Diving in Malaysia and Reef Fishes of Malaysia

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. For diving enthusiasts, there are plenty of dive sites in the waters of Malaysia. 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 AssociationMalaysia Sport Diving AssociationB-13-D2, Plaza Mont Kiara50480 Kuala LumpurTel: (603)6411 8002Email: 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. Best Places to Dive in Malaysia Pulau Sipadan (Pulau means island in Malay language) Pulau Mabul Pulau Mataking Pulau Tioman Pulau Perhentian Pulau Redang Pulau Lang Tengah Pulau Aur Pulau Payar Reef Fishes in the Waters of Malaysia The waters in Malaysia is abundant with marine lives: fish, soft and hard corals, green turtles, leatherback turtles, and many marine biology systems. There are many different species of reef fishes in Malaysia. Take a trip to dive sites like Lang Tengah, Pulau Sipadan, and many islands in Malaysia and you will find rich marine lives. Below is the list of reef fishes found in the waters of Malaysia. Reef Fishes in Malaysia: 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