A starter guide to diving destinations in Southeast Asia for your next underwater adventure
Sea-rious business
If you’re happiest underwater, then diving is definitely your calling. Sebastian from The Little Mernaid said it best, “The human world, it’s a mess.” So, take it from him and book yourself a dive trip now! To help you navigate the waters, we’ve compiled a list of the most picturesque diving destinations around Southeast Asia from Thailand’s Similan Islands to Sipadan in East Malaysia. Whether you’re in for some wreck diving or just there to take in the deep sea sights, we’ve got you (and your oxygen tank) covered for your next adventure.
1. SIPADAN, MALAYSIA
View this post on Instagram
Just an hour’s boat ride off Sabah’s eastern coast is Sipadan Island, an oceanic island paradise. Defined by its volcanic topography and vast coral reefs, Sipadan is the only island of its kind in Malaysian waters. This dive spot is teeming with marine life, including several species of sharks, triggerfish, eels, rays, seahorses, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might even spot massive barracuda vortexes or witness giant schools of jackfish. Do note that the island is a permit-only dive destination and is mostly accessed via liveaboard, so plan well!
Season: Year-round (April to December recommended)
2. GILI ISLANDS, INDONESIA
View this post on Instagram
Made up of three islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, the Gili Islands archipelago is a beginner diver’s playground. This turquoise haven north of Lombok is home to an incredible range of dive sites that you can sample. We’re talking scuba diving by the gorgeous reefs, through wreck sites, and within the currents. Three especially popular dive spots are Shark Point, Manta Point, and Turtle Heaven—no prizes for those who guess what they’re known for. While Gili Trawangan is the travellers’ pick for its buzzing island life, the other two are choice picks for those who prefer a more laid back dive getaway.
Season: Year-round (April to June or September to November recommended)
3. RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA
View this post on Instagram
Prepare to be immersed in a world of technicolour at Raja Ampat, one of Southeast Asia’s best kept diving secrets. Most easily accessed via liveaboard, this cluster of islands takes pride in its incredible reefs and astounding biodiversity. You can’t go wrong with any of the dive spots here, with each one as pristine and vibrant as the next. The currents around the islands tend to be stronger, which means more nutrients and more schools of fish! Aside from the frogfish, giant clams, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and jackfish, you might even get to spot some Wobbegong sharks, reef sharks, or manta rays!
Season: October to April
4. KOMODO, INDONESIA
View this post on Instagram
Every avid diver should have Komodo on their diving bucket list. While its islands might be home to the formidable dragons they are named after, the waters here boast one of the world’s most magnificent marine ecosystems. Within the nooks and crannies of the reefs are eels, groupers, and a wealth of other critters. Larger dwellers that might grace your dives include hammerhead sharks, barracuda, dolphins, dugongs, and manta rays, swimming. Not to mention, these waters are also home to over 1,000 species of fish. As tempting as its underwater scenes may be, diving here is best left to advanced divers due to the strong currents and challenging terrain.
Season: Year-round (April to December recommended)
5. TUBBATAHA REEFS, PHILIPPINES
View this post on Instagram
Comprising over 7,100 islands, the Philippines is home to some of the most nutrient-rich and pristine waters. Beneath the surface lies a vast underwater world ready for you to dive into (literally). The Tubbataha Reefs, in particular, is a marine life lovers’ dream. It is best accessed via liveaboard being 93 miles away from its closest port, Palawan. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collection of reefs houses over 600 fish species. They exist peacefully alongside sharks, dolphins, turtles, mantas, and even whales.. Its underwater terrain makes up two lagoons and atolls, all formed by extinct volcanoes.
Season: March to June
6. CORON BAY, PHILIPPINES
View this post on Instagram
Also in the Philippines, Coron Bay is the destination to aim for should wreck diving be your thing. The seabed here is dotted with historic wrecks, all of them the remains of a Japanese fleet of WWII ships. You’ll also get a glimpse of the weaponry that sank with the ship, scattered between 10 and 40 meters deep. The wrecks are best left to the intermediate to advanced divers. Even these seasoned adventurers will need a guide who can navigate the confusing corridors and doorways.
Season: March to June (Tubbataha Reefs) | Year-round (Coron Bay)
7. SIMILAN ISLANDS, THAILAND
View this post on Instagram
If an adventure both above and below the surface is what you’re after, then the Thai Similan Islands should be your next dive destination. Defined by granite boulders, pristine white sand beaches, and lush greenery all around, this cluster of islands surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Its calmer currents and high visibility make it a great choice for those just starting out in the sport. You’ll be able to spot critters like mantis shrimp, a variety of sharks, turtles, and more throughout the islands’ open season. However, visit between December to April and you just might catch a glimpse of the elusive whale sharks and majestic manta rays.
Season: October to May
Click here for more travel stories.
| SHARE THE STORY | |
| Explore More |
