Kota Kinabalu, or KK, offers a unique diving experience on the west coast of Borneo, in Malaysia's Sabah state. This area is a hidden gem compared to its more famous counterpart on the east coast, such as Sipadan Island. Here, divers can enjoy a variety of dive environments, including vibrant coral reefs, World War II wrecks, and the bustling underwater life of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The park is a popular choice among divers and snorkelers, offering easy access by boat to numerous dive sites located just a short 15-minute ride from shore. Marine life around KK is both diverse and abundant, with opportunities to encounter schools of colorful reef fish, graceful sea turtles, and surprising sightings of seasonal sharks and rays. The warm waters, reaching depths of up to 25 meters (82 feet), are also home to the occasional appearance of pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays, making each dive an adventure. Whether you're a seasoned diver or new to the sport, the tranquil and accessible dive sites around Kota Kinabalu offer an inviting and enriching experience, perfect for those looking to explore the underwater wonders of Borneo.
What makes this a great place to dive is the variety of types of diving it offers. First and foremost what attracts a lot of divers here are the pleasant conditions to dive in, making for easy and relaxing dives just a short boat ride from shore. Generally good visibility, shallower depths and lack of current make diving here accessible for divers of all levels. However, there are also many opportunities for the more thrill-seeking divers. There are three World War II wrecks located offshore here to be explored, there are a collection of caves, some deep diving spots, opportunities for drift dives and the stunning and flourishing Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park which is a collection of five pristine islands surrounded by flourishing waters. There are little elements for divers with all types of interests to get excited over in this area.
The weather on this part of Borneo, Malaysia, is warm throughout the year with temperatures remaining between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius. The seasons here are the dry and the wet season, with the most rain falling between January to March but the rain is minimal and does not affect diving. The best months to dive here are between March and October. Water temperatures are pleasant and warm ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius and the visibility averages around 15 metres and can reach up to 30 metres on the best days. There are multiple species which can be seen here throughout the year but one of the seasonal spectacles are the Whalesharks who visit the area between December and March.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
