Langkawi
Langkawi is an archipelago made of 99 islands in West Malaysia and provides habitat for a vast range of tropical life.
Explore Kedah
Kedah is a state in north west Malaysia, right on the border with Thailand, with its coast on the Straits of Malacca. Right off the coast of this state lies the archipelago of Langkawi. Even though it may not rank among the best diving in Malaysia, there are still over 20 different dive sites, 250 species of fish and 50 plus species of corals, there is definitely something to see on every dive here. Due to the sediment here, visibility can be lower, but choosing the right time and not disturbing the sediment, there can be days where visibility reaches up to 20 metres. Along with having no currents, there are many factors which make this an ideal location for dive courses for novice divers. October to April is high season here, as this is the time where there is the least amount of rainfall. Monsoon season is from July to September. The water temperatures here are warm throughout the year ranging between 28°C and 31°C. The visibility can drop drastically here due to the sediment but on average it is around 5-15 metres with 20 plus on the best days. Here, divers can really come and enjoy high concentrations of marine species in pleasant, relaxing diving conditions.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Kedah
Kedah, a Malaysian state, offers several captivating dive sites for enthusiasts. One of the top sites is Pulau Payar Marine Park, renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. This location is ideal for shore diving, allowing easy access to stunning underwater scenery. The park's highlight is the wreck of a Thai fishing boat, which has become a thriving artificial reef teeming with fish.
For those seeking unique experiences, night dives at Pulau Payar reveal a different world, with nocturnal creatures and bioluminescent plankton creating a magical atmosphere. Additionally, Langkawi, part of Kedah, provides exciting opportunities for liveaboard diving, offering access to more remote sites. Whether you prefer the convenience of shore diving or the adventure of a liveaboard trip, Kedah caters to all diving preferences with its diverse offerings.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Kedah
In Kedah, Malaysia, divers can explore a vibrant array of marine life. The waters are home to colorful reef fishes such as clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish, often seen around coral reefs teeming with life. These species are common and can be encountered throughout the year, providing divers with a constant spectacle of colors and activity.
Seasonally, divers might spot larger marine creatures. Sightings of green turtles and hawksbill turtles are possible, particularly during nesting seasons from May to October. For those interested in spotting sharks, blacktip reef sharks occasionally make an appearance, especially near the rocky outcrops. Rays, including the graceful manta rays, can also be spotted, mainly during plankton blooms when they come to feed. These encounters, while thrilling, are less predictable and depend on specific conditions and times of the year.
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
15 Sightings
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5
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5
O
5
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0
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0
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
12 Sightings
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2
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0
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0
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3
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7
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
132 Sightings
J
11
F
20
M
2
A
0
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0
J
12
J
10
A
19
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12
O
9
N
17
D
20
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
109 Sightings
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10
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12
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2
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0
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11
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8
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14
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10
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10
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18
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14
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
93 Sightings
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7
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18
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3
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0
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11
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6
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12
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8
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8
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10
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10
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
89 Sightings
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11
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15
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2
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7
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5
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5
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5
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11
N
15
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13
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
83 Sightings
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5
F
11
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3
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0
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0
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4
J
6
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9
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10
O
8
N
13
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14
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
67 Sightings
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0
F
9
M
0
A
0
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0
J
10
J
4
A
8
S
8
O
8
N
11
D
9
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
64 Sightings
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0
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11
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3
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0
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0
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5
J
3
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8
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5
O
8
N
8
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13
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
62 Sightings
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0
F
13
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0
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0
M
0
J
9
J
4
A
5
S
4
O
7
N
11
D
9
The best Months to Dive in Kedah
Kedah, located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, offers year-round diving opportunities with its tropical climate. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 27°C to 30°C, making it a comfortable destination for divers. The visibility is generally good, often reaching up to 20 meters, though it can vary with the seasons.
The best diving conditions are typically from November to March when the seas are calmer, and the visibility is clearer. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings stronger winds and currents, which can affect diving conditions, reducing visibility and making the waters choppier. While diving is possible throughout the year, divers might find the monsoon season less favorable for optimal underwater experiences.
