Malaysia Diving information

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leadingdive destinations of the world with therichest marine environment in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life coupled with beautiful islands with white sandy beaches and clear warm waters keep the divers coming back for more. From schooling hammerhead sharks, huge schools of barracudas and various turtles to the bizarre frogfish or ghost pipefish, there is always something to fascinate the diver. In Malaysia, the coral reef ecosystem is reported to support aquatic organism numbering more than 50 genera of coral and more than 200 species of fish. Each time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in the Malaysian tropical sea, the species list increases.

Dive centers in Malaysia are well equipped and are certified by relevant agencies for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Scuba diving courses endorsed by certifying agencies like PADI, NAUI, SSI and BSAC. Some of the courses available include the initial 'Open Water Course', 'Diving Instructor Course' or even a 'Re-breather Course'. Upon completion of your scuba course you can be outfitted with the latest scuba equipment of most international brands available from dive centers in Malaysia.

Almost all the islands in Malaysia cater for divers of all levels of experience - be it easy shore diving to advance wreck diving or technical diving. Operators engaged with technical diving are well equipped with portable emergency oxygen kits, special tank refilling equipment and other necessary facilities.

Top dive sites around Malaysia include diving along gentle sloping reefs, submerged reefs, coral blocks, wall dives, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives. Dive operators, like any other around the world, will insist on seeing your certification for the type of diving that you wish to do and to undergo a check-out dive. To advance your skills in scuba diving, dive centers are able to offer further scuba courses at competitive and affordable rates.

THE STILL UNEXPLORED SEABED'S

Introduction
Malaysia's tropical forests and seas are the ancient homes to a staggering diversity of animal and plant life that has evolved through the years. The rainforests are reputed to be among the oldest in the region, estimated to be about 130 million years old. A trek into the rainforest is an encounter with diverse animal life. Similarly, a dip below the warm sea's surface guarantees an astounding experience with a spectrum of marine life, rivaling anything found in the forests.

Malaysia's spectacular tropical reefs boast of encounters with unique macro animals and large pelagic within a single destination. Macro animal life is scarce in areas where larger predators are present for obvious reasons. Only a handful of diving sites in the world can offer both these sights in one diving holiday.

Comprising of the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia rests on the continental shelf of Southeast Asia, with the western coast of the Peninsular Malaysia separated from Sumatra by the Straits of Malacca. The South China Sea separates the peninsular Malaysia from Sabah and Sarawak.

Along the western Peninsular Malaysia coast, the diversity of marine life around the waters of Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Payar differ from those observed in the waters of the eastern coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tenggol and the Pulau Tioman group of islands feature good coral growth and abundant fish life.

Surrounded by the nutrient-rich South China Sea and the Sulawesi Sea, the state of Sabah are the true oceanic depths of 600 meters to more than 1000 meters, different from the waters of Peninsular Malaysia islands. Located some 300 nautical miles from mainland Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Layang Layang is blessed with the best water visibility from 20 to 50 meters. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands are popular for training and easy dives, whereas to fully savour Pulau Sipadan one should be an advance diver. Pulau Lankayan, Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai are famous for their 'muck dives' (that is diving in the coral rubble areas seeking out macro animals).

Pulau Talang Talang and Turtle Rock off Sarawak feature reef diving and further away from the mainland, divers can engage in wreck diving Katori Maru (a World War ll Japanese troop carrier).

Malaysia located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin is in the heart of one of the world's richest marine bio-diversity area, where scientists believe the marine life of the pacific ocean evolved.

Observing Proper Reef Etiquette Coral reefs are home to many beautiful, fascinating creatures. Snorkeling or diving is a great way to explore this spectacular undersea world but must be done carefully as reefs are very fragile and easily damaged.

Avoid Touching The Coral A single kick can break coral and destroy years of growth. Even a light touch can rub off the coral's protective mucus covering, leaving it vulnerable to infection and disease.

• Never stand on coral.

• Ensure that your body and fins do not touch the reef.

• Avoid finning close to the sea bed as this kicks up silt that can smother the coral.

• Scuba divers should maintain neutral buoyancy and secure gauges/octopus rigs so that they do not drag on the reef.

Avoid Harassing Reef Life Reef animals are easily stressed and harassing them can disrupt feeding or mating.

Avoid Collecting Souvenirs Even dead coral plays an important role in the reef ecosystem and should not be taken.

Avoid Littering Litter endangers marine life and spoils the reefs natural beauty. Throw litter in a bin or take it back with you.

Avoid Anchoring on the Reef Anchors smash coral, damaging large areas of the reef.

Ensure that your boat uses a mooring buoy instead.

Try to learn as much as you can about coral reefs and their inhabitants. Tell others about the fragility and value of coral reefs. Let's all be responsible for conserving our coral reefs.

Climate & Water Temperature

Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 32 Celsius during the day to 22 Celsius at night. Humidity is about 85 to 95 per cent.

Water temperature is 27 - 28 Celsius and during the dry months the temperature may rise to 30 - 31 Celsius.

Divers will not require thick wet suits. Anything between 1.5 to 3 millimeter wet suit

Best Time to Dive

West coast Peninsular Malaysia
• December - May
East coast Peninsular Malaysia
• March - October
The islands of east Malaysia are reasonably well protected and are diveable all year round. However, water visibility is better during the months of April to August.

Dive Equipment Rental

Dive equipment is readily available for rent at almost all dive centers. But it would be wise to give prior notice to the operators, as sizes could be limited.

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