[ad_1]
Experience paradise underwater at these top 15 best dives sites In Malaysia.
Malaysia has long been a notable destination for diving, renowned the globe over for clear waters, diverse marine life and competitive dive rates.
Whether you want to try diving yourself or already an experienced diver, we’ve gathered these destinations below, that’ll truly appeal to the underwater adventurer in you.
Here are our top picks according to the overall experience. Discover and target your next diving destination, let’s discover one of the best short trips from Singapore!
15 Best Dive Sites In Malaysia
1. Sipadan Island & Mabul Island
The east of Malaysia, not to be confused in reference to diving in the East Coast of Malaysia, sits the lush island of Borneo, home to the top trio. Our number one pick of best dive sites in Malaysia is hard to dispute as the trio of islands holds immense beauty above and underwater; we’re sure these islands will get you snorkelling and diving in no time after your arrival. Also read: Pulau Aur Accessibility: Fly into Tawau, Sabah or into Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then a land transfer is required to Semporna before a boat into the islands. Boats between the islands are available via resorts and the local dive operators, or if you’re staying in Semporna, day trips are available as well. Good to know: You can visit these islands all year round, though special permits are required2. Kapalai Island
Kapalai island isn’t far from Sipadan, with a mere 15km between them. This island isn’t at all big and has one resort operating on it. A big bonus to Kapalai is that you get to snorkel and shore dive for free, not inclusive of any equipment, making it great if you’ve a party mix of divers and non-divers. Accessibility: Similar route to Sipadan and Mabul above Good to know: The island is technically a sand bar, and walking along the sand is possible during low tide.3. Layang Layang Island
Layang Layang proudly takes our third spot as the island is known for spotting of hammerhead and whale sharks, as well as its history; it was a former marine base.![Layang Layang Island](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736638_974_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
4. Pom Pom Island
A small gem, measuring less than 3 km in circumference, Pom Pom Island holds its own, largely due to its white sandy beaches and being a hatching ground for Hawksbills and Green turtles, and even one resort on the island doubles up as a turtle sanctuary and conservation centre. If you’re visiting during turtle hatching season, ask locals how you can lend a hand.![Underwater View at Pom Pom Island](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736640_146_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
5. Mataking Island
Also in Sabah, Mataking is known for having the one and only underwater post office in Malaysia. It is a base for turtle hatching with an active team running an eco-conservation program.Diving here is possible under the Sipadan diving permit. Also read: Pulau Tinggi![Variety of flora & fauna species found in Underwater Mataking Island](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736642_347_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
6. Tenggol Island
Tenggol Island which is situated in the state of Terengganu, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. One of best diving in Malaysia here is you can see the whale shark if you’re very lucky. This island is popular among more experienced divers as the waters surrounding it are wreck dive spots, and has only one resort on it. Consider the option to book via individual dive operators for best all-inclusive packages. Diving sites are Tokong Timur, Mini Highway, Tanjung Api & many more. Accessibility: Drive up or fly into Terengannu and head on to Dungun pier, then a ferry or boat across Good to know: If hanging out at the beach, bring coconut oil to deter sand flies
7. Perhentian Island
Still in Terengganu, the two Perhentian islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Accommodation choices are aplenty on both islands, from budget right up to luxury stays with the bulk of budget accommodation located on Perhentian Kecil, which is livelier come nightfall, and is the choice island for backpackers.![Underwater view at Perhentian Island](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736644_803_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
8. Redang Island
This island is also under Terrenganu state administration, and almost all accommodation here are resorts. While snorkelling and scuba diving is a must, other than water based activities why not enjoy Redang’s beaches which are perfect to simply relax the day away. Accessibility: Fly, drive or bus it into into Kuala Terengganu then travel to Shahbandar jetty or Merang jetty Good to know: Marine fees apply for entry into island
9. Tioman Island
Tioman Island in the state of Pahang is a duty free island, and an abundance of resorts around the island, with a jungle and forestation in the middle or the island. Also read: Tioman Dive Center & Package![Pulau Tioman](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707550445_296_17-Best-Short-Trips-From-Singapore-Weekend-Getaway-Ideas-In.jpg)
10. Lankayan Island
Back to Sabah Borneo, Lankayan is quite the secret among divers, and less visited due to its location in the Sulu sea.![Aerial View of Lankayan Island into the Sulu Seas off the North-Eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736646_694_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
Image Credits: Beaches & Resorts – Southeast Asia
11. Dayang Island
Situated in Johor, this island is practically unknown even to most Malaysians. The island is picking up in popularity in recent years so if you ask us, the best time to go is now! Dayang Island attracts divers and sport fishermen namely for the Black Marlin which are native around its waters.![Sea Creature at Pulau Dayang](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736647_289_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
12. Pemanggil Island
Pemanggil Island is a haven for divers and fishermen, as most fishing competitions are held here and also a spot to catch Black Marlins and mackerels. Being small, electricity on Pemanggil Island is controlled, and switched on from 1930- 0730 daily.![Scuba Diving at Pemanggil Island](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736648_880_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
13. Labuan Island
Labuan in Miri Borneo is an island with its own appeal, firstly it’s duty free throughout and offering two notable wrecks from World War II and other wrecks spots as well. Divers with sufficient logged wreck diving experience or are certified would be able to visit some wreck spots here. Accessibility: Fly in directly from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu Good to know: Great deals on duty free pearls14. Langkawi Island
Malaysia’s largest duty free island is way up north in the state of Kedah neighbouring Thailand. There’s a lot to do in Langkawi it’s best to spend a few days, up to a week here. Diving in Langkawi, Malaysia takes place mostly at the Marine Park and three other islands nearby.![Scuba diving in Pulau Langkawi](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736649_740_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
15. Kapas Island
Belonging to the state of Terengganu, this less visited island is a magnet for wreck dive enthusiasts, as its home to a Japanese World War II ship wreck, and offers a chance to glimpse reef sharks and turtles who favour the waters around here.![Aerial view in Pulau Kapas](https://jomlooka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1707736650_712_Top-15-Best-Scuba-Diving-Location-In-Malaysia-Sipadan-Island.jpg)