans to take you diving. Your accomodation was designed to look like a Longhouse, the traditional community home of Borneo's tribal people. But despite its charming rustic look, you'll find all the modern amenities that you need for a comfortable stay. Layang Layang Island is only open between March - August each year