The 10 Best Scuba Diving Spots in Malaysia Where Thrilling Depths Await Every Diver
The first time I plunged into Malaysia’s waters, I had no idea what to expect. But the moment I descended beneath the surface, I found myself in a whole new world—vibrant coral gardens, graceful sea turtles, and schools of fish darting through the deep blue.
Every dive since then has been an adventure, revealing hidden caves, shipwrecks teeming with life, and even the occasional shark gliding silently past. My scuba diving adventures left me craving for more and I am eager to explore Malaysia’s underwater.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into an unforgettable experience, I’ve got just the list for you. Here are the best scuba diving spots in Malaysia where thrilling depths and breathtaking marine life await!
Tioman Island
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Location: Mersing, Pahang
Tioman Island is one of Malaysia’s most sought-after diving destinations, and for good reason. The island boasts more than 25 dive sites, making it a dream location for both beginners and experienced divers.
From the fascinating granite boulders and caves to canyons teeming with marine life, every dive here is an adventure. If you’re a beginner, the calm waters around Salang Jetty and ABC House Reef are perfect for getting comfortable with your diving gear.
More seasoned divers will find the Tiger Reef particularly exciting, with strong currents that attract schools of barracuda and massive groupers. No matter your skill level, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, playful sea turtles, and a variety of fishes.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning to dive at Tiger Reef, check the tides and currents beforehand. The best time to dive is during slack tide when the currents are manageable, giving you more time to take in the beauty of the reef. |
Semporna
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Location: Sabah
Semporna is one of the ultimate diving getaways in Malaysia, offering access to some of the most breathtaking marine biodiversity in the region. As the entry point to the renowned Tun Sakaran Marin Park, this town is surrounded by islands.
If you love diving with larger marine life, Sipadan is your best bet, with its congregation of turtles, manta rays, and patrolling reef sharks. For those who are more into the small and unusual, Mabul and Kapalai are heaven for macro lovers.
With visibility ranging from 15 to 40 metres, every site here offers something different like coral gardens, sandy bottoms, or sheer walls teeming with life. No matter your experience level, there’s a dive site in Semporna that will leave you in awe.
| Pro tip: If you’re heading to Sipadan, make sure to book your dive permit well in advance. The number of daily divers is limited to protect the ecosystem, and spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. |
Kota Kinabalu
– Media credit: goaquatic
Location: Sabah
Kota Kinabalu offers an incredible underwater world just minutes away from the city. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP), made up of five islands, is the main diving hub here, featuring vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.
With just a short boat ride, you can dive alongside sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and octopuses while exploring through the shallow coral gardens and sandy slopes. The warm tropical waters and easy access make diving here enjoyable and hassle-free.
If you’re looking for something extra special, the months between December and March bring the possibility of spotting whale sharks as they pass through the waters. Even outside of that season, the marine park is home to stunning reef structures and macro life.
| Pro tip: You should consider staying on Gaya Island if you want to dive at TARP for a more immersive experience. Walking up to a sunrise over the ocean and diving straight from the island adds a whole new level of relaxation to your trip! |
Perhentian Islands
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Location: Terengganu
The Perhentian Islands has 15 dive sites that are perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. The crystal-clear waters here are full of life, from reef sharks and rays to colourful schools of fish and sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the ocean.
One of the biggest draws of diving in the Perhential Islands is you can explore sunken wrecks, drift along coral-covered walls, or dive at sandy bottoms. The area is also great for night dives, where you’ll get to see bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal creatures.
Beyond diving, the islands offer a laid-back, tropical atmosphere with stunning beaches and plenty of spots to relax. The smaller island is known for its budget-friendly stays and social vibe, while the larger one is quieter and great for families and couples.
| Pro tip: Stay on the smaller island if you’re planning to dive multiple times for more affordable dining and nightlife. Boat taxis make it easy to hop between islands, so you can still explore the best dive sites no matter where you’re staying! |
Redang Island
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Location: Pulau Redang, 21090 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Redang Island is very famous for its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity in Malaysia. As part of the Terengganu Marine Park, the island is home to thriving coral reefs, making it an excellent destination for both first-timers and experienced divers.
With calm conditions and impressive visibility, it’s easy to spot reef sharks, sea turtles, and massive schools of vibrant fish. If you’re looking for a diving location that feels untouched and full of marine life, Redang should be high on your list.
Beyond the underwater experience, Redang itself is a tropical retreat with powdery white sand beaches and a laid-back island vibe. The island’s resorts cater to all types of travellers, from budget-friendly stays to luxurious beachfront accommodations.
| Pro tip: If you’re new to diving, consider taking the Discover Scuba Diving experience before committing to a full certification course. It’s a great way to test the waters and see if scuba diving is for you without the pressure of a multi-day course. |
Pom Pom Island
– Media credit: traccborneo
Location: Sabah
Pom Pom Island is popular for its year-round diving opportunities because of its stable climate and warm waters ranging between 26 and 30°C. Visibility here can reach up to 30 metres, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning underwater scenery.
The biggest highlight of diving in Pom Pom Island is its vibrant marine life. Expect to encounter green sea turtles, which frequently nest along the island’s shores, along with colourful reef fish.
The currents here can vary, so it’s always best to follow the guidance of experienced dive instructors. Morning dives tend to be the most recommended, offering calm waters and the best chances to see the reef at its most active.
| Pro tip: Try visiting between May and September so you could witness green turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night. Check with local dive centres for guided night snorkeling or beach walks to observe this incredible natural event. |
Mataking Island
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Location: Sabah
Mataking Island is a paradise for divers looking for pristine waters and vibrant marine life. This island offers a combination of shallow reefs for beginners and deeper dive sites for experienced divers.
The underwater landscape is a stunning mix of coral gardens, sloping walls, and sandy bottoms, making each dive an exciting experience. If you’re lucky, you might even spot grey reef sharks patrolling the deeper waters.
Mataking Island is also a hotspot for macro diving, with frogfish, seahorses, and colourful nudibranchs hiding among corals. Night diving here is particularly special, offering a whole new perspective on the marine ecosystem.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the underwater post office at Makating Island, where you can send a waterproof postcard from beneath the sea! It’s a fun and unique way to mark diving adventure. |
Sipadan Island
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Location: Sabah
Considered by many as the crown jewel of scuba diving in Malaysia, Sipadan Island was formed by a volcanic seamount rising from the deep. It offers some of the most breathtaking underwater venues you’ll ever encounter.
Scuba diving here is like stepping into an entirely different world! It has a spot where swirling barracuda tornadoes, graceful reef sharks, and massive schools of bumphead parrotfish dominate the waters.
If you’re after thrilling pelagic unison, South Point is the place to be. It offers occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks and an ever-present mix of green turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral fish.
| Pro tip: Since diving permits are limited, book your trip well in advance. The best way to guarantee a dive at Sipadan is by staying at a nearby island like Mabul or Kaplai, where dive operators have access to Sipadan permits. |
Lankayan Island
– Media credit: mar_alif
Location: Beluran, Sabah
Lankayan Island has always been a dream destination of scuba divers because of its vibrant macro life and thrilling pelagic encounters. Tucked away in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Sabah, this remote paradise boasts over 32 dive sites.
Moreover, its underwater surprises include fascinating shipwrecks and coral gardens with marine biodiversity. In addition, most dive sites are just a short boat ride from the jetty, meaning you get to spend more time below the surface rather than in transit.
If you’re into larger marine life, Lankayan doesn’t disappoint because schools of yellowtail barracudas, jacks, and even the mighty humphead parrotfish frequently cruise through. You can also spot a manatee and giant rays if you’re lucky enough!
| Pro tip: Lankayan is also a prime spot for turtle nesting and hatching, so if you visit between June and September, you might get to witness baby turtles making their way to the sea. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel in the shallows—sometimes, the best surprises happen just a few metres from the shore! |
Layang-Layang Island
Location: Sabah
Layang-Layang Island is the ultimate diving destination if you crave big fish action and deep sea adventures. Sitting atop 2,000 metres of deep ocean, this atoll is home to some of Malaysia’s most untouched coral reefs and an impressive marine life.
The main attraction in this scuba diving site is the hammerhead sharks that move in massive schools, a spectacle you’ll never forget! The visibility here is incredible, often exceeding 40 metres, making it easy to soak in the breathtaking scenery below the surface.
Beyond the hammerhead sharks, Layang-Layang is a diver’s dream with steep walks, pristine coral gardens, and thrilling drop-offs. You’ll find giant trevallies, manta rays, dogtooth tunas, and even whale sharks cruising by.
| Pro tip: Since Layang-Layang is remote, dive trips here are often resort-based liveaboard (LOB) experiences. Plan ahead and book a package that includes accommodation and diving to make the most of your time in this breathtaking atoll. |