If you wish to experience life underwater, Malaysia is an ideal destination. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white beaches, its tropical islands are popular among snorkelling enthusiasts who love to dive into beautiful reefs.
Here are some wonderful locations you simply must explore off the coasts of the country.
1. Sipadan
Pulau Sipadan, located in the Celebes Sea off the coast of Sabah, is one of the most gorgeous islands in Malaysia known for its world-class diversity of marine life.
The waters are home to beautiful living corals and sea creatures such as hawksbills, green turtles, barracudas, and big-eyed trevallies.
Make sure to check out the beautiful Turtle Tomb, which is formed by an underwater limestone cave, where you can swim with turtle friends and parrotfishes.
If you plan to stay for more than a day, check in at a dive resort for extra convenience. Also, remember to bring your sunscreen.
2. Redang
Situated in Kuala Nerus in Terengganu, Pulau Redang is renowned for its white beaches and clear waters. The island is home to a marine sanctuary park, where you’ll find many diving spots for shallow-water swimming and snorkelling activities.
In the waters you might encounter resident triggerfish, sergeant majors, parrotfish, stingray, and even blacktip sharks. Remember to bring your action camera to capture the magic.
All resorts on Redang offer snorkelling trips, where tour operators will help you along on your land and underwater adventures.
3. Tioman
Just 56km off the Pahang coast lies the beautiful Pulau Tioman. Surrounded by soft-textured white beaches and clear blue waters, this tranquil nature reserve is perfect for those who enjoy a laidback environment surrounded by mountains.
The waters are home to stunning corals and a variety of marine life. While snorkelling, you might encounter many sea creatures such as huge map puffers, giant moray eels, lionfish, bump head parrotfish, and sweetlips.
Some of the best beaches here are Monkey Beach, Paya Beach, and Juara Beach. Since Tioman is surrounded by shallow reefs, a boat ride is not needed, so you can step into the ocean from the shore.
4. Langkawi
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Pulau Langkawi in Kedah is one of the best locations for snorkelling in Malaysia. Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu, in particular, are two beaches you should visit for the most memorable undersea experience.
The waters are famous for black-tipped baby sharks, butterflyfish, pink anemonefish, and rare rabbitfish. You also have the chance to swim with larger marine species such as giant groupers, moray eels, and snappers.
Datai Bay is a private beach, so if you’re planning to snorkel here, stay at the Andaman Resort or Datai Langkawi. Also make sure to take boat rides to Pulau Payar Marine Park and Pulau Dangli Beach to make the most of your vacation.
5. Perhentian
Perhentian is actually made up of two islands – Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. They are known for their soft sands and turquoise waters, which are home to titan triggerfish, needlefish, four-dotted stingrays, clownfish, yellow boxfish, and schools of parrotfish.
The islands are also one of the few recommended spots to learn diving. Beginners can sign up for the Padi Open Water Diver course at Anti-Gravity Divers Dive School, where you’ll be guided by professional instructors and get to explore in greater depth (literally!) the beautiful world of marine life and natural corals.
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.