Layang-Layang Island
Layang Layang, also known as “The Jewel of the Borneo Banks,“ is located Northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and mostly for advanced divers.
Explore Sabah
Sabah is the northernmost state of the island of Borneo in Malaysia. There are fantastic diving sites off both the west and the east coast of Sabah making it a fantastic gateway to some of the best diving in Malaysia. The state of Sabah itself is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes made up of dense rainforests, white sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Off the east coast, off the town of Semporna, lie the world famous Sipadan and Mobul Islands, while the west coast has the Kota Kinabalu region with its islands such as Gaya Island. Whether it be the tiny marine critters hiding among the flourishing coral reefs, the impressive gentle giants of the sea such as Manta Rays and multiple different species of sharks Sharks, or thrilling underwater topography including wrecks, steep coral walls, caves, if divers use Sabah as a base they can experience it all. Divers can either dive through the numerous dive centres and dive resorts scattered around here, or can take a liveaboard which will visit most of the locations on the east side of the state. Aside from the many stunning things to see, what makes this an even more popular diving region are the ideal conditions for diving, in all aspects. Water and air temperatures are warm, the air being between 25°C and 33°C and the water is between 25°C and 30°C, the visibility ranges between 10 and 50 metres on the best days. It is an ideal location for dive courses and for novice divers to do some unforgettable dives due to the easy conditions; calm waters and, for the most part, lack of currents. This is a paradise diving region, above and below the water for divers with all interests to be amazed by what our underwater world can offer.
Top Regions to Explore
Upcoming Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Sabah
Sabah, a Malaysian state on Borneo's northern tip, is a diver's paradise offering an array of stunning underwater experiences. Among its highlights is the famous Sipadan Island, renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity. Here, divers can encounter turtles, barracudas, and even the elusive hammerhead sharks. In addition to Sipadan, the Labuan Wrecks provide thrilling dive opportunities with sites like the American Wreck, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past.
In Sabah, divers can enjoy a balance between shore and liveaboard diving. Popular shore dives include Kota Kinabalu's Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, which boasts easy access to colorful reefs and diverse marine life. For those seeking unique experiences, night dives reveal the nocturnal behaviors of various sea creatures, while muck diving in Mabul uncovers bizarre critters like the flamboyant cuttlefish. Whether exploring from shore or venturing further aboard a liveaboard, Sabah offers diverse and unforgettable diving adventures.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Sabah
Sabah, located in Malaysian Borneo, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it a diver's paradise. The region's coral reefs, particularly around Sipadan Island, are home to common reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which can be seen year-round. These colorful inhabitants create an ever-present spectacle for divers exploring the underwater world.
Seasonal highlights include sightings of green and hawksbill turtles, which are frequently observed nesting from April to September. Shark enthusiasts can encounter various species, such as hammerhead and blacktip reef sharks, predominantly during the drier months from March to October. Additionally, manta rays are occasionally sighted in the waters around Layang-Layang, primarily between March and May, offering seasonal spectacles that attract divers seeking these majestic creatures.
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 approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
1.9k Sightings
J
83
F
60
M
72
A
95
M
106
J
98
J
147
A
606
S
295
O
122
N
97
D
136
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
1.8k Sightings
J
94
F
109
M
140
A
181
M
153
J
186
J
164
A
266
S
185
O
152
N
62
D
107
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1.1k Sightings
J
50
F
76
M
65
A
92
M
62
J
75
J
84
A
226
S
209
O
116
N
33
D
56
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
522 Sightings
J
28
F
24
M
22
A
5
M
42
J
84
J
58
A
81
S
65
O
49
N
13
D
51
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
4.6k Sightings
J
221
F
282
M
220
A
283
M
243
J
289
J
283
A
1.3k
S
698
O
285
N
208
D
297
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
3.1k Sightings
J
92
F
124
M
112
A
174
M
122
J
192
J
174
A
937
S
485
O
318
N
137
D
203
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
2.7k Sightings
J
86
F
98
M
104
A
131
M
54
J
149
J
129
A
917
S
451
O
284
N
108
D
142
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
1.7k Sightings
J
53
F
92
M
53
A
51
M
71
J
131
J
80
A
475
S
259
O
210
N
80
D
101
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
1.4k Sightings
J
45
F
139
M
120
A
146
M
108
J
74
J
101
A
339
S
128
O
58
N
66
D
86
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
1.3k Sightings
J
34
F
112
M
98
A
139
M
55
J
71
J
68
A
302
S
243
O
86
N
49
D
62
The best Months to Dive in Sabah
Sabah, a renowned diving destination in Malaysia, offers year-round diving opportunities. The region experiences tropical weather with two main seasons: the dry season from March to October and the wet season from November to February. During the dry season, water temperatures range between 27°C to 30°C, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters.
In the wet season, water temperatures remain warm, but visibility may be reduced due to increased rainfall and occasional storms. Currents can also be stronger, particularly in December and January, making diving more challenging but still possible. Divers are advised to plan their trips during the dry season for optimal conditions, although adventurous divers can still enjoy unique experiences throughout the year.
