Sipadan, Mabul, and Layang-Layang are some of the top dive sites globally, located in the vibrant underwater ecosystems of Sabah, Malaysia’s Borneo. From muck diving with macro life to encounters with hammerheads and whale sharks, Sabah is truly a scuba diving paradise. Explore these incredible diving locations!

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Just a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises five small islands embraced by coral reefs in shallow waters, making it ideal for novice divers. The park is home to rare marine life such as harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish, along with regular sightings of hawksbill turtles and occasional whale sharks between November and February.

Sipadan

Sipadan Island is revered for its diverse underwater ecosystem, boasting over 3,000 species of fish and coral. It is renowned as one of the best diving locations not only in Sabah but globally. Notably, Sipidan features the “turtle tomb,” an underwater cave system filled with the remains of sea turtles. Although divers can no longer stay on the island, arrangements can be made in nearby Semporna or Mabul Island. With only 120 dive permits issued daily to protect the environment, advance planning is essential.

Layang-Layang

Located 186 miles off Sabah’s west coast, Layang-Layang is one of the most well-preserved diving sites globally. Its walls plunge over 2,000 meters, creating a stunning habitat for hammerheads, gray sharks, and leopard sharks. As a disputed territory, it houses a small Malaysian naval base, maintaining its pristine condition. Accessible only by flight from Kota Kinabalu, diving at Layang-Layang is managed through the Layang-Layang Island Resort from March to October.

Mabul Island

The world-class muck diving available at Mabul Island, combined with its proximity to Sipadan, has made it a sought-after diving location in Asia. Unlike Sipadan, no permits are required, and diverse accommodation options are available. Mabul stands out as one of the richest dive sites globally and is particularly famous for underwater macro photography, as it hosts plenty of cephalopods like cuttlefish and octopi.

Labuan Island

Located just 71 miles from Kota Kinabalu, Labuan Island is a duty-free destination and a favored stopover for travelers moving between Sarawak, Brunei, and Sabah. The island’s main attraction for divers lies in its numerous shipwrecks, including the USS Salute and Dutch SS De Klerk, sunk during World War II. Its four wrecks provide excitement for both novice and experienced divers, solidifying Labuan’s reputation as Malaysia’s wreck diving hub.

Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island, accessed by a 90-minute boat ride northwest of Sandakan in East Sabah, features stunning white sandy beaches and is largely uninhabited. The Lankayan Island Dive Resort offers a gateway to explore its rich marine park filled with diverse macro life and larger species such as humphead parrotfish and leopard sharks, making it an invaluable stop for avid divers.

Pulau Tiga

Pulau Tiga comprises three islands formed from volcanic eruptions. Located southwest of Kota Kinabalu, it remains relatively untouched by tourism, hosting only one resort. Shallow reefs and a consistent visibility of around 20 meters provide excellent diving conditions for spotting nudibranchs, bamboo sharks, and banded sea snakes, making it a hidden gem for divers. The island gained fame as the setting for the first Survivor reality show.

Mataking Island

Mataking Island is located a 40-minute boat ride from Semporna and offers unparalleled diving opportunities. It is particularly favored by advanced divers and underwater photographers, with abundant macro life and impressive marine diversity. Spotted are lobsters, giant clams, rays, and batfish in the crystal-clear waters. The island is also a serene place for relaxation between dives.