Let’s Go Scuba Diving in Malaysia! 3 Best Locations
You must have heard people going to Malaysia for shopping and honeymoon. You must be planning a trip too. Then I would suggest think different from the main stream. Scuba diving in Malaysia would be the best experience in your life. Here is a set of 3 wonderful islands in Malaysia best known for Scuba Diving.
- THE SIPADAN, MABUL & KAPALAI ISLANDS
These three little gems located on the east coast of Sabah of Malaysia are the best locations for exploring the underwater wonders. You can indulge in underwater diving to explore ship wrecks, wall dives and a huge amount of corals with various colors and shapes. A huge variety of multi-hued fish and macro organisms can be seen in this limited area of water. If you get lucky you can also see some rare sea turtles and their caves.
Important Details
Weather and visibility underwater:
Weather is fairly good all year round with the rainy season being between mid December and Mid February. The visibility under water is 10-30 m when diving in Sipadan islands and is 5-15 m when diving in the other two islands.
Water Temperature:
The approximate average temperature of the water is between 26 deg to 30 deg.
Depth of Water:
In the Sipadan diving sites the depth is approximately 5-40m and at the other two islands it is 5-20m deep.
Diving Sites:
Sipadan – 13 & Mabul and Kapalai – 15
Best Time to Visit
All months are good to visit these 3 gems for scuba diving; however the best months would be July and August. If you want to avoid crowded diving sites then visit between December and February when it rains and the crowd is very less.
How to Get There
You need to get a flight to Sabah and there are two points of entry into Sabah. You can enter from Kota Kinabalu or Tawau. You can make arrangements with your resort for a pick up from the airports which would drive you to Semporna. The resort would take care of the rest of the arrangements.
Specialty
Sipadan: It is an island which was created by living corals which lived on an undersea volcano. You can experience and view more than 3000 fish species and hundreds of coral species here. Large numbers of hawksbill turtles are seen here.
Mabul and Kapalai: For a great view of macro organisms, these two islands are best. Best places for muck diving and where divers can view hundreds of small marine life.
Resorts for Scuba Diving
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Borneo Divers Mabul Resort and Sipadan Mabul Resort are the best resorts to learn diving and experience the underwater life.
- TIOMAN ISLANDS
Complete with serene beauty and tropical palm trees and amazing waters, these islands attract a large number of tourists wanting to enjoy a great island holiday.
Important Details
Weather and visibility underwater:
Weather is clear and best during the months of March to November and the visibility is best between 5 -30 m depth of water.
Depth of Water:
Approx 5 – 30m
Diving Sites: 25 sites
Best Time to Visit
Between March and November
How to Get There
You can travel by air and fly from Seletar airport in Singapore to the island directly. Buses are available from Singapore to Mersing and then a ferry service will take you to the islands.
Specialty
The specialty of the islands is its serene beauty and 18 magnificent beaches. There are the famous twin peaks on the islands which are prominent to all. The whole island is covered with thick forestation and hence makes it an ideal holiday destination.
Resorts for Diving
Paya Beach Spa and Dive Resort and Berjaya Resort Tioman Islands
- REDANG ISLAND
Redang Island is an ideal island when one wants to enjoy scuba diving and experience the underwater world.
Important Details
Weather and visibility underwater:
Weather is the best during the months of February to November. Visibility is best between 5-20m.
Water Temperature: 27-30 degrees
Depth of Water:
Approximately 5-40 m and you can dive in various depths as per your experience.
Diving Sites: 20+ Diving sites
Best Time to Visit
February to November
How to Get There
You can take a bus from Singapore to Merang Jetty and then a speed boat would be available to the Redang islands from Merang Jetty.
Specialty
The specialty of the island is the vast variety of underwater creatures. You can go diving in more than 15 diving sites and see huge numbers of Hawksbill turtles and Eagle Rays.
Resorts for Diving
Redang Kalong Resort, Laguna Redang Island Resort
