Explore Mantanani
Mantanani is a group of three islands which lie off of the north west coast of the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. The three islands are Mantanani Besar, the largest of the three, Mantanani Kecil and Mantanani Lungisan. It is only recently that these islands made it on the map of diving destinations, and luckily they did! The shallow reefs and nutrient rich waters means many species to revel over in crystal clear waters and paradise island elements added to it. Some highlights include World War II wrecks, many Sea Turtles and an abundance of Rays, and the true stars of the show; Dugongs!
Dive Activity
Diving in Mantanani
Mantanani is a group of three islands which lie off of the north west coast of the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. The three islands are Mantanani Besar, the largest of the three, Mantanani Kecil and Mantanani Lungisan. It is only recently that these islands made it on the map of diving destinations, and luckily they did! The shallow reefs and nutrient rich waters means many species to revel over in crystal clear waters and paradise island elements added to it. Some highlights include World War II wrecks, many Sea Turtles and an abundance of Rays, and the true stars of the show; Dugongs!
Top Wildlife Sightings in Mantanani
The nutrient rich waters and the flourishing reefs attract a variety of different species for divers to admire. The muck diving means the chance to spot many smaller species including the tiny pops of colour, otherwise known as, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Ribbon Eels, Lionfish, Marbled Stingrays, different species of Shrimp, and the majestic Seahorse, among many other species. The larger species which grace these waters include Black Tip Reef Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, of which divers may also spot juveniles, and the main attraction of this diving destination; the Dugong, or otherwise known as the Manatee.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
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Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
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Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
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Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
1 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
8 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
7 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
6 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 8
Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish
5 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
4 Sightings
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The best Months to Dive in Mantanani
The weather is warm throughout the year with temperatures between 29°C and 31°C. There is a dry and wet season, with the most rain falling between January to March but the rain is minimal. The best months to dive here are between April and July. Water temperatures are pleasant and warm ranging between 25°C and 30°C and the visibility averages around 15 metres and can reach up to 35 metres on the best days.
