Explore Johor

Johor is a state in the south of Malaysia and the capital city Johor Bahru is the gateway to some of the best diving in Malaysia. On the coast of Johor is the small beach town of Mersing which is the departure point to the numerous islands which lie off the coast here. These islands are all the definition of tropical paradise islands and luckily the underwater scenery is just as majestic. Clear, warm waters which harbour flourishing reefs and a high concentration of different marine species to be enjoyed on every dive here. The weather conditions are pleasant throughout the year here, water temperature range between 27°C and 32°C, and the visibility ranges between 15°C and 25°C. These pleasant conditions result in relaxing, but stunning, dives and makes it an ideal location for diving courses. There are opportunities for shore dives as well as boat dives, there are shallow reefs, rock formations, caverns and even a few wrecks scattered around. The marine life here varies from pinnacles completely covered in Nudibranchs to a high number of Sea Turtles to the chance of spotting a Manta Ray glide by.

Places to Explore

Tioman Island

56 Divesites 10 Centers

Tioman Island is the preferred destination for many snorkelers and divers offering various different dive sites to explore.

Tinggi Island

Tinggi Island is an island located 30 kilometres off the coast of the beach town Mersing in Johor, Malaysia and it is surrounded by the crystal clear, warm waters and harbours a high abundance of marine species. Pulau Tinggi described in one word is ‘serenity’. And here, it applies above and below the water. Above the water there is an extinct volcano which is the highest point on all the islands in this area, covered in rich greenery, and white sandy beaches surrounding this, it is truly a serene paradise. Underwater divers can enjoy 12 dive sites here all harbouring flourishing coral reefs and vibrant marine species. There are no dive centres on Pulau Tinggi, but they are located on the neighbouring island of Pulau Sibu.

Rawa Island

Rawa Island is one of the collection of islands located approximately 20 kilometres off the coast of the beach town of Mersin, in Johor, on the east coast of Malaysia. This island is only one kilometre long but it provides divers and other visitors with a true tropical paradise experience. It has all the elements they would hope for; pearly white beaches, vibrant blue waters and rich greenery. There is only one dive centre on the island but they will definitely show divers the best of the best in the area, and they absolutely believe that Pulau Rawa is the most idyllic location to do dive courses due to the ideal conditions. 

Mersing

Mersing is a cosy beach town on the south east coast of Johor, Malaysia. The coast lies where the South China Sea and the Java Sea meet. With warm waters and weather conditions, the waters here are teeming with marine life and flourishing reefs. Scattered along the coast of Mersing are many islands which are all among the best diving in Malaysia. With tropical paradise islands harbouring white sandy beaches, rich green flora and turquoise waters, this is a dream destination to spend time above, and below the water. With a high number of dive sites, there is also a high variety in the types of diving and what can be seen, some of these include shallow reefs, wrecks, ideal spots for underwater photographers, great spots for night dives, large pinnacles and the chance to spot Whale Sharks; there is something for everyone!

Besar Island

Besar Island is one of the islands scattered along the south east coast of Malaysia, directly off the coast of the Mersing District. This island is among some of the most tropical paradise islands in the region and provides divers with stunning scenery, relaxing, white sandy beaches and shimmering waters to enjoy when not diving. Underwater, the waters here are teeming with life, from colourful, vibrant reefs, to an abundance of schooling fish, to numerous marine species. There is such a high abundance of marine species here that it has been made into a marine park to help protect and preserve them. Considering so much marine life can already be seen through the crystal clear waters at the surface, it is an exciting indication of what is to be seen once divers dive in.

Upcoming Events

Instructor Evaluation

Mermaid Wonderland Dive Center

Instructor Evaluation - IE

20 Nov 2025

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Mermaid Wonderland Dive Center

Advanced Open Water Diver

24 Dec 2025

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.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Lagoon

Location: Shore dive located at the southern point of Juara beach; Depth: 18m; Current: Surge from waves can be present; Site: Sandy bottom bay that leads into a gently sloping coral reef to 18m, large coral boulders and river rock areas

93
Logs
45
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tekek House Reef

south of Tekek House Reef is a generic stretch of beach reef used by all centers for courses and scuba try-outs. The beach entry is smooth and calm, just watch out for rocks during low tide. The reef extends from the shore towards 8m depth and transition into a sandy bottom.

5,659
Logs
1,826
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Salang Jetty

It might sound surprising but our jetty has become an amazing dive site. With the debris people throw over board and over the jetty a artificial reef was build which attracts an abundance of marine life. Shoals of juvenile fishes are seeking safety here, but the hunters are always around.

756
Logs
420
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pulau Labas

This site is just off of Tioman Island and looks like swiss cheese. The rocks and boulders at this site create countless swim-throughs and canyons. Many nudibranchs and juvenile fish can be seen as well as turtles and blacktip reef sharks.

3,773
Logs
1,916
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Pulai Springs Resort

The pool at Pulai Springs Resort is a purpose-built training facility designed for freediving and scuba diving courses. With crystal-clear water, depths ranging from 1.5 m to 5 m, and controlled conditions, it provides a safe environment for skill development and confined water training.

158
Logs
48
Divers
4.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Pusat Akuatik MBJB Arena Larkin

The MBJB Arena Larkin Aquatic Centre is a purpose-built training facility featuring a 5‑meter deep pool, making it ideal for scuba and freediving courses. With clean water, excellent visibility, and safe conditions, it offers a controlled environment for skill development and certification training.

198
Logs
47
Divers
5.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Jahat, Tioman Island

30 minute boat ride south of Juara Bay on a small island; Depth: 30m; Current: Somtimes medium current allowing for a drift dive; Site: Large boulders and slopping coral reefs that reaches down to the sandy bottom bay, over hanging rock formations.

1,226
Logs
547
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Light House Mukut

Heading north from Juara, and only 15-18 minutes from Juara Jetty. An easy dive site for beginner, good for macro photographer. Good dive site to dive.

223
Logs
166
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Tg Api Lighthouse

Location: 20 minute boat ride south of Juara Bay; Depth: 35m+; Current: Sometimes strong current along the drop off; Site: a gentle sloping coral reef ranging between 2 - 7m which moves into a drop off descending to 25m and a gradual sandy bottom which can reach around 40m

53
Logs
44
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Bugis

Heading north from Juara, and only 10 minutes from Juara Jetty. An easy dive site for beginner, good for macro photographer. Good dive site to dive.

404
Logs
248
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ TDB house reef

Just a short walk from the beach, Tioman Dive Buddy House Reef, or TDB House Reef in short, is a gradual sandy slope that starts from the shore, which steeps from 6m onwards all the way to 16m depth. This dive site is perfect for buoyancy training, entry level courses and Try Scuba.

124
Logs
52
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Penut

Heading north from Juara, and only 10 minutes from Juara Jetty. An easy dive site for beginner, and a good dive site, also for macro photographers.

292
Logs
181
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Genting House Reef

A shore dive site with easy entry, with bottom made up of silt, gravel, and sand. Gradual slope from the shore, increasing in steepness from 5m to 20m. There are 2 artificial reef/wrecks laying at 7m depth, drawing in schools of fishes. Perfect dive site for entry level diver and wreck diving training alike.

105
Logs
69
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Berlabuh

Location: 10 minute boat ride south of Juara Bay; Depth: 30m+; Current: Sometimes strong current which could offer drift diving; Site: A sloping coral reef with rocky formation ranging between 10 - 18 m which moves into towering rock formations and marine walls which can reach around 30m.

618
Logs
402
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Temengkuh

Location: 7 minute boat drive south of Juara Bay in a sheltered cove; Depth: 24m; Current: Surge from waves can be present in shallow areas; Site: Coral reef covered bay, rocky structures and rock walls surround the bay and lead onto a second shallow coral reef and fresh water boulder area, no mooring line

243
Logs
178
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Johor

Johor offers a captivating blend of dive sites, each with unique experiences for divers. The Aur Island is a highlight, known for its vibrant coral gardens and the wreck of the Aur, which attracts marine life enthusiasts. Divers often spot barracudas and reef sharks here, making it a must-visit for those seeking thrill and natural beauty.

For shore dives, the waters around Rawa Island offer splendid visibility, with diverse marine life easily accessible from the beach. Night dives are popular, revealing the nocturnal behaviors of creatures like cuttlefish and octopuses. Johor provides a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both novice and seasoned divers. Liveaboard trips facilitate exploration of the more remote sites, ensuring a comprehensive diving adventure in the region.

The best Months to Dive in Johor

Diving in Johor is possible year-round, with some variations in conditions. The best months for diving are from April to September when the northeast monsoon retreats, providing calmer seas and clearer skies. During this period, water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C, creating ideal conditions for divers. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, offering a good view of the underwater landscape.

From October to March, the southwest monsoon brings stronger winds and choppier waters, potentially reducing visibility and increasing surface currents. Water temperatures during these months remain warm, usually between 26°C and 29°C, but the weather conditions can be less favorable for diving. While diving is still feasible during the monsoon season, divers should be prepared for less predictable conditions and plan their trips accordingly.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

AMS

No 1, Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru,, MYS

Pulamar Dive Centre

Polis Diraja Malaysia, 81200 Johor Bahru, MYS

Tioman Scuba Dive Resort

No 1 lot kedai kg juara pulau tioman, 26800 Rompin, Pahang, MYS

Skol Bar Dive

Tekek Village, Tioman Island, 26800 Pahang, MYS

Poseidon Tec Dive Centre

359, Jalan Tok Ungku, 70100 Negeri Sembilan, MYS

Dyve Marine Centre

Lot 365 Kg Juara Pulau Tioman, 86800 Mersing, Johor Darul, MYS

Scuba Ace

3, Jalan Tioman, Kampung Tekek, Mukim Tioman, Pulau Tioman, Kuala Rompin, 26800 Tioman, MYS

BLUE HEAVEN DIVERS

Kampong Air Batang, 26800 Pahang, MYS

Global Scuba Institute

Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, Kuala Rompin, 26800 Pahang, MYS

Elven Private Swim

352, JALAN SERI 23, TAMAN SRI BAKRI 3 BAKRI, 84200 MUAR JOHOR, MOR - MYS

Juara Scuba Academy

Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, Kuala Rompin, 26800 Pahang, MYS

Mermaid Wonderland Dive Center

Kampung Paya, Tioman Island,, 26800 Kuala Rompin, Pahang, MYS

Pusat Akuatik Arena MBJB Taman Dato Onn Jaffar, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zi, AGS - MYS

Dan’s Nasty Frogmen @ Sea Gypsy Village

Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base, 80100 Johor Bahru, MYS

Maori Dive Academy

Lot 487, Kampung Tekek, 26800, Tioman Island, 26800 Pulau Tioman, MYS

My Scuba

Pulau Tioman, Salang Bay, 26800 Pahang, MYS