Tioman Island, Pahang
Perhentian Island, Terengganu
Redang Island, Terengganu
Sipadan Island, Sabah
Mabul Island, Sabah
Lankayan Island, Sabah

1. Tioman Island, Pahang

 

Located in Pahang, Tioman Island, which is also a marine park, has vibrant coral reefs and sea creatures like sharks and eels, and is surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest.

To get there, you can fly direct to the island (via a private or chartered flight), or drive to Mersing, Johor and jump on a two-and-a-half hour ferry ride to the island.

2. Perhentian Island, Terengganu

 

Perhentian Island in Terengganu has calm water currents and is suitable for those looking for a leisurely dive. The island boasts an abundance of marine creatures, including small critters that live on the muddy bottom of the sea, making it an ideal spot for ‘muck diving’. Muck diving refers to swimming in the water to search for macro creatures. 

3. Redang Island, Terengganu 

 

Another beautiful island in Terengganu that’s not only popular with divers but with other holidaymakers too. For some folks, Redang Island is a world class dive site because of its impressive diversity of underwater life.

This island within Terengganu marine park is truly a geological wonder and you can catch sight of marine mammals such as turtles, reef sharks and whales. 

4. Sipadan Island, Sabah

 

Sipadan Island in Sabah is an ecological heaven that’s home to diverse marine life, including whale sharks, barracuda and bumphead parrotfish. It is a highly protected island, with army personnel guarding the place at all times.

 

The island draws many local and international divers. Divers get to swim with giant sea turtles, as well as watch schools of fish swimming in perfect unison. 

5. Mabul Island, Sabah

 

If you enjoy underwater photography, head to Mabul Island in Semporna, Sabah. Located not too far away from Sipadan, this island is renowned for its amazing biodiversity. It is also a fishing village so there are a few locals living on the island. Divers will get to see rare, magnificent aquatic beauties such as nudibranch and blue-ringed octopus in the water.

6.  Lankayan Island, Sabah 

 

This tiny island located in the Sulu Sea, just 90 minutes north from Sandakan via a boat ride, is an untouched piece of paradise that has been declared part of the vast Marine Protected Area to adopt the eco-tourism concept. Apart from the endless white sandy beach and lush tropical greenery, Lankayan Island is a true muck and macro world paradise, thus fast becoming a favourite go-to diving destination. Divers are sure to appreciate the large stretches of beautiful unspoiled lettuce, staghorn and other hard and soft corals. The ‘Lankayan Wreck’ is also the home to a variety of colourful underwater creatures.Â