From curious turtles and rarely-seen octopus in Sipadan to hammerhead sharks in the Layang Layang, Malaysia’s crystal clear waters are a must for underwater enthusiasts.
Divided in two by the South China Sea, Malaysia offers a dizzying range of diving experiences, from plunging coral walls to tranquil house reefs. This makes it a popular destination for divers of all levels, whether you’re just getting started or practically pro. You’ll also find some of the finest diving resorts in Southeast Asia, for every budget and taste. We’ve rounded up five of the best scuba diving resorts in Malaysia.
Scuba Junkie Sipadan
The Malaysian outpost of Asia’s leading sustainable scuba diving company is every bit as good as the rest — and it’s affordable too. Guests can choose from a range of rooms, from wallet-friendly dorm rooms to deluxe bungalows. Located on the island of Mabul, with the ecosystems of Kapalai and Sipadan at your fingertips, there’s diving for every level. The state-of-the-art PADI 5-Star IDC dive centre features a fully-equipped storeroom and rental equipment, offering four dives per day. There’s also an extraordinary house reef, used for training dives and nighttime adventures. From $107 per night
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Sipadan Mabul Resort
Set on Mabul Island, Sipadan Mabul Resort combines luxury, adventure and authentic Malaysian experience. Guests can enjoy unlimited access to the house reef throughout the day, plus guided trips to Mabul’s best macro sites and excursions to the epic Sipadan Island. The dive centre offers a range of PADI courses, with options for TecRec too. When you aren’t diving, there’s a pool, sun deck, jacuzzi spa and endless white sand beach to relax enjoy too. From $220 per night
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Layang Layang Island Resort
If you’re going to push the boat out with something different, then Llayang Llayang Island Resort is the place. Set on its own private island, 300 kilometres off the coast of Sabah in the atoll, it was once a base for the Royal Malaysian Navy, which explains the private airstrip. The remote paradise is surrounded by an ocean reaching 2,000-metres deep, with over a dozen connected coral reefs, circling hammerheads, curious turtles and the occasional orca. The resort’s rustic-chic rooms are well-appointed, and there’s a palm-fringed swimming pool and full-service spa to enjoy too. Swimming conditions are challenging, which makes this resort best-suited to advanced divers. From $300 per night
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Seaventures Dive Resort
Located on a refurbished oil rig off Sabah’s northeast coast, Seaventures Dive Resort offers easy access to Mabul and Sipadan, as well as local muck and macro hotspots. The resort offers an all-inclusive board, with three buffet-style meals and unlimited refreshments throughout the day. There’s also a games room, karaoke and a movie room. As well three dives per day, guests can enjoy unlimited diving on its house reef beneath the rig’s massive metal platform base — home to sunken wrecks, cage swim-throughs and artificial bungalows covered in coral. The PADI 5-Star centre offers a whole range of courses, including tec diving. From $181 per night
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Kapalai Dive Resort
Kapalai Dive Resort is more water village than a resort. Dozens of traditional Malaysian thatched roof chalets sit in the shallow waters, connected by miles of wooden walkways to provide non-stop views of fish, turtles and stingrays dancing in the turquoise waters below. Just a short boat ride away from Sidapan, guests also have access to the breathtaking house reef, accessed via jetty from the dive centre. Those looking to begin diving or upgrade their skills can make the most of a range of PADI courses taught by industry experts. From $585 per night
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