From the beginner-friendly sites along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia to world-renowned Sipadan in Borneo, this captivating country caters to divers of all skill levels. It offers an incredible diversity of underwater environments to explore, making it a bucket list destination for scuba divers.
Aside from its calm and protected reefs, the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers plenty to pique the interest of advanced divers with intriguing shipwrecks, dramatic pinnacles and healthy coral gardens teeming with biodiversity. On the west coast, you’ll find the ever-popular resort island of Langkawi, which is a great option for novice divers just starting out. Surrounded by deep, nutrient-rich waters, the island of Sipadan is a standout for experienced divers and is renowned for its thrilling pelagic encounters.
No matter what your experience level, Malaysia is an underwater playground with a winning combination of accessible dive sites and paradisiacal island resorts. In this article, discover 7 of the best places to dive in Malaysia, as well as eco-friendly resorts for a sustainable stay.
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Perhentian Islands
Comprising two islands, the Perhentians are a true tropical paradise, boasting some of the most breathtaking beaches that Malaysia has to offer. Situated off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this idyllic archipelago is a prime destination for both beach-goers and underwater enthusiasts alike, with everything from high-end resorts to charming beachside bungalows.
The Perhentians lie within Terengganu Marine Park, which protects a rich and diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks and a diverse array of tropical fish. Scattered around the islands are over 20 dive sites, easily accessible by speedboat, that offer calm and relaxed diving conditions suitable for all skill levels. For wreck diving enthusiasts, the "Sugar Wreck" is a must-see, adding an extra element of excitement and exploration to the already captivating underwater realm.
Eco-friendly places to stay in the Perhentian Islands
Designed using natural materials and inspired by local architecture, this collection of 18 individual villas is located at the southern end of spectacular Long Beach on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. It’s a tranquil base for exploring the archipelago’s underwater wonders and home to an alfresco restaurant with unbeatable ocean views.
“One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at.” - Amin (read more reviews here)
This newly opened Perhentian Islands resort boasts a stunning waterfront setting and has been designed with an approach that minimises its ecological impact. In addition to its locally sourced building materials and eco-conscious functionality, it features a sparkling swimming pool, an indulgent spa and an onsite dive centre.
“Outstanding hotel with a wonderful vibe.” - Vladimir (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Malaysia
Redang Island
Also located within Terengganu Marine Park is Redang Island, an idyllic tropical haven that offers an abundance of world-class dive sites. It’s one of the largest islands off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is popular amongst travellers seeking a resort-like stay, with both mid-range and luxury options. With its exceptional biodiversity and diverse range of dive experiences, it's no wonder Redang Island has become a premier dive destination on Malaysia's east coast.
One of the island's most renowned dive locations is "Pulau Lima," characterised by its coral-adorned boulders that attract barracudas, reef sharks and manta rays. Beyond this impressive seamount, there’s a dazzling array of dive options to suit all skill levels, from shallow beach dives to dramatic walls and muck diving sites teeming with a diverse array of macro life. The northern area of Redang boasts awe-inspiring underwater topography while the southern parts are notable for their strong currents.
Eco-friendly places to stay on Redang Island
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea, this eco-friendly Redant Island resort provides a contemporary "barefoot luxury" experience, blending modern comforts with warm Asian hospitality. In addition to hosting beach cleanups, The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort offers guests a “Sustainability Plan” to help reduce the environmental impact of their stay.
“Everything is amazing.” - Marina (read more reviews here)
This budget accommodation on Redang Island boasts an absolute beachfront setting, with everything you need for a memorable (yet affordable stay). Aside from its collection of tents, there’s an open-air bathroom and a communal kitchen where you can prepare simple meals. Spectacular ocean views are on offer from the wooden sun loungers.
“Perfect isolation to chase stress away.” - Mohd (read more reviews here)
Lang Tengah
Nestled between the more well-known resort islands of Redang and the Perhentians, Lang Tengah offers a peaceful diving experience for those seeking a quieter alternative. Despite its small size, the island is home to around 12 dive sites, with options for both beginners and seasoned pros. On land, you’ll find just a handful of resorts, many of which are doing their best to reduce their environmental footprint.
Beneath the water, the reefs surrounding Lang Tengah are teeming with marine life, including a diverse array of tropical fish species, majestic sea turtles and the occasional leopard shark. Additionally, the dive sites are home to impressive schools of jacks and barracuda, creating a mesmerising spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. The generally calm and easy conditions found around Lang Tengah make it an ideal destination for those new to scuba diving, as the lack of strong currents and excellent visibility provide a safe and comfortable introduction to the underwater world.
Eco-friendly places to stay on Lang Tengah
Tucked away on the idyllic shores of Lang Tengah lies Summer Bay Resort, a newly opened accommodation that offers laid-back stays. Aside from its modern rooms designed for solo travellers, couples and families, there are several eateries and an onsite dive centre. This eco-friendly Lang Tengah resort is playing an important role in restoring the surrounding reefs with the conservation organisation, CoralKu.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Malaysia
Tenggol Islands
This secluded cluster of rocky outcrops and tiny islets may lack the fame of Malaysia's more well-known dive destinations, but what it lacks in recognition, it more than makes up for in the sheer quality and unspoiled splendour of its marine environments. The main island of Tenggol is the crown jewel, boasting some of the most pristine coral formations anywhere in the region. Sprawling coral heads in vibrant hues carpet the seafloor, with the diversity and health of the reefs astounding.
With a wide range of dive sites catering to every skill level, Tenggol offers something for everyone. There are shallow reefs ideal for beginners and muck diving sites, as well as deeper, more technical sites with dramatic swim-throughs and strong currents.
Dive resorts in the Tenggol Islands
With a range of accommodation options, from cosy twin rooms to spacious triple suites, The One Tenggol Resort is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and scuba divers alike. The onsite dive centre offers unparalleled opportunities to explore the vibrant marine life that calls these waters “home”, as well as offering a handful of dive courses.
Tioman Island
As the third largest island in the country, Tioman may be relatively undeveloped compared to other Malaysian destinations, but its natural beauty is unparalleled. The island's dramatic granite cliffs and jungle-covered interior provide a breathtaking backdrop for the vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks that lie beneath the offshore waters.
Located within a protected marine park, Tioman is surrounded by a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, sea fans and a dazzling variety of reef fish, not to mention an abundance of sea turtles. From tiny nudibranchs to larger pelagic species like schools of rainbow runners, jacks and barracuda, the biodiversity is simply astounding. For the adventurous, Tioman also offers access to some excellent deep wreck dives, including the impressive hulks of the British battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.
Eco-friendly resorts on Tioman Island
This eco-luxe resort on Tioman Island offers an adults-only getaway surrounded by tropical rainforest. Select from one of its seaside or treetop chalets, which have been designed to preserve the surrounding environment. In addition to several restaurants serving Malaysian and Italian cuisine, there’s a sparkling swimming pool. Dives can be arranged with one of Tioman’s dive shops.
"It is real castaway territory.” - Bernard (read more reviews here)
Opening in July 2024, this eco-friendly Tioman resort enjoys a stunning beachfront setting on the west coast of Tioman Island. It features 31 beautifully designed bungalows inspired by Malaysian architecture and built using locally sourced materials. An organic herb and vegetable garden is in the works to supply the onsite restaurant.
"The place is beautiful, clean and very new.” - Avinesh (read more reviews here)
Best dive spots in Malaysia
Langkawi
Situated on Malaysia's picturesque west coast, Langkawi serves as a gateway to the renowned Palau Payar Marine Park. While the diving here may not measure up to the world-class underwater landscapes found in other parts of the country, the shallow, current-minimal reefs are ideal for beginners. There are an abundance of Langkawi dive operators offering certification courses, making it a popular destination for those trying scuba for the first time.
If you’re travelling with non-diving family members, Palau Payar also offers exceptional snorkelling opportunities, allowing visitors to marvel at the park's healthy coral gardens and their jewel-toned inhabitants without having to don a full dive kit. Combined with Langkawi’s inspiring choice of eco-friendly resorts and you can see why it’s a deservedly popular choice, especially when monsoon season renders Malaysia’s eastern dive sites inaccessible.
Eco-friendly places to stay on Langkawi
As a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Langkawi, The Datai is far more than just another luxurious five-star resort but a benchmark for eco-tourism in Malaysia. Seamlessly integrated into the rainforest that it calls “home”, it features an impressive Nature Centre where a team of knowledgeable naturalists and marine biologists guide guests on immersive explorations. This eco-friendly Langkawi resort runs an extensive list of environmental projects, from local coral regeneration and hornbill habitat restoration to recycling efforts, wastewater management and composting programs.
“Absolutely gorgeous property!” - Matteo (read more reviews here)
This family-owned boutique resort in Langkawi is a haven for nature enthusiasts, sprawling across 3.8 hectares of forested terrain. Designed with the utmost care and reverence for the environment, Ambong Ambong offers guests two distinct accommodation options to choose from - a boutique hilltop resort featuring 11 elegant suites, studios and cottages, as well as nine ultra-private villas complete with infinity pools. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, this eco-friendly Langkawi resort offers immersive activities that emphasise regenerative tourism, such as bamboo-planting initiatives and hands-on Malay cooking classes at its organic farm.
"It was an amazing experience. Just sitting on your balcony and observing monkeys, squirrels and all kinds of other animals.” - Grace (read more reviews here)
Sipadan and Mabul
Sipadan and Mabul are two small islands off the coast of Malaysian Borneo that have become world-famous destinations for scuba divers. Sipadan, in particular, is considered one of the best dive destinations on the planet due to its healthy coral reefs, dramatic vertical walls and abundance of marine life. Divers are consistently awestruck by the sheer number of turtles, pelagic fish, sharks, rays and schooling fish that call Sipadan's waters “home”, creating a biomass and biodiversity that is truly staggering to witness.
Just a short distance away, the island of Mabul is another legendary diving hotspot, but for very different reasons. Mabul is best known for its world-class muck and critter diving, where eagle-eyed underwater explorers are rewarded with sightings of an incredible array of rare, unusual and captivating small marine creatures. From coloruful nudibranchs to elusive shrimp and bizarre frogfish, the macro photographic opportunities in Mabul's waters are virtually limitless.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Sipadan and Mabul
Comprising more than 50 overwater chalets, this unique resort is situated on a private island that is built entirely on stilts in the shallows of the surrounding waters. Sipadan Kapalai’s prime location makes it an ideal launching point for diving the surrounding waters, with the onsite dive centre offering daily trips.
“The best experience ever!” (read more reviews here)
Scuba Junkie Sipadan
This multi-award-winning eco dive resort offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller, whether you're a budget-conscious backpacker or seeking a little luxury. Regardless of your budget, all guests can enjoy the resort's outstanding dive facilities and direct access to some of Mabul's best dive sites. Scuba Junkie is at the forefront of marine conservation and sustainable tourism in Malaysia, operating with a deep respect for the country’s underwater ecosystems.
Eco-friendly dive vacation in Malaysia
Best time to dive in Malaysia
The most optimal diving season in the majority of the country is from March through to October when the weather conditions are typically calm, the visibility is excellent and the marine life is particularly abundant. That being said, Sipadan and other dive destinations around the state of Sabah in Borneo can actually be explored year-round.
Shifting to the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the best diving conditions are found from April through September when the sea is at its calmest. In contrast, Langkawi on the west coast is best explored from November through to April, when the weather and ocean conditions are most favourable.
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