Payar Island
Langkawi's 'Great Barrier Reef'—Payar Island, a paradise for diving enthusiasts. It is located at the southern tip of Langkawi Island. Even before you start diving, you can see schools of colorful tropical fish swimming in the shallow waters. Diving enthusiasts can swim with the fish and take a speedboat to deeper waters, fully equipped to dive 20 meters deep. There, you may encounter jellyfish, sea turtles, starfish, corals, and even have a chance to meet sharks...
Sipadan
Semporna is located in the Sabah province of West Malaysia, one of the most famous diving destinations in the world and the most renowned diving spot in Malaysia. There are many diving spots near Semporna, among which Sipadan is a dream destination for any diver.
Lankayan
Lankayan also belongs to Sabah, a small yet paradise-like island in the Sulu Sea that is rarely mentioned by locals. This tropical island is located in the northeast direction of Sabah.
Some of the islands here are designated as national marine parks. The marine life mainly consists of small creatures, including ghost pipefish and frogfish. Another feature is two shipwrecks, around which live creatures such as squids, octopuses, batfish, and jackfish.
Redang Island
Travel north along the east coast of Malaysia until you reach the Terengganu jetty, then take a ferry for about 1 hour to get to Redang Island. It is famous for its white sandy beaches and is the filming location for the movie 'Summer Holiday'. Snorkeling around the area gives you a chance to see sharks.
Notable dive spots include Tanjung Gua Kawah and Tunnel Point. The underwater coral here is better preserved than in other parts of Malaysia, and you can find common tropical fish, large sea fans, sea turtles, parrotfish, and even sharks.
Tioman Island
Tioman Island, located in the eastern part of Malaysia, is the largest of the 64 volcanic islands. It takes 55 minutes to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island, or you can take a ferry from the mainland to reach it.
The underwater resources here are abundant, with famous marine life including barracudas, blacktip sharks, triggerfish, and more. There are numerous dive sites, including Tiger Reef and Seven Skies, catering to all levels of divers from beginners to technical diving experts.
Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands, consisting of Big Perhentian Island and Small Perhentian Island, are part of Malaysia's National Marine Park and are renowned for their beautiful underwater world. It is very convenient to take a boat from Kuala Besut Jetty to the Perhentian Islands, with many trips available daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Suger Wreck features a cargo ship that sank in 2000, and it is home to barracudas, jacks, reef sharks, and lionfish. Some cabins of the ship are accessible for exploration.
Layang Layang
Layang Layang is located on a small island north of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. It is about a 1-hour flight transfer from Kota Kinabalu. It is another gem in the South China Sea. Due to its rich underwater resources and diverse species, the Malaysian government built a marine observation station on the island in 2004. Swallow Reef is the most famous diving spot.
Due to its remoteness from human activities, there is only one hotel operating on the island. Therefore, the local water environment is closest to its original state, providing you with a unique experience whether it is the corals or the fish schools.
