After
extensively investigating this fascinating coastal region, testing
all the dive sites and hotels, we have selected the very best
diving resorts on the East Coast Peninsula of Malaysia and Borneo
for you to choose from.
Each
resort has its own unique attraction depending on whether you
are looking for secluded luxury or an action packed adventure
- just contact us
with your requirements and we will construct the perfect diving
holiday itinerary to suit your specific needs both above and below
the waves.
The area has much to offer on land and we highly recommend adding
some or all of our excursions
to your holiday. Malaysia is home to some of the worlds most endangered
wildlife, including the Orang utan (Sepilok), Proboscis Monkey (Sukau)
and tiger (Taman Negara). For the more adventurous there is also
the opportunity to climb Mount Kinabalu or white water raft along
the renowned Padas and Kiulu Rivers.
BORNEO
Most
diving areas are in the northeastern state of Sabah, a largely mountainous
state with lush tropical rainforests, a long coastline dotted with
powdery white beaches and some of the most spectacular coral reefs
and marine life in the world. It was named 'The Land Below the Wind'
by the maritme traders of old as it lies below the typhoon belt,
making diving possible all year round.
The people of
Sabah comprise over 30 indigenous groups, each with their own distinctive
customs and festivals. The most popular festival in Sabah is the
Kaamatan Festival where the Kadazan/Dusan community pay homage to
the rice spirits for a successful harvest. Held annually in May,
it is celebrated with much pomp and splendour.
A paradise for
naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, divers, mountaineers or just
about anyone who wants to be close to nature.
LAYANG
LAYANG RESORT
Translated
from Malay, Layang Layang means 'Swallows Reef'. This oceanic atoll
is situated in the South China Sea about 300 kilometres north west
of Kota Kinabalu. The reef topography is essentially made up of
a rich growth of hard corals; some are shallow that they break surface
during low tides, but most begin at depths of about 5 metres and
the wall plunges to about 2000 metres to the ocean floor. The deep-water
attracts numerous pelagics and offers some exciting encounters off
the wall.
Getting
there - From
Kota Kinabalu an internal flight to Layang Layang.
ABDILLAH
PARADISE RESORT - SIPADAN
Lying
just off the northeast coast of Borneo, Sipadan, is Malaysia's only
oceanic island. Shaped by volcanic activity aeons ago, this 35 acre
island rises about 700 metres from the sea floor, attracting diverse
marine life from the blackness of the open sea.
Getting
there - From
Kota Kinabalu an internal flight to Tawau then a land transfer to
Semporna then a speed boat transfer.
KAPALAI
WATER BUNGALOWS
A
few minutes by boat from Sipadan but a full world away it lies the
exhilarating Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort , sitting on its sturdy
stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. Planned and
built in full style as an airy, comfortable, sunny water village
with no land in sight, it boats a mile-long sandbank of powdery
blindingly white sand where one can suntan at complete leisure.l.
Getting
there - From
Kota Kinabalu an internal flight to Tawau then a land transfer to
Semporna then a speed boat transfer.
PULAU
MABUL RESORT
Located
about 30 minutes from mainland Semporna, Pula Mabul is predominately
made up of actively producing coconut trees. Practically every tree
on the island is numbered and is associated with a distinct individual
who cares for the tree and harvests the coconuts. Mabul is famous
for its macro animals which inhabit the coral rubble and sea grass
sites.
Getting
there - From
Kota Kinabalu an internal flight to Tawau then a land transfer to
Semporna then a speed boat transfer.
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