Divers from all over the world are attracted to Asia’s beautiful islands. With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and an incredible array of underwater life, this comes as no surprise.
We compare the top diving sites to be found in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Top Diving Spots in Indonesia
From breathtaking reef diving, to adventurous drift diving and inspiring night diving, there are some pretty incredible diving spots in Indonesia.
Visibility will depend on the time of year and diving spot, but ranges from 6 meters to more than 50 meters, with water temperatures ranging from 20-28°C/71-85°F year-round.
Komodo Islands
Home to the unique Komodo Dragon, the Komodo Islands in eastern Indonesia offer just about every type of tropical diving imaginable. It is one of the top diving locations in the world, boasting a remarkable variety of marine life that would impress any macro enthusiast.
If you plan on visiting between September and January, then the great dive we suggest is German Flag, as manta rays tend to make an appearance during that time of year.
Bali Islands
As far as dive holiday destinations go, Bali Islands is Indonesia’s most popular spot. With rich and varied sites, it is no wonder that it attract so many different divers.
For a great dive, be sure to check out USAT Liberty, a 119-meter US Army transport ship that lies just 30 meters feet off Bali’s northeast coast.
Lombok Island
You haven’t seen it all until you have visited Lombok Island. This spectacular diving destination boasts pinnacles and untouched coral reefs; it’s the perfect place to see some truly pristine dive sites.
It is also one of the few spots in the world where you have the chance to see giant hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead sharks in the same place.
Best Diving Spots in Malaysia
Malaysia offers an astonishing choice of dive sites, where you can expect to come across an incredible array of underwater landscapes and thousands of different species of marine creatures.
Depending on the area and time of year, you can expect visibility to range from 10 meters to 40 meters and water temperatures to range from 26-30º C/80-85º F throughout the year.
Sipadan Island
For those of you looking for a deep-sea dive experience, look no further than Malaysia’s Sipadan Island. The area boasts an impressive array of marine life, with over 3,000 species to be found.
If you want an adrenaline filled experience, then be sure to visit Turtle Tomb. Make you way through the labyrinth of stalactite filled tunnels at this specialty dive site, leading you to a cavern known as the tomb.
Pom Pom Island
This small and tranquil island boasts impressive turquoise waters and beautiful white sand. It is the ideal place for avid photographers looking to observe and capture the remarkable macro life.
The island is also a known nesting site for giant green and hawksbill marine turtles, so there is plenty to see.
Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands, found just off the east coast of Malaysia, feature hidden coves, crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches that make this the ideal vacationing and diving spot.
Sugar Wreck, a large sugar hauler that sank in 2000 during a monsoon, is a great dive location thanks to the coral and marine life it now houses.
