beaches of Malaysia

Malaysia is one of Asia's most visited countries and it is rightly so. This country is brimming over with sights and attractions that hold its visitors spellbound! Experience Malaysia at its fullest from swanky beaches to adventures sports, shopping festivals and culture trips!

Malaysia is located in a region gifted with some of the earth's most fascinating marine life. This has played a key role in developing the coast of Malaysia into a tropical tourist paradise! There are numerous beautiful islands like Langkawi, Lankayan, Sipadan and Mabul, to name a few, that have been developed for the sole purpose of resort tourism. Indulge yourself in speed boating, deep sea diving and parasailing, and top an adrenaline rushed day at the islands with a sensual tropical massage and spa therapy.

Malaysia hotels accommodation is easy to find from luxury resorts to budget hotels. The country's tourism industry patronizes the foremost names in hospitality who make sure no guest leaves without a grand pampering, Malaysian style!

Malaysia offers a Super Sensational Vacation

Malaysia is a tourists' paradise blessed with great weather all year round. This makes for a great outdoor experience. Malaysia has state of the art golf courses and tennis courts for the sporty kind. Those in search of more fast paced adrenaline pumping adventures can benefit from the numerous theme parks established. The theme parks in Malaysia are known to be very different from each other but just as thrilling!

The Sepang International circuit draws large crowds of people who are in need for speed. This is a great place to meet and interact with people who share a passion for fast cars, burning rubber and watching blurry images zooming by up to a speed of 300km/h.

Malaysia is also a place that celebrates culinary culture. Every state has its own native cuisine. The culinary spectrum is composed of dishes from all over Asia as well as from popular parts of the globe! The Malaysians sure know how to lay a fine platter that would cater to every taste bud! Take your pick from the finest sea food, curries and desserts and…bon appétit!

Malaysia is a place synonymous with shopaholics! This is one of Asia's premier shopping destinations and the Malaysian shopping festival draws large crowds from far and wide year after year. From plush luxury malls to bargain street hawkers, you can find practically everything from gizmos and gadgets, clothing, jewelry, footwear, antiques and curios at amazing prices. This is one place nobody must leave without a souvenir!

Scuba diving enables one to explore the underwater world – experience the beauty of coral reef and marine life that inhabits it. For some it can be searching deep inside old wrecks or caves or to discover a new world that is so different from the one we normally spend our days in. Every person has his own reason for scuba diving, but for most people it is the feeling of new experiences that never fail to amaze you. One can take in the scenic beauty of brightly coloured tropical creatures or experience the thrill of shark watching. It is even possible to make a living working underwater.

The pleasure of recreational SCUBA diving in Malaysia and South East Asia is different from any part of the world! Malaysia is definitely well known as having the top diving spots in the world. The seas around Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak are acknowledged to have some of the best diving spots. The well-known islands of Sipadan and Layang-Layang, which are in Sabah, East Malaysia and Perhentian Island, Redang Island, and Tioman Island in West Malaysia offer great dive sites. On your way to the islands, you get to enjoy the slow boat ride, the wind blowing in your face, and the warm sea breeze! Here, the journey and the DESTINATION both matter!
Malaysia

The waters in Malaysia are warm all year round while the sun is always high in the sky, making scuba diving extremely comfortable, relaxing and exciting! An equally impressive variety of bright fascinating tropical fishes give the underwater world a burst of rainbow colors. Be prepared to encounter a close-up of the most diverse marine life on the planet! The variety of fishes, corals, and shells found in these waters are said to outshine even those found in the Pacific Islands.

Picturesque blue sunny skies, emerald green waters, and tiny coral islands dotting the distant horizon; enchanting blue lagoons, secluded bays and coves; shimmering emerald waters gradually darkening to deeper blue depths – all beckon the unsuspecting diver.

Just below the glassy surface, magnificent coral reefs fringe the shoreline in a seemingly unending line. Within these reefs, lies an exciting underwater world with some of the most delicate corals in various shades of pastel. The flower like Tubastrea and delicate sea fan are equally fascinating.

Further out in the deep blue depths are some of the larger species such as groupers, hammerhead sharks, Manta rays, and barracudas to name a few. If you are lucky, you may even chance upon the green and hawksbill turtle on their way to shore to nest amidst the soft warm sand.

For sheer beauty, Tioman is a magical spot, as is Redang Island. Both locations boast coral reefs of breathtaking majesty, and divers can glide through underwater caves, rifts, and passages of brilliant scenery. Of all the dive spots, there is one that stands on its own - Sipadan Island, off Sabah. With its deep waters, lush coral reefs, and vast array of deep ocean species, Sipadan was recognized as an underwater haven by none other than Jacques Cousteau, an excellent ocean explorer. Another such beauty in Sabah is Pulau Layang-layang (Island of the Swallows). This island has great potential for eco tourism. Do note, however, that scuba diving in Malaysia in this region is not recommended during the monsoon months of November to January, as the South China Sea can be rather rough.

With over 200 beautiful islands, Malaysia is an amazing destination for diving and snorkeling. Its beaches are carpeted with soft golden sand, dotted with secluded bays and lit with spectacular tropical sunsets. The diversity of the marine ecosystem around these islands make them superb for underwater explorations and also sports such as water-skiing, boating, cruising, swimming and also diving. From Kuala Lumpur, it is easy and convenient to reach many of these diving destinations.

Malaysia is famous to most travelers for its beautiful white sandy beaches and rich culture but to diving enthusiasts, the country is home to some of the best sea treasures in the world. It is blessed with magnificent oceans, making it an excellent dive site for locals and tourists. With the country's magnificent marine wildlife and diverse underwater geography, diving in Malaysia takes the number one spot in a diver's to-do list.

Diving Malaysia means diving into an ocean of superb marine life that is rare to find in other underwater environments around the world. The country's oceans are biodiversity hotspots. In fact, Malaysia is considered to have one of the world's most biodiverse waters, which is located around an island called Sipadan. It's off the east coast of Sabah in the Celebes Sea and is at the heart of one of the richest marine environments in the world – the Indo-Pacific basin. There are hundreds of coral species and more than three thousand species of fish that are found in this ecosystem.

Another site in Malaysia that offers a variety of ocean wildlife is the Tioman Island. Famous for its hawksbill, green sea turtles and rich coral reefs, the island promises the best kind of getaway for locals and tourists.

The island called Lankayan is also one hotspot that marine enthusiasts should not miss in Malaysia. Because of the islands' stable water conditions, great marine ecosystem, and long stretches of beautiful corals, underwater photographers flock to this place to get a glimpse of what the island has in store. Those who are looking for some excitement will find plenty of whale sharks, sting rays, and octopus especially during the months of April and May. Mabul, Layang, and Kapalai are also excellent dive spots in Malaysia offering the same outstanding ocean life and attractive surroundings.

The country does not only offer crystal blue waters and extravagant marine life but it also offers a host of facilities that will help travelers who want to dive Malaysia enjoy their first attempt in discovering the country's underwater wonders. Most diving resorts provide on-site lessons to beginners so they make the most out of their Malaysia diving experiences. Divers who have been certified by associations like PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) are always available to anyone who needs assistance. Even individuals who are aspiring to become professional divers can take courses from trusted institutions if they want to take their hobbies to the next level.

Malaysia, being a tropical country, provides a lot of opportunities for travelers to experience diving. There are so many coastal towns that travelers can choose from and great dive sites are just around the corner. Beautiful islands are just a boat ride away and the waters are usually calm. For travelers, diving in Malaysia should always be considered when visiting the country. Malaysia's marine life is simply incomparable and those who have been to the place can attest to the wonders that the country has to offer.

Malaysia is a fantastic destination, situated right in the heart of South-east Asia. Bestowed with rich bio-diversity of marine life, sandy beaches, and clear sparkling water - Malaysia's each of the more than 200 islands is a much favored spot for enjoying scuba diving, along with a range of other such activities as swimming, snorkelling, water-skiing, cruising, boating, and fishing.

The coral ecosystem in Malaysia is reported to be one of the best in the world, boasting of more than 500 species of corals and over 3000 species of fish. Its clear water coupled with warm salubrious weather throughout the year allows to sustain magnificent millions-of-year-old marine life. In short, scuba diving in the incredible islands of Malaysia would be a mesmerizing experience, and enable divers to swim along with a diverse range of marine life including hammered sharks, manta rays, ghost pipefish, barracudas, bizarre frogfish, rare turtles, and unique whales.

Situated off Semporana town on the east coast of Sabah, Sipadan Island is perhaps the most popular diving destination in Malaysia. With 12 interesting diving sites, Sipadan is rated among the top five beach dives in the world. What that set apart this island from other Malaysian islands is that it is the only oceanic island in the nation, rising about 2000 feet from the seabed on a limestone summit. Sipadan is not only home to magnificent coral structure but also to some unique marine caves. Additionally, the island has to its credit the largest variety of soft corals in the world.

Acknowledged as the 'Marine Paradise,' Redang Island, located about 45 km off Kuala Terangganu, is another popular diving site in Malaysia. Redang's marine life is truly bewildering, and allows divers to come through more than 500 species of live corals, thousand plus species of invertebrates and about 2500 species of fish such as manta rays, stingrays, sharks and whale sharks. Since it is blessed with such a unique ecosystem, the Redang archipelago has been declared the 'Pulau Redang Marine Parks, Malaysia.' With more than 20 diving spots, Redang really provides feasts for the eyes of diving enthusiasts and photographers.

Also, a great diving destination in Malaysia is Layang Layang Island, which is made up of more than 10 coral reefs. Situated about 300 km northwest of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Layang Layang is a remote island with more than 12 superb spectacular diving spots, each of which is home to a diverse marine life, from macro animals to huge pelagic animals.

No diving vacation in Malaysia would be complete without taking a tour to Mabul Island, located approximately 15 minutes drive from Sipadan. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, Mabul is much famed as one of the best muck diving spots in the world. Nearby Mabul is Kapalai Island, providing a unique diving experience.

Other popular diving spots in Malaysia are Tioman Island - the largest of 64 volcanic islands; Perhentian group of islands with limitless stretch of palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, and sparkling water sea; Besar Island with unparalleled tranquility and stunning beaches; Pangkor Island, a short drive from Kuala Lumpur; Langkawi archipelago with 99 islands; and Payar Island, covered with tropical forest comprising mangroves and sandy beaches.

No matter you want to enjoy open water diving, cave diving, drift diving, deep diving, or high altitude diving, Malaysia's exotic islands provide excellent options. Even superb facilities are available for most advanced types of scuba diving such as industrial or technical scuba diving, with equipments such as portable emergency oxygen kits, tank refilling items, and other required equipments.

A plethora of dive centers functions here, many of which are certified by some of the reputable agencies from across the world. For those diving enthusiast who don't know how to dive, majority of these dive center conduct scuba diving courses and that too endorsed by such agencies as PADI, BSAC, SSI, and NAUI. Among the diving courses are open water course, diver instructor course, adventure diving courses, PADI master scuba diving course, and re-breather course. On completion of the course, you are given opportunity to outfit with the most modern scuba equipment to dive along the mesmerizing islands of Malaysia.

Apart from these, many of the high-end hotels and resorts located across the Malaysian islands render world-class facilities for scuba diving. Some of them even provide packages inclusive of scuba diving in some of the most favored destinations in the nation, along with diving equipments, accommodation, and dining options.