Marine life
This south East Asian country is split in two part. The Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia north of Borneo. This multicultural and multi ethnic country has also a really rich and diversified marine biodiversity. That is why Malaysia is one of the most famous destination in Asia for diving trip. Huge walls, drift dive, shoal dive, wreck dive and big pelagic dive, you will find everything in Malaysia.
Best places for diving in Malaysia
Off the coast of the Peninsula Malaysia you will have the choice between the Tioman Island and the famous Perhentian Island. If you decide to cross East Malaysia you will have to decide where to go for your diving holidays: Sipadan, Layang Layang, Mabul or Kapalai. Sipadan is the most known area for diving. It is a marine sanctuary for many animals. Wherever you go, you will find may be some of the most beautifull dive sites of the world.
WARNING
Sipadan is strongly not recommended but some country’s government, please check before you decide to go.
Best time to go?
Diving in Malaysia is good all year long, however it is recommended to avoid the monsoon season which can affect the diving conditions.
Diving conditions
Visibility is quite good all around 10 to 30 meters and go be excellent in Borneo 30 to 50 meters.
Currents are not a problem, do not expect to be that tired while diving.
Difficulties: Malaysia is the perfect place to start diving, all beginners would love it. But in an other side, the beauty underwater will please all experienced divers.
Water temperature vary from 27° to 30° Celsius, just enjoy!
Liveaboards in Malaysia
What to see underwater?
The Peninsular Malaysian waters are home to many marine species, the most famous are the napoleon, the humpback parrot and the marine turtle. Also present in large numbers nudibranchs will delighted underwater photographers.
East Malaysia is simply amazing for scuba diving. You might enjoy the presence of reef sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays, giant school of barracudas and trevallies. If you decide to go to sipadan you will love this natural aquarium, hammer head sharks and whale sharks are often spotted near Layang Layang Island and Lankayan Island.
Finally if you like macro photography you must know that Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Lankayan are awesome for pygmy seahorses, frogfish, Mandarin fish, nudibranchs, eels, planters, mimic octopus, cuttlefish or blue ring octopus.
