Diving in Malaysia

Malaysia has a coastline of 4,800 km and over two hundred islands. It's beaches are a natural asset, with soft-golden sand, secluded bays and spectacular tropical sunsets that beckon enticingly. The area is known for its marine diversity, which makes it superb for snorkelling, water-skiing, boating, cruising, swimming and also diving.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to base yourself in if diving is your interest. From the city, you can get anywhere and everywhere worth a dip in the water.

Perak, with its capital of Lumut has numerous fantastic beaches and islands, and also the diving magnets of Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Pangkor Laut. Lumut can easily be reached by taxi or bus from Kuala Lumpur. Only 40 minutes by ferry from Lumut to Pulau Pangkor, this island resort offers an enchanting underwater world. The "Beach of the Lovely Princess", locally known as Pantai Puteri Dewi features white sand, tropical surroundings and sparkling bays making the perfect setting for a memorable diving and snorkelling experience.

Teluk Nipah is another spot especially suited for snorkelling and diving. It is one of Pulau Pangkor's rich and enigmatic sea parks, full of spectacular marine life and arrestingly vast coral reefs. For rewarding snorkelling in the shallow waters of extensive coral reefs head straight for Pantai Pasir Bogak. This crescent-shaped beach is the most popular on Pulau Pangkor and easily accessible, with regular half-hour ferry services from Lumut.

Divers looking for paradise will be enthralled by Pulau Pangkor Laut just off the main island of Pulau Pangkor. This unspoiled 825 hectares, aptly known as "Fantasy Island" is privately owned, but open to the public. The dazzling Emerald Bay stands among the finest beaches in the whole of the west coast. Powdery white beaches and sparkling green seas aare complimented by the beauty of its' underwater world.

Wander 10 nautical miles south of Pulau Pangkor, and you'll find yourself at the treasure trove that is Pulau Sembilan - a cluster of 9 small isles, consisting of Pulau Agas, Pulau Payong, Pulau Nipis, Pulau Rumbia, Pulau Lalang, Pulau Saga, Pulau Buluh, Black Rock and White Rock.

The island of Langkawi is a sure hit with any diving enthusiast. One in a cluster of 99 islands renowned for their legends, Langkawi's beauty is all about limestone hills and caves, rustic villages and scenic paddy fields, abundant flora and fauna, and last but not least, its legends and myths which lend it it's allure, whether on land or in the sea. Great diving spots include Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Beras, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Cenang. Off shore from Pulau Cenang is Pulau Rebak Besar and the hilly Pulau Beras Basah, the first being a resort with a marina, and the latter meaning Isle of Wet Rice and a harbour to fishermen. Both these isles are magnificent spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. Pulau Singa Besar is easily accessible by boat with waters full of a fine variety of fish, marine life and corals.

Not to be missed is the alluring Pulau Payar, to the south of Langkawi. It was gazetted a marine park in 1985 and includes the islands of Segantang, Kaca and Lembu. True to its reputation of supporting the largest number of coral species in the country, Pulau Payar's clear waters were truly made for swimming, snorkelling, diving and underwater photography.

Redang Island facing the South China Sea in the north of Kuala Terengganu, is truly Malaysia's premier marine paradise. It is the main island of a small archipelago of Redang, the smaller Pulau Pinang, and 7 other islets of Pulau Kerengga Besar and Kecil, Pulau Paku Besar and Kecil, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Lima.

This island has crystal clear waters and many dive sites. Divers will love it when the mid-day sun's rays penetrate the sea to reveal brilliant hues of coral, anemones and clams. But it is the light of interest and a powerful underwater torch which will unlock the secrets of the waters around Redang which hides 2 historic shipwrecks - the H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse which plunged to their untimely graves here at the start of World War II, to set the stage for Japanese occupation of Malaya.

Pulau Tioman is the largest in a group of 64 volcanic isles, including Pulau Seri Bulat, Pulau Sembilang, Pulau Tulai, Pulau Chebeh, Pulau Labas and Pulau Renggis, about 80km northwest of Peninsular Malaysia's east coast. It is said to be final resting place of a fabled dragon princess who turned herself into an island in the South China Sea.

With crystal clear waters as deep as 33 metres, Tioman is a breathtaking underwater garden of colourful marine life with some of best dive sites in the world. One such is Salang Beach, a dazzling underwater garden of corals, sea fans, sea anemone, cardinal fish and damselfish. The shallow reefs at nearby Pulau Tulai and Pulau Renggis make great spots for diving and snorkelling.