2026 guide
Sipadan's turtle highways, Redang reefs, Tioman wrecks and muck-diving at Mabul. Some of the best dive sites in the world.
Last updated 31 October 2026 · 10 places · 7 states
⚡ Quick answer · Last updated 31 October 2026
The best diving in Malaysia in 2026 are Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan, Semporna), Sabah, followed by Redang Marine Park Dive Sites (Redang), Tioman Island Dive Sites (Tioman) and Kapalai and Mabul Muck Diving (Semporna).
💡 Pro tip: Choose a PADI or SSI-registered centre. Sipadan needs a daily permit, so book months ahead.
Pulau Sipadan, Semporna, Sabah
Sipadan is world-famous for turtles, barracuda tornadoes and reef sharks off a vertical wall. Daily permits are limited, so book months ahead through a licensed operator.
Don't miss: Barracuda Point and Turtle Cavern
Pulau Redang, Redang, Terengganu
Redang offers some of the best coral and visibility on the peninsula, with reef sharks, turtles and two famous wrecks nearby. Many resorts run their own dive centres.
Don't miss: The Pulau Lima wall and the Prince of Wales/Repulse wrecks (technical)
Pulau Tioman, Tioman, Pahang
Gentle reefs, clear water and a few shallow wrecks make Tioman a favourite for beginners and macro lovers. Chebeh and Labas are popular, with turtles and reef fish.
Don't miss: Chebeh Island and Labas for turtles and corals
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Kapalai / Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
World-class muck diving: ghost pipefish, frogfish, mandarin fish and octopus on sandy slopes. Easy to combine with Sipadan trips.
Don't miss: Frogfish and mimic octopus at Kapalai
Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut, Terengganu
Easy, shallow, great for beginners: turtles, reef sharks and clear water at Sugar Wreck and Tanjung Basi.
Don't miss: Sugar Wreck and Tanjung Basi
Labuan, Labuan
Four WWII-era wrecks (American Wreck, Australian Wreck, Blue Water Wreck, Cement Wreck) rest in warm, sheltered water. Deep and technical in places, great for wreck fans.
Don't miss: The Australian Wreck and the American Wreck
Pulau Payar, Langkawi, Kedah
A protected marine park with easy diving and snorkelling, where blacktip reef sharks and colourful fish gather. A day trip from Langkawi or Penang.
Don't miss: Shark feeding and shallow reefs
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Pulau Tenggol, Dungun, Terengganu
A rocky island with rich pelagic life, soft coral walls and dramatic topography; popular with experienced divers.
Don't miss: Tanjung Gemok and the soft coral walls
Pulau Aur, Mersing, Johor
Remote and rarely crowded, Pulau Aur has clear water, pelagics and healthy coral. It is a favourite for divers who like it quiet.
Don't miss: Batu Bahaya and the northern reefs
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Miri, Sarawak
Sarawak's accessible dive area, with coral reefs, small wrecks and rigs offshore Miri. It is lower-key than Sabah but dive-friendly.
Don't miss: Eve's Garden and Anemone Garden
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Sipadan, Semporna, Sabah
Sipadan is world-famous for turtles, barracuda tornadoes and reef sharks off a vertical wall. Daily permits are limited, so book months ahead through a licensed operator.
Don't miss: Barracuda Point and Turtle Cavern
Kapalai / Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
World-class muck diving: ghost pipefish, frogfish, mandarin fish and octopus on sandy slopes. Easy to combine with Sipadan trips.
Don't miss: Frogfish and mimic octopus at Kapalai
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Redang, Redang, Terengganu
Redang offers some of the best coral and visibility on the peninsula, with reef sharks, turtles and two famous wrecks nearby. Many resorts run their own dive centres.
Don't miss: The Pulau Lima wall and the Prince of Wales/Repulse wrecks (technical)
Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut, Terengganu
Easy, shallow, great for beginners: turtles, reef sharks and clear water at Sugar Wreck and Tanjung Basi.
Don't miss: Sugar Wreck and Tanjung Basi
Pulau Tenggol, Dungun, Terengganu
A rocky island with rich pelagic life, soft coral walls and dramatic topography; popular with experienced divers.
Don't miss: Tanjung Gemok and the soft coral walls
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Tioman, Tioman, Pahang
Gentle reefs, clear water and a few shallow wrecks make Tioman a favourite for beginners and macro lovers. Chebeh and Labas are popular, with turtles and reef fish.
Don't miss: Chebeh Island and Labas for turtles and corals
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Labuan, Labuan
Four WWII-era wrecks (American Wreck, Australian Wreck, Blue Water Wreck, Cement Wreck) rest in warm, sheltered water. Deep and technical in places, great for wreck fans.
Don't miss: The Australian Wreck and the American Wreck
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Payar, Langkawi, Kedah
A protected marine park with easy diving and snorkelling, where blacktip reef sharks and colourful fish gather. A day trip from Langkawi or Penang.
Don't miss: Shark feeding and shallow reefs
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Aur, Mersing, Johor
Remote and rarely crowded, Pulau Aur has clear water, pelagics and healthy coral. It is a favourite for divers who like it quiet.
Don't miss: Batu Bahaya and the northern reefs
⚠️ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Miri, Sarawak
Sarawak's accessible dive area, with coral reefs, small wrecks and rigs offshore Miri. It is lower-key than Sabah but dive-friendly.
Don't miss: Eve's Garden and Anemone Garden
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
The best diving in Malaysia in 2026 are Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan, Semporna), followed by Redang Marine Park Dive Sites (Redang), Tioman Island Dive Sites (Tioman) and Kapalai and Mabul Muck Diving (Semporna).
None of our current picks are completely free; check each place for MyKad and child rates.
Check each place page: most are better for older kids and teens.
Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan, Semporna) and Kapalai and Mabul Muck Diving (Kapalai / Mabul, Semporna)
Redang Marine Park Dive Sites (Pulau Redang, Redang), Perhentian Islands Dive Sites (Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut) and Pulau Tenggol Dive Sites (Pulau Tenggol, Dungun)
Tioman Island Dive Sites (Pulau Tioman, Tioman)
Labuan Wreck Dives (Labuan)
Choose a PADI or SSI-registered centre. Sipadan needs a daily permit, so book months ahead.