Sipadan Island

This stunning island situated in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, claims the premier position for the finest scuba diving experience in Malaysia, offering optimal diving conditions and an unmatched variety of marine life to explore. Sipadan Island stands out as an exceptional diving destination, featuring renowned sites such as Barracuda Point, Coral Garden, Hanging Garden, and more, all bustling with an incredible showcase of underwater biodiversity. Engaging in scuba diving at Sipadan in Malaysia provides the opportunity to encounter turtles, reef sharks, gray sharks, along with an abundance of leaf fishes, frog fishes, and pygmy seahorses.

Islands Of Mabul & Kapalai

Scuba diving at Mabul Island, near the southeastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia, offers an opportunity to explore one of the world’s premier locations for Muck Diving. The area is rich in macro species, and you’ll be captivated by the discovery of uncommon species like Nudibranch, cuttlefish, and the blue-ringed Octopus. Accommodation options range from luxurious 5-star resorts to budget-friendly backpacker lodges. Additionally, Kapalai Island in Tawau Division, Sabah, known for its shallow diving sites, serves as a haven for underwater photography enthusiasts and those interested in night diving.

Lankayan Island

Following Sipadan, Lankayan, a small tropical coral resort island in Beluran, Sabah, likely provides the finest diving experience in Malaysia. Boasting approximately 30 dive sites in close proximity, Lankayan presents a unique chance to indulge in the beauty of corals, muck diving, and accessible wreck diving all in one location. With only one luxurious resort, Lankayan becomes an ideal retreat for a tranquil vacation devoted to underwater exploration and the pleasures of a delightful resort stay. The wreck diving locations surrounding the island are bustling with large schools of fish, including barracudas and trevallies.

Layang-Layang Island

Featuring over 10 dive sites reachable within a 5-15 minute speed boat ride, Layang Layang Island, an oceanic atoll of the Spratly Islands administered by Malaysia, which is situated approximately 300 kilometres northwest of Kota Kinabalu, stands out as an exceptional destination for scuba diving in Malaysia. Unspoiled by human impact, the corals and underwater environment at this remote island remain in immaculate condition, establishing it as one of Malaysia’s premier dive sites. With vast schools of pelagic fish, majestic manta rays, and even encounters with whale sharks, diving around Layang Layang offers a truly fantastic experience. For those visiting the island in April-May, there’s also the opportunity to witness the striking hammerhead sharks that congregate in the deep waters for mating.

Mataking Island

Diving at Mataking Island, located in the Celebes Sea on the state of Sabah proves to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for both novice and seasoned divers alike. The island boasts exquisite luxury resorts that serve as ideal bases for planning your dive excursions. Divers can marvel at the sight of manta rays, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and sizable green turtles. Mataking, in conjunction with Sibuan, stands out as one of Malaysia’s premier muck diving locations, offering opportunities to encounter rare critters. Don’t miss the chance to explore the world’s first underwater post-office through a wreck diving expedition near Mataking. In addition to Mataking Island, Pom Island and Sibuan Island also provide comparable scuba diving experiences.

Redang Island

Situated on the Eastern coast of peninsular Malaysia, Redang Island is a integral part of the Terengganu Marine Park, presenting excellent diving prospects. The clear, tranquil waters are adorned with vibrant and intricate coral formations, creating an enticing environment for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its optimal diving conditions and an array of exotic marine wonders, Redang Island stands out as the perfect location for scuba diving in Malaysia, particularly in close proximity to Kuala Lumpur. The affordability of the 4-day PADI certification course makes it an excellent choice for those looking to learn scuba diving in Malaysia.

Tenggol Island

Tenggol Island, an island off the coast of Terengganu, another magnificent dive site on the peninsular Malaysia, comes highly recommended, especially for experienced divers due to its strong currents. Just a 45-minute speedboat ride away, this beautiful island offers fantastic resorts and untouched coral formations, earning its place among the best diving destinations in Malaysia. Prepare to delve into vibrant marine life as you explore over 20 spectacular dive spots, each presenting unforgettable underwater landscapes.

Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands, are islands in Besut District, Terengganu, that consists of two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, stand out as one of the prime locations for novice scuba divers in Malaysia, providing excellent conditions and numerous spots tailored for beginners. As a component of the Terengganu Marine Park, this archipelago boasts approximately 20 dive sites with clear waters and shallow reefs teeming with diverse marine species. The Sugar Wreck, a notable site for wreck diving around the islands, offers fantastic opportunities for underwater photography. Additionally, Perhentian Islands provide the most reasonable prices for those looking to learn scuba diving in Malaysia.

Tioman Island

Similar to other diving sites on the peninsular Malaysia, Tioman Islands, that lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea, cater to both beginners and experienced divers, offering over 25 exhilarating dive sites, including the remarkable Tiger Reef. This makes it one of the top spots for diving in Malaysia, especially in February. Exploring the captivating topography featuring granite boulders, caves, and canyons, you’ll enter a magical underwater world filled with vibrant fish, reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks. For beginners seeking the best scuba diving sites in Malaysia, Tioman Islands boast the Salang Jetty and ABC House Reef, providing ideal locations to start their underwater adventures.

Lang Tengah

Translated as ‘The eagle in the middle,’ this unspoiled island nestled between Redang and Perhentian Islands in Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu, boasts some of the finest diving and snorkeling sites in West Malaysia. Deep-sea diving enthusiasts can delight in the presence of schools of rabbitfish, snappers, and fusiliers, while the shallow bays are teeming with crustaceans and critters. Additionally, the island provides an ideal setting for night scuba diving in Malaysia.