Diving in Sabah

Sabah, located in the northern part of the island of Borneo, is known for its diverse marine life and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. The state’s waters are home to an abundance of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and an array of marine life including turtles, sharks, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish.

One of the top diving spots in Sabah is Sipadan Island, which is considered to be one of the best diving sites in the world. This small island is located in the Celebes Sea and is surrounded by walls that drop down to depths of more than 1000m. Divers can explore a variety of dive sites, including turtle tombs, shark reef, and the famous Barracuda Point.

Another popular diving destination is Lankayan Island, located in the Sulu Sea. This small island offers a wide range of diving opportunities, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life. The island is also home to a turtle sanctuary, where divers can see green and hawksbill turtles.

Mabul Island is another popular destination for diving, known for its macro diving. This small island offers a variety of dive sites that are perfect for seeing a wide range of smaller marine life, such as frogfish, seahorses, and ghost pipefish.

Kapalai Island is another popular destination for diving in Sabah. This small island is located in the Sulu Sea and offers a variety of dive sites, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life. The island is also home to a turtle sanctuary, where divers can see green and hawksbill turtles.

In addition to these, there are many other dive sites in Sabah that offer an array of marine life, such as Mataking Island, Pandanan Island, and Mantabuan Island.

It is important to note that many of these diving spots require a permit and can only be accessed with a licensed dive operator. Divers should also be aware of the regulations and guidelines set by the Sabah Parks to ensure the preservation of the marine life and coral reef systems.

In conclusion, Sabah offers some of the best diving opportunities in the world, with a variety of dive sites that cater to all levels of divers, from beginners to experienced divers. With crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, it’s a destination that should not be missed by diving enthusiasts.