LAYANG LAYANG
Situated roughly 300 kilometres northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Layang Layang is Malaysia’s only coral atoll and comprises of 13 linked reefs. A pelagic paradise, the island is the best place to come face to face with schools of hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays and whale sharks.
A small Malaysian naval base ensures that the water remains unpolluted and safe. As a result, the reefs are undoubtedly among the healthiest in the country, and there are countless species of fish to encounter, as the waters have never been fished. The only accommodation available on the island is Layang Layang Island Resort, whose friendly team will assist with all your diving needs.
The Point
Easily the best spot for diving in Layang Layang, The Point is situated on the eastern point of the island and is known for its exceptional visibility – up to around 50 metres. Among the myriad reef fish along the wall, look out for reef sharks, a well as smaller critters in the cracks and crevices.
Crack Reef
Located on the northern side of the island, Crack Reef is home to rare black coral and is teeming with marine life. The reef gets its name from a large vertical crack in the wall where the dive begins, which plummets to over 40 metres. Strong currents allow divers to easily cruise along the wall, encountering turtles and whitetip sharks as they move with the current. This spot is also great for underwater macro photography.