Scuba Diving In Malaysia

If white sand beaches coupled with amazing underwater marine beauty and diversity are what you are looking for, then scuba diving in Malaysia will definitely have something for you.

For the true diving enthusiast, the island of Sipadan, praised by the internationally renowned diver and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots in the world, is the only oceanic island (meaning not connected to the continental shell) in Malaysia rising 2,000 ft (600 m) on a limestone pinnacle that “mushrooms” out near the surface.
Diving Sipadan is the number 1 reason why divers come to Malaysia. Deep water currents well up against the walls of this oceanic island, bringing in the nutrients which support an incredible ecosystem and where the sheer abundance of sea life is astonishing. Vast numbers of green and hawksbill turtles breed and lay their eggs on its surrounding beaches and resident schools of thousands of barracuda and trevally patrol the drop-off. The abundant and stunning marine life is awe inspiring and make diving Sipadan the experience of a lifetime.

Other islands that have equally enchanted the diving fraternity are Mabul Island known as the home to the world’s best “muck dives”, a discovery that is gaining in popularity, and Langkayan Island, for its colorful world of macro marine life in over 20 dive sites that never cease to fascinate visitors.

Blessed with some of the richest waters in the world, diving in Borneo Malaysia offers a variety of experiences depending on where you are: being surrounded by hammerheads at the pristine coral atoll of Layang Layang, cavorting with turtles and swirling tornadoes of barracudas in Sipadan Island, or discovering the weird and wonderful world of Malaysia's incredible macro dive sites. Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) is the basis of Malaysia's claim as home to world class scuba diving. Malaysia's best resorts are on the beautiful islands of Sabah which are fringed with white sand beaches and coconut trees - a beautiful setting as a finishing touch to excellent scuba diving in Malaysia.


VISA Visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits.

LANGUAGE Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language, but English is widely spoken. Other languages, such as Chinese (Cantonese and Hokkien), Iban and Tamil, are spoken by minorities.

TIME GMT +8

CURRENCY The official currency is the Ringgit.
The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques are accepted by all banks, hotels and large department stores. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or Australian Dollars.

CLIMATE Tropical though without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm and often humid, while nights are fairly cool. The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27 °C / 82°F year round.

VACCINES Check with your embassy or consulate, as well as with a knowledgeable doctor, for detailed information on current health issues.

ELECTRICITY 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are generally used.

AIRPORT TAX There is no airport departure tax.