If you’re looking to combine a little aqua time with your next overseas foray, you might consider one of these top diving destinations from across Southeast Asia.
Adventurious lads, it’s time to don your wetsuits and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice looking to explore the deep blue, here are the best scuba diving destinations in Southeast Asia that promise an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
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Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is the Holy Grail of scuba diving. With over 1,500 islands, this archipelago boasts the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. Expect to see everything from majestic manta rays and wobbegong sharks to pygmy seahorses and a kaleidoscope of coral species. October to April offers the best conditions, with calm seas and excellent visibility. Simply fly into Sorong Airport from Jakarta or Bali, then hop on a boat to your diving lodge or book a cabin on a liveaboard.
Similan Islands, Thailand
The Similan Islands are famed for their dramatic underwater rock formations, swim-throughs, and vibrant coral gardens. Diverse marine species including whale sharks, leopard sharks, and sea turtles call the islands home, while there’s also pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful fish.
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You’ll get the best action between November and April, when the seas are calm and visibility is at its peak, especially when you board a liveaboard from Phuket.
Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs boasts some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, situated in the middle of the Sulu Sea. You’ll spot reef sharks, manta rays, and an impressive variety of coral and fish species – lucky divers might even encounter whale sharks. Fly to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and embark on a liveaboard expedition between March and June, when diving conditions are optimal.
Sipadan Island, Malaysia
Sipadan is Malaysia’s top diving destination, renowned for its dramatic drop-offs and abundant marine life. Barracuda tornadoes, green and hawksbill turtles, and an array of pelagic species like hammerhead and reef sharks are found here year round but the best diving conditions are between April and December, with May to September being the peak season.
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To reach Sipadan, fly to Tawau via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, then transfer by road and boat to Semporna and onwards to Sipadan.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Famous for its strong currents, Komodo offers thrilling drift dives and encounters with large pelagics. Here you’ll likely spot giant trevallies, reef sharks, and manta rays. The vibrant coral reefs also host a myriad of smaller marine creatures, including nudibranchs and seahorses. To reach Komodo, simply fly to Labuan Bajo from Bali or Jakarta, then take a boat out to the park, with the best times to visit between April and November, with the dry season providing the clearest waters.
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
The Mergui Archipelago is a remote and largely unexplored diving haven, offering pristine dive sites and rich marine biodiversity. Intrepid divers will encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and various species of sharks and rays. The area’s coral reefs are some of the most untouched in the region.
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While the best time to visit is November to April, when the seas are calm and visibility is excellent, Myanmar’s turbulent political situation makes visas a little tricky. If you do manage to get one, fly to Kawthaung via Yangon or Bangkok, then embark on a liveaboard cruise.
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