Malaysia is known worldwide for its plentiful and pristine diving spots, attracting millions of visitors from afar each year.
From the dozens of islands in both East and West Malaysia, we have picked five must-dives that are celebrated by both domestic and international visitors. Whether you’re a PADI-certified veteran looking for a change of pace or a newbie just getting their feet wet, there’s sure to be a diving spot for you to leap into in Malaysia!
Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
Untouched by time, most of the two Perhentian Islands are covered in virgin forest and shockingly fine sands, with the rest being just calm, crystal-clear seas and their azure glow.
Located off the coast of Terengganu facing the South China Sea, most of the island is a designated marine park with some resorts on them for accommodation.
During the dry season, its bountiful sunshine, golden sunrises and sunsets along with variety of diving spots make it an excellent dive recommendation.
As for diving points, Shark Point’s open geography and shallow depth make it great for beginners to spot local sharks while the more trickier wrecks are great for advanced divers.
Recommended Diving Spots
Shark Point – For beginners, spot sharks in an open area with shallow depths.
Sugar Wreck – For veterans, old cargo ship with diverse wildlife hiding in its depths.
Redang Island
Redang is one of the most remote islands in Malaysia, way out in the South China Sea and slightly further out than Perhentian. Thanks to its isolation and status as a gazette marine park, diving enthusiasts can easily lose themselves in a watery kaleidoscope of brilliant aqua blue giving way into the dark blue deep.
Not only that, the island is particularly famous for its rich underwater features, from ocean caves to pillars, boulders and even underwater mountains. And that’s not even mentioning its diverse ocean life.
Simply put, Redang’s a prime destination if you’re looking for an underwater adventure!
Recommended Diving Spots
Terumbu Kili – Rocks, coral and sand that’s great for night diving
Tunnel Point – Tunnel-like geography with plenty of coral and tropical fish
Sipadan Island, Sabah
Dubbed the Mecca of diving, Sipadan Island is sure to be on the bucket lists of diving enthusiasts everywhere!
One of the island’s claim to fame is its stunning amount of biodiversity, which includes various tropical fish, barracuda, parrotfish, turtles and even sharks. Some of these populations here are so abundant, they frequently give rise to vast numbers of fish swirling about in schools hundreds of meters deep, such as the world-famous barracuda schools.
Besides wildlife, Sipadan is also blessed with breathtaking and surreal gelological formations, with sloping coral fields, giant underwater boulders, sharp cliff drops and even caves filled with turtle skeletons.
With its thriving wildlife and stunning array of environments, visiting Sipadan is sure to make you feel tiny and awestruck in the face of Mother Nature’s creative prowess.
Recommended Diving Spots
Barracuda Point – Iconic spot with schools of barracuda numbering in the thousands forming tornadoes of glimmering scales.
Hanging Gardens – Fields of terraced, colourful coral ecosystems that eventual give way to a steep wall that is similarly teeming in coral.
Tioman Island, Pahang
A lush, forested island crowned by towering peaks surrounded by golden sands and pure waters―welcome to Tioman Island!
Up to 20 mesmerizing and unique diving spots around the island are made up of by dozens of tiny islands, reefs and even shipwrecks, which are also home to thousands of pelagic fish shoals.
With huge swathes of shallow and accessible coral reefs, it’s the perfect destination for both holidaymakers and divers, especially beginner or rusty divers who need an easy challenge.
Recommended Diving Spots
Coral Island – An island formed by coral that is teeming with shallow reefs and wildlife.
Sawadee Wreck – A Malaysian navy ship deliberately sunk to provide a habitat for wildlife, has an eerie and surreal atmosphere.
Langkawi Island, Kedah
Whether you’re a certified Master Scuba Diver or just a rookie getting their feet wet, Langkawi has just the right site for you!
This collection of dozens of islands houses a shocking number of popular diving spots, ranging from wildlife hotspots such as Grouper Farm and Shark Point to bountiful reefs such as Coral Garden and Sponge Reef.
One of its most unique sites is at the Kaca Sunken Wrecks, a collection of fishing boat wrecks that have transformed into a colourful garden of coral and fauna.
Recommended Diving Spots
Pulau Payar – A southeastern island that is home to the Coral Garden, a gallery of vibrant and diverse coral.
Pulau Segantang – Waters with rocky terrain and steep drop-offs containing crevices that are teeming with coral and marine life.