Dive Malaysia-Borneo
Malaysia has many fascinating dive locations. The beautiful islands off the east coast of Peninsular
Malaysia with their white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and lush tropical jungle foliage are
popular for an affordable getaway. The dive season here extends during the dry season from April to
October when visibility is at its best. Most dive resorts off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia close
during the yearly monsoon season between November and March.
The best dive sites in Malaysia can be found in the southeastern region of Sabah where diving is
conducted year round. Off the coast of Sabah lie the neighbouring islands of Layang Layang,
Lankayan, Mabul, Kapalai, Pom Pom, Mataking and Sipadan, the crown jewel of Malaysian diving.
Any of these islands host world class diving however Sipadan is well and truly one of the most
spectacular dive sites anywhere in the world. While accommodation no longer exists on Sipadan,
guests can stay at the nearby islands of Kapalai and Mabul.
Sabah is also a haven for nature lovers with Kinabalu National Park an UNESCO world heritage site
famous for bird watching and a huge range of endemic plant species. Visit the local wildlife parks
such as Sepilok Nature Reserve and meet the prized Orang-utans of Borneo. Other exotic wildlife
thrives along the shores of the Kinabatangan River including the Asian Elephant, bizarre looking
Proboscis Monkeys and the rare and endangered Sumatran Rhino.
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Malaysia Geographical Information
Malaysia is located in the heart of South-East Asia and is comprised of two bodies of land featuring
coastal plains rising to hills and heavily forested mountains and a tropical archipelago of some of the
most picturesque islands on Earth.
Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) shares a border with Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. 11 states and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is the national capital and the largest city.
The warm, clear waters of the South China Sea separates Peninsula Malaysia from East Malaysia (also known as Malaysian Borneo). Malaysian Borneo shares a land border with the small oil country of Brunei and Indonesia (Kalimantan) and is comprised of the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.
Sabah is the Malaysian state located at the north-eastern tip of Borneo and is considered to be one of the most biologically rich regions on the planet. Surrounded by the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east, it is covered in lush rainforests with an unsurpassed collection of plants and animal species above and below the water. The city of Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Sabah.
Things to do in Malaysia
Malaysia has something for everyone. The multicultural society of Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups living together in peace and harmony has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals.
Kuala Lumpur is a modern city with towering skyscrapers, diverse restaurants, shopping malls, stores and street-side stalls, nightlife and a range of hotel accommodation. Outside of the city you can explore the highlands, caves or the many tropical islands located off the peninsula where snorkelling and diving opportunities abound.
Malaysian Borneo is an ideal destination for divers wanting to combine their dive holiday with some unique topside activities. Borneo is richly blessed with natural diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. Apart from scuba diving and snorkelling, you could also:
- Forage amongst the markets, shops and restaurants of Kota Kinabalu
- Climb Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain at 4,095 metres
- Visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre at Sepilok and the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary at Labuk Bay
- Look for wildlife, flora and fauna along the Kinabatangan River, around Gomantong Cave and in the Danum Valley Conservation Area and see some ancient Kadazandusun burial sites
- Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at Sandakan Memorial Park
- See the green and hawksbill turtles nesting and hatching at Turtle Island Park
Whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, birdwatching and wildlife encounters are popular activities.
When to Travel to Malaysia
Malaysia is hot and humid year round.
Peninsula Malaysia
Malaysia experiences a hot, humid climate throughout the year. The average maximum daytime temperature is 30°C, whilst overnight temperatures may only drop as low as 21°C.
The best time to dive on the east coasts of Malaysia is during the dry season which generally runs from April to October. Although it can rain during anytime of the year, the dry season has less constant rain.
November to March marks the wet season on the east coasts, when the northeast monsoon is blowing, bringing stronger winds and more rain. Most beaches and accommodation on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia are closed during this period of the monsoon season. Borneo is less affected by the monsoon cycles, accommodation and diving is open year round with the exception of Layang Layang Resort which is only open between March and August.
Lower water levels may cause river transport to be more difficult during the dry season and some villages, longhouses and inland sights may be harder to reach.
The best time of year to visit the west coast, the lowlands or the highlands is from November to March which is their dry season.
Scuba Diving in Malaysia
The majority of the best diving destinations in Malaysia are located off the east coasts of Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo.
The east coast of Peninsula Malaysia offers easy diving and healthy reefs in the calm, coastal waters of the many islands plus more advanced diving deeper offshore with drifts, pinnacles and even some shipwrecks to explore.
Sabah has been voted one of the world’s top diving locations. The island of Sipadan, off the east coast of Sabah, was endorsed as one of the top dive spots by world-renowned diving legend, Jacques Cousteau. From macro life to pelagics, wreck diving to wall diving, coral gardens teeming with a rich diversity of corals and fish, underwater caves with sleepy sharks and a cavern where turtles go to die - the diversity will amaze.
Layang Layang Island and Lankayan Island offer frontier diving if you're looking for somewhere different. Lankayan has seasonal whale shark sightings and Layang Layang offers some fabulous encounters with hammerheads and other pelagics.
- General Details
- Entry & Visa Requirements
- Medical & Health Requirements
- Currency
- Baggage
- Duty Free
- Weather
- Clothing
- Electricity
- Banking
- Language
- Religion
- Water
- Shopping
- Tipping
- Diving
- Departure Tax
General Details
Malaysia is situated in the heart of South-East Asia and is composed of Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the north coast of the island of Borneo which is the world’s third largest island. The state of Sabah sits on the north western tip of Malaysian Borneo and it’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, is the gateway to a tropical paradise of natural wonders, scenic beauty and a diversity of culture. The international country code for Malaysia is 606. Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Entry and Visa Requirements
(subject to change)
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for social visits of up to 3 months. Other passport holders please contact the appropriate authorities to check current visa requirements.
Medical and Health Requirements
Hospital facilities are located in all the main cities. Those visiting remote villages are advised to take malarial medication. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken.(For further details contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).
Currency
The currency of Malaysia is the Ringgit (MYR), often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. Money can be exchanged at most hotels, banks and the airport. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, resorts and most shops. Please be aware that it may be difficult to exchange foreign currencies outside the main tourist centres.
1 AUD = approximately 3.20 MYR (June 2017)
Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Malaysia Airlines-30kgDomestic carriers are often restricted to 16kg.
(Subject to change without notice)
Duty Free
The allowance is 200 cigarettes or 225g of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits or wine. Cosmetics and perfume to the value of 200 MYR.Weather
Malaysia enjoys a warm tropical climate which is influenced by the Northeast and Southwest Monsoon. The period of May to September is usually the drier period. The east coast of Peninsula Malaysia and the states in Borneo normally have their rainy season between November and February. Generally the best time to travel is between April and October, but diving is year-round with temperatures ranging between22 °C to 30 °C.
Clothing
As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light clothing is ideal. For dinners and nightspots, smart casual wear is the norm. There are accepted dress codes at certain places, such as taking off shoes before entering. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts. Topless or completely naked sunbathing is not allowed.Electricity
220-240 volts AC, Plug G. (For further details refer to http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/ ).Banking
Major banks in Borneo are located in Kota Kinabalu and are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday with some branches open on Saturday mornings.Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, however English is widely spoken. Other prominent languages spoken are Mandarin and Chinese which are spoken by minorities.Religion
Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse nations in the world today. Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, with a large Buddhist community. Other religions, including Christian, Hindu and animist are also practiced.Water
Tap water is generally safe for drinking in the cities although boiling prior to consumption is recommended. A jug of drinking water is supplied by most hotels and bottled water is sold everywhere. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.Shopping
Kuala Lumpur is a major shopping destination and worth a stop over if time permits. Kota Kinabalu also has a major shopping mall offering brand name goods and local handicrafts. Bargaining is expected in the markets, unless fixed prices are displayed. Most shops keep their own opening hours, usually within the range of 10am-4pm.Tipping
Tipping is not necessary as most tour packages and meals are inclusive of service charges.Diving
Borneo has it all; from macro life to pelagics, wreck diving to wall diving, coral gardens teeming with a rich diversity of fish life and underwater caves. Some 3,000 species of marine creatures were first found and classified while diving fabulous sites in Malaysia around Sipadan and Layang-Layang. Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.
Departure Tax
There is currently no locally paid departure taxes for Malaysia.
More Information
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