One of this country's best kept secrets, especially to Malaysians themselves, are the enchanting dive sites, scattered around the islands in the East and West coast of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
Whilst many have enjoyed sun-bathing on the cotton-white beaches, admiring the sway of tall, graceful coconut palms and taken delight in a swimming or snorkelling trip in our turquoise waters, only a relatively small number of Malaysians have had the opportunity to enjoy her underwater treasures.
From the peninsular west coast islands of Payar and Sembilan, to the farthest east coast island of Sipadan, Sabah, over 40 islands and at least twice as many individual dive sites lay in the cradle of one of the richest and biologically diverse marine habitat in the world.
Words hardly do justice to the awe-inspiring wall dive experience in Sipadan or the magnificence of coral landscapes in Redang and Perhentian. The level of dive experiences in Malaysia stretches from easy, shallow dives for beginners, to more challenging deep-water wreck dives for more advanced divers.
Between Sipadan and Mabul Island lies a sandbar that sits on the reef known as the Ligitan Reefs. The reef, a very extensive stretch bordering the deep and vast Celebes Sea.
Lang Tengah Island lies in the middle of Malaysia's foremost Marine Park sanctuary where living corals and endangered species of marine life are protected.
Pulau Redang is one of Terengganu's most popular tourist destinations. The reefs of the Redang archipelago are home to over 55 genera of corals and 100 species of fish.
Marine life that can be seen here includes sharks, rays, nudibranch and a wide variety of hard and soft coral. Before being declared a marine park, Pulau Tenggol was a favourite hunting ground for spear-fishermen, particularly for snappers and groupers!
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Tioman is a marine park that has spectacular reefs. The island is blessed with lovely beaches, waterfalls and rugged rainforests that are ideal for trekking and rock climbing.
Lankayan Island is a virtually uninhabited island, located in the Sulu Sea. This tiny tranquil island is covered by thick tropical jungle surrounded by smooth, white sand -- the perfect getaway.
Consists of three main islands, this park is acclaimed for its pristine natural environment. Covering a total area of 15,864ha., this park was gazetted in 1978 to protect its pristine natural environment.
Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macrophotography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.
