Imagine warm clear waters, colorful underwater reefs and fascinating aquatic life forms. Imagine stunning, sheer walls and large, graceful pelagics. Imagine breathtaking beaches of powdery soft sand. These captivating sights will be yours to enjoy in the abundance of dive sites in Malaysia.
Dive sites in Malaysia: Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai, Layang Layang, Perhentians, Redang, and more.
Climate and Water Temperature
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 32 Degree Celsius during the day to 22 Degree Celsius at night. Humidity is about 85-95%. Water temperature is 27-28 Degree Celsius and during the dry months the temperature may rise to 30-31 Degree Celsius. Divers will not require thick wet suits. A wet suit of between 1.5 to 3 mm is appropriate.
Best Time to Dive
West Coast of Peninsula Malaysia - December to May
East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia - March to October
The islands around Sabah and Sarawak are reasonably well-protected and can be dived 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.
Local Diving Association
Malaysia Sport Diving Association
B-13-D2, Plaza Mont Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603)6411 8002
Email: info@msda.com.my
Emergencies
The following are contacts for recompression chambers in Malaysia:
• Labuan Naval Base Tel: (6087)412 122
• Lumut Naval Base Tel: (605)683 7090/164/166/168
• Kuantan Naval Base Tel: (609)513 3333/557 2222
• Sipadan Island, Borneo Divers and Sea Sports Tel: (6089)784 299
Diving insurance for emergency point-to-point evacuation and personal accident cover while in Malaysia are available through most dive centers. Evacuation is not included unless covered by insurance.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 volts at 50 cycles, although most first-class hotels can suppy an adapter for 110 volts , 60 cycles appliances. Plugs are of the British three rectangle prong type. Most island resorts are powered by 24-hour generators or have an electrical supply from the mainland.
Time Zone
Malaysia is about 8 hours ahead of GMT, 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Clothing
Very casual, light cotton clothing like t-shirts, shorts, etc. is the order of the day. No formality is expected in the restaurants. Tourists are recommended to be properly dressed when visiting villages and towns. Nudity is prohibited.
• Barracuda
• Barramundi Cod
• Batfish
• Black tip reef shark
• Blenny
• Boxfish
• Bumphead wrasse
• Butterflyfish
• Chromis
• Clownfish
• Damsel
• Emperor angel
• Flashlight fish
• Frogfish
• Fusiliers
• Ghost pipefish
• Glass sweepers
• Gobi
• Grouper
• Hammerland shark
• Hatchet fish
• Jacks
• Leaf fish
• Leopard shark
• Lionfish
• Nurse shark
• Manta Ray
• Parrotfish
• Moray eel
• Parrotfish
• Pennant butterlyfish
• Putterfish
• Rabbitfish
• Red coral trout
• Surgeonfish
• Sweetlips
• Triggerfish
• Stingray
• Wrasses
• Yellowtail
• Green turtle