Explore East Malaysia

Diving in East Malaysia, particularly in the region known as Malaysian Borneo, offers a truly unforgettable underwater experience. This part of Malaysia, less populated and developed than its western counterpart, boasts a plethora of natural resources and pristine marine environments. Divers are greeted by thriving coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, all set against the backdrop of less crowded dive sites, offering a unique sense of exploration.

The warm waters of East Malaysia are home to a diverse range of marine species, making every dive an exciting adventure. Divers can expect to encounter numerous green and hawksbill turtles, along with schools of barracuda and vibrant parrotfish. The region's underwater landscapes are equally diverse, featuring everything from coral reefs and steep walls to intriguing wrecks. Dive styles vary, with options for shore diving, boat diving, and even liveaboard trips, catering to divers of all preferences.

One of the standout features of diving in East Malaysia is the opportunity for night diving, where the underwater world takes on a whole new dynamic. Seasonal factors also add to the allure, with the best diving conditions typically found between April and August, though the area offers dive opportunities year-round. Among the must-visit sites are Pulau Sipadan, known for its dramatic 5-meter (16 feet) drop-off, Miri, the second-largest city in Sarawak, and Layang Layang, where waters plunge to depths of 2000 meters (6562 feet), promising a deep and captivating dive experience.

Places to explore

Sabah

Explore East MalaysiaDiving in East Malaysia, particularly in the region known as Malaysian Borneo,

Sarawak

Explore East MalaysiaDiving in East Malaysia, particularly in the region known as Malaysian Borneo,

Courses and Events

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

11 February +439 More
EUR 336.24
USD 400.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

11 February +349 More
EUR 336.24
USD 400.00

Divemaster

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

11 February +350 More
EUR 1,388.72
MYR 6,500.00

Perfect Buoyancy

SSI Perfect Buoyancy Pro is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most out of every dive. Buoyancy is a basic diving skill, but any diver will tell you that it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy Major will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, allowing you to master buoyancy faster and enjoy a more relaxed diving adventure. In this engaging course, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and apply to a variety of diving situations. Upon completion of the course, you will receive the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Professional Certification. With better buoyancy skills, you'll soon be hovering easily and taking the underwater photos you've always dreamed of!

11 February +349 More
EUR 168.12
USD 200.00

Assistant Instructor

The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training. If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

11 February +389 More
EUR 1,474.17
MYR 6,900.00

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an us to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with us to explore your options.

11 February +427 More
EUR 3,204.73
MYR 15,000.00

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

11 February +350 More
EUR 128.19
MYR 600.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

11 February +360 More
EUR 128.19
MYR 600.00

React Right Instructor (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

CPR and first aid techniques are important techniques for everyone, not just divers. As React Right Instructor, you’ll teach techniques based on guidelines for emergency care recognized internationally, and can offer this first aid course to anyone.

11 February +350 More
EUR 168.12
USD 200.00

Dive Activity

Diving in East Malaysia

East Malaysia, particularly the region of Sabah, offers exceptional diving experiences for enthusiasts. One of the top dive sites is the "Seaventures Rig" near Mabul Island, known for its unique platform dive center that offers excellent shore dives. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens and see an array of marine life, including the elusive frogfish and pygmy seahorses. For those interested in wreck diving, the "Usukan Bay Wrecks" in Kota Belud provide an intriguing exploration of three World War II Japanese ships. Night dives here reveal nocturnal creatures like nudibranchs and cuttlefish. The area strikes a perfect balance between shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to various preferences and skill levels, making it a must-visit for any dive traveler.

Top Wildlife Sightings in East Malaysia

East Malaysia, known for its rich marine biodiversity, offers a captivating experience for divers. The region's coral reefs, particularly around Sipadan Island, host a vibrant array of reef fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. These species are commonly encountered due to the healthy reef ecosystems. Seasonal highlights include the sighting of green and hawksbill turtles, often seen nesting on the beaches between May and September. Divers can also spot reef sharks and manta rays, especially during the dry season from March to October. The presence of these majestic creatures depends on the specific dive sites and prevailing currents, making each dive a unique experience.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1.9k Sightings
J
85
F
34
M
54
A
65
M
106
J
120
J
153
A
611
S
309
O
125
N
98
D
136
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
1.7k Sightings
J
92
F
84
M
107
A
122
M
136
J
186
J
164
A
265
S
185
O
154
N
63
D
105

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.1k Sightings
J
50
F
41
M
51
A
68
M
48
J
76
J
85
A
231
S
206
O
116
N
33
D
57
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
501 Sightings
J
28
F
17
M
8
A
5
M
37
J
87
J
58
A
81
S
65
O
49
N
14
D
52

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
4.4k Sightings
J
221
F
160
M
199
A
186
M
240
J
307
J
283
A
1.3k
S
700
O
297
N
209
D
298

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
2.9k Sightings
J
83
F
65
M
102
A
106
M
124
J
207
J
174
A
941
S
494
O
327
N
138
D
187

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
2.5k Sightings
J
86
F
54
M
81
A
68
M
58
J
158
J
126
A
920
S
454
O
288
N
109
D
147

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
1.6k Sightings
J
53
F
43
M
62
A
27
M
79
J
133
J
86
A
479
S
265
O
210
N
81
D
102

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
1.2k Sightings
J
46
F
53
M
48
A
62
M
80
J
87
J
102
A
343
S
133
O
59
N
68
D
86

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
1.1k Sightings
J
35
F
48
M
29
A
75
M
34
J
79
J
69
A
304
S
243
O
91
N
50
D
64
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
909 Sightings
J
54
F
30
M
65
A
53
M
66
J
74
J
79
A
171
S
83
O
70
N
68
D
96

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
760 Sightings
J
63
F
26
M
39
A
39
M
44
J
84
J
78
A
210
S
76
O
22
N
34
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
695 Sightings
J
29
F
12
M
19
A
46
M
18
J
60
J
75
A
243
S
63
O
53
N
27
D
50

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
595 Sightings
J
19
F
26
M
15
A
32
M
19
J
36
J
59
A
214
S
76
O
46
N
13
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
578 Sightings
J
9
F
14
M
4
A
33
M
4
J
29
J
34
A
205
S
176
O
36
N
15
D
19

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
495 Sightings
J
11
F
22
M
1
A
20
M
9
J
30
J
25
A
211
S
102
O
46
N
1
D
17
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
492 Sightings
J
28
F
24
M
21
A
31
M
27
J
45
J
57
A
98
S
54
O
45
N
19
D
43

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
433 Sightings
J
19
F
16
M
25
A
33
M
34
J
27
J
32
A
64
S
86
O
24
N
14
D
59

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
357 Sightings
J
18
F
3
M
22
A
23
M
27
J
35
J
14
A
120
S
18
O
21
N
28
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
353 Sightings
J
10
F
2
M
1
A
15
M
3
J
24
J
5
A
144
S
126
O
14
N
5
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
333 Sightings
J
1
F
15
M
11
A
19
M
11
J
19
J
14
A
112
S
102
O
23
N
3
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
323 Sightings
J
7
F
7
M
13
A
15
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
107
S
149
O
12
N
2
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
317 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
4
A
6
M
8
J
14
J
10
A
143
S
108
O
12
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
300 Sightings
J
22
F
14
M
9
A
14
M
19
J
25
J
20
A
93
S
36
O
19
N
8
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
231 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
6
A
8
M
8
J
8
J
11
A
131
S
38
O
3
N
6
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
227 Sightings
J
16
F
11
M
22
A
5
M
11
J
25
J
14
A
80
S
30
O
4
N
6
D
3

The best Months to dive in East Malaysia

East Malaysia offers year-round diving opportunities, with conditions varying slightly between the monsoon and dry seasons. Water temperatures generally range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F throughout the year, providing a comfortable environment for divers. Visibility is often excellent, ranging from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, but can be influenced by weather conditions.

The region is affected by the northeast monsoon from November to March, which can bring stronger winds and currents, occasionally reducing visibility and accessibility to certain dive sites. However, diving is still possible year-round, with the most favorable conditions typically found between April and October, when the seas are calmer and visibility is at its peak.

Dive Centers

STORMDIVE, 暴风潜水

Block D, Lot 19, Semporna Seafront Township, 91308 Semporna, MYS

Scuba Kinabalu Dive Station

Lot G-19, Ground Flr, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, MYS

Infinity Scuba Dive Centre

Lot 34, Block F, Semporna Seafront Resort Town, 91308 Semporna, MYS

Empire Scuba Supplies

E-G-22A, Inanam Kapital, Lorong Inanam Kapital 3A Jalan Nountun, Inanam Kota Kinabalu, 88450 Sabah, MYS

95 Dive Adventures

Lot 221 District of Penampang Ganang Villa Unit No E-6 Block E Phase 2, 88200 KOTA KINABALU SABAH, MYS

Scuba Home

Kampung Air Hujung, Peti Surat 520, Semporna, 91308 Sabah, MYS

Like Scuba Center

No.11370, Dekat Lorong Tosaraya, 3,, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, MYS

Miri Divers

Lot 723. No. 10, Jalan Datuk Abang Indeh, 98000, Miri, Sarawak, 98000 Sarawak, MYS

One Ocean Nature Conservation Centre, One Ocean Empire

LOT 28, 1ST FLOOR, PHASE 2,, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, MYS

Neutral Dive

C-05-05 5th floor, Block C, Warisan Square, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MYS

Medusa Scuba International

Lot G19, Ground Floor, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens,, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MYS

Scuba Culture

Lot 1, First Floor, Block G,, 88100 kota kinabalu, MYS

Borneo Climb & Dive Sdn Bhd

Lot 2, 1st Floor, Block A, Kepayan Point, Jalan Penampang Bypass, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MYS

Dive Sites

Like Scuba Center, 88200 Kota Kinabalu

Like Scuba Center (★4.6)

Our dive center features a state-of-the-art swimming pool designed for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner practicing skills in a controlled environment or an advanced diver refining techniques, our pool provides a safe and comfortable space for training.
Ronald C. (#2496453)

Sutera Harbour Marina (★4.7)

From beginners to advanced swimmers, enjoy a full range of lessons. Open daily 7am-9pm, our flexible schedule fits your convenience. Just took 10 minutes reachable from center of town.
Like Scuba Center, 88300 Kota Kinabalu

Meringgis Bay, Gaya Island (★4.3)

A beautiful and magnificent thriving dive site located at the back of Gaya Island sitting in between Bunga Raya Resort and YTL Resort. Great for beginners and training.
Ronald C. (#2496453)

Mari Mari Shore (★4.2)

This dive site is situated 20 minuted from Kota Kinabalu mainland and 10 Minutes from Sepanggar mainland. It is right in front of Mari - Mari Resort. The characteristic of this dive site is shore based. It has a maximum depth of 18 meters during high tide and the bottom is mixed sandy and muddy.
JAW Scuba and Swim Academy, 88000 Sabah

Nexson Reef (★4.5)

This dive site is specially for Deep Diving, it takes 15 minutes boat ride from Dreamer Island. This dive site require free descent all the way down to top reef at 24 meters.Actual depth might defer due to the current tide.There’s a slight slope for descending down to a maximum depth of 35 meter from the top reef.
Mares

Barracuda Point Sipadan (★4.6)

There is a huge shoal of thousands of barracudas often making a tornado and darkening the sun. You can also see bumphead parrotfish, dozens of turtles and reef sharks patrolling the area.
Mares

Kenyalang Wreck (★4.3)

An artificial reef which used to be an decommissioned oil rig called Baram 8. The wreck lies on a flat sandy bottom with max depth of 23m , shallowest point lies at around 13m. Suitable for OW and Advanced divers. Teeming with beautiful marine life and home to a number of giant groupers.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Kapalai House Reef (★4.3)

Its crystal clear waters and beautiful diving, Sipadan Island lies off the East coast of Sabah, Malaysia in the heart of the hotspot. Kapalai can be reached in just a 50 minutes by speedboat from Semporna. Sipadan-Kapalai is an ideal destination for divers and non-divers alike, seeking a great holiday experience.
Aqualung

Panglima Reef (★4.3)

Panglima Reef is a slopy dive site north-west of Mabul Island. The Reef starts at 5m off the shore, extending 50m into the deeper end. Longshore current could be observed depending on the tides, and could be a perfect spot for beginners to experience drift diving. Also a macro haven.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Paradise II, Mabul (★4.3)

Exploring the Paradise II, Mabul.“ This site is known for its vibrant, shallow reef with a variety of hard and soft corals, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Aqualung

Barracuda Point (★4.5)

Also known as a reef within a reef, this 25 meters reef top is home to a school of barracudas. On the reef floor, there is an unique presence of the Diaserisfragilis species of mushroom corals. Interestingly, large schools of batfishes sometimes take over the place of barracudas. Flatworms, symbiotic shrimps as wel
Aqualung

Santak Point (★4.3)

Journey from Miri shore to dive site is around 1 hour. The minimum depth is at 24m and reaches down to 40m deep at the slope. Visibility ranges from 15 to 25m. Mild to moderate current often present at this site.
Aqualung

Tukau Drop-off (★4.3)

Furthest reef from shore , around 1 hour by boat. Top of the reef lies at 22m with a sloping wall which drops off from 24 to 40 m. Commons sightings are school of yellow tail snapper, bumphead parrotfish.
Aqualung

Eve's Garden (★3.9)

The journey from Miri to the dive site takes around 30 minutes from shore. It is the nearest reef accessible from Miri. It’s a submerged and shallow reef ranging from 5m to 9 m.
Mares

Pandanan House reef (★4.6)

Pandanan House Reef, a shallow, easy dive spot with colorful corals and lots of fish. Perfect for beginners! See clownfish, turtles, and reef sharks. Gentle slope, sandy bottom. Best at high tide. Great for snorkeling too! Boat ride: 10 mins. Daily trips available. Safe and relaxing.