Malaysia's various diving spots

scuba divingenvironmentmarine lifecoral reefunderwater ecosystem

Mabul (c) Tourism Malaysia

Various diving spots for beginners, advanced, tech divers and photographers Malaysia impresses with diversity: scenic, cultural and culinary. This diversity attracts more and more tourists to major cities such as Kuala Lumpur or Georgetown, as well as the national parks and rainforests of Borneo. But tourists who come to Malaysia for scuba diving are visiting a fantastic world: a unique and overwhelming ecosystem of flora and fauna can be found off the coasts of Malaysia, providing a manifold selection of dive sites Hundreds of tropical islands create habitat for more than 3,000 different species - from nudibranches to whale sharks. What all Malaysian dive destinations have in common: rather nothing... Depending on the region, the topography of the seabed varies, creating landscapes of reefs, coral gardens, caves, steep slopes or rock formations. These in turn cause biodiversity, because the sea creatures must adapt to the given conditions to ensure their survival. Sipadan Island Sipadan is the best dive site in Malaysia and one of the top dive sites in the world. This unique island off the southern coast of Sabah is surrounded by coral and a beautiful underwater landscape full of marine life, such as large schools of barracudas, ocean turtles, seahorses, rays, hammerhead sharks, reef and whale sharks and countless colourful fish species such as batfish, parrotfish, clownfish, groupers and many more. Sipadan became famous in the documentary `The Ghosts of the Sea Turtle' by the famous French oceanographer Jacques Yves Cousteau. Perhentian Islands A quiet but fascinating dive spot can be found at Perhentian Islands. Located 21 kilometres northeast of the Malaysian peninsula, diving novices as well as advanced divers have the perfect opportunity to explore the underwater world. Countless reefs and shipwrecks provide dives of varying difficulty levels. White sandy beaches and crystal clear water offer optimal conditions. A special highlight: The large reef-tower of Tokong Laut, also called the "Temple of the Sea". It houses innumerable "creatures of the sea". Tioman Island The island of Tioman lies off the east coast of Malaysia and is still almost untouched. White sand beaches, overgrown with palm trees, provide over water for a Robinson Crusoe feeling. Underwater, the diving areas are particularly impressive with interesting rock formations that are densely covered with hard and soft corals and thus provide the perfect habitat for a variety of underwater creatures. The Tiger Reef - located at about 16 meters - is such a coral tower of feather stars, whip and fan corals. A dive is recommended here only for experienced divers because of the strong current. Sea turtles, reef sharks, parrotfish, stingrays, moray eels, shrimp, nudibranchs, puffer fish, seahorses and many other marine life can be found here all year round. Especially macro-lovers and photographers are in good hands in the waters of Malaysia with its biodiversity of small, colourful creatures. On the west coast of the peninsula and on Borneo, the diving season extends over the whole year, on the east coast of the peninsula; the months of February to November are the best time to travel. More information: http://www.malaysia.travel/en/intl