A diver taking underwater photograph of the Katori Maru shipwreck. — Filepic
Malaysia's abundant nature and rich marine biodiversity make the country a well-loved diving destination for divers.
Here are some unique diving spots in Malaysia.
Tioman Island
Located in Pahang, Tioman Island, which is also a marine park, has vibrant coral reefs and sea creatures like sharks and eels, and is surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest.
To get there, you can fly direct to the island (via a private or chartered flight), or drive to Mersing, Johor and jump on a two-and-a-half hour ferry ride to the island.
Perhentian Island
Perhentian Island in Terengganu has calm water currents and is suitable for those looking for a leisurely dive. The island boasts an abundance of marine creatures, including small critters that live on the muddy bottom of the sea, making it an ideal spot for “muck diving”. Muck diving refers to swimming in the water to search for macro creatures.
A blue spot manta ray at Perhantian Island. — The Star
Redang Island
Another beautiful island in Terengganu that’s not only popular with divers but with other holidaymakers too. For some folks, Redang Island is a world class dive site because of its impressive diversity of underwater life.
This island within the Terengganu Marine Park is truly a geological wonder and you can catch sight of marine mammals such as turtles, reef sharks and whales.
Sipadan Island
Sipadan Island in Sabah is an ecological heaven that’s home to diverse marine life, including whale sharks, barracuda and bumphead parrotfish. It is a highly protected island, with army personnel guarding the place at all times.
The island draws many local and international divers. Divers get to swim with giant sea turtles, as well as watch schools of fish swimming in perfect unison.
Mabul Island
If you enjoy underwater photography, head to Mabul Island in Semporna, Sabah.
Located not too far away from Sipadan, this island is renowned for its amazing biodiversity. It is also a fishing village so there are a few locals living on the island.
Divers will get to see rare, magnificent aquatic beauties such as nudibranch and blue-ringed octopus in the water.
WRECK DIVING
Katori Maru and Hiyoshi Maru Wrecks
Sitting nearly 20m beneath the sea in Santubong, Sarawak are the Katori Maru and Hiyoshi Maru Wrecks – World War II Japanese battleships – which have become a home for various fish species like snapper and grouper. The shipwrecks were discovered in 2003.
According to the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) website, the Katori Maru and Hiyoshi Maru are among the most popular wrecks for diving in the country.
Kenyalang Wreck
Off the coast of Miri, Sarawak, you can find an old oil rig underwater that was sunk nearly two decades ago. Today, this rig serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine species. The Kenyalang Wreck or Tyre Wreck was the first oil rig to be transformed into a coral reef system in Miri.
The rig has certainly garnered a lot of interest among divers, both local and international.
Coral reef ecosystems are an important part of the underwater environment, where one of the many benefits is creating a habitat for marine life, such as oysters, sea urchins, crabs and fish.
Divers looking at the edge of the Katori Maru shipwreck in Santubong. — Filepic
