World-Class Islands, Big Pelagics, Legendary Dive Sites
Home to over 15 world-class dive destinations, including Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Layang Layang, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. East Malaysia is a must-visit for any diver.
This region sits within the Coral Triangle, the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem, making it home to unmatched underwater life: Schooling barracudas, bumpheads, turtles, reef sharks, hammerheads (in season), and countless macro species.
With modern airports and short island transfers to most resorts, Sabah and Sarawak are surprisingly accessible. From beginner-friendly sites to bucket-list adventures, East Malaysia delivers both convenience and world-class diving in one place.
Whether you’re new to diving or planning a bucket-list experidion, we can help you choose the right island and season based on real diving experience.
Conditions are generally good year-round in East Malaysia, but certain islands and atolls have clear peak seasons. Use this overview to time your trip for the kind of diving you want.
Sipadan
Mar-Oct
Peak pelagics + ideal visiblity. Limited permits - book early
Suitable for advanced divers
Mabul & Kapalai
Mar-Sep
Great year round. Choppier conditions during NE monsoon (Nov-Feb)
Layang Layang Atoll
Apr-May
Short hammerhead window. Resort season Mar-Aug
Wall diving with currents - experienced divers recommended
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Apr-Sep
Generally diveable most of the year. Ideal for training, leisure dives, and short getaways
Lankayan
Mar-Oct
Diveable all year round, but best months offer calmer seas + better visibility.
Known for tranquility and turtle sightings
Kota Belud
Apr-Aug
Best during drier months. Home to scenic reefs with occasional pelagic sightings.
Open sea diving - Suitable for intermediate divers
Tip of Borneo
Apr-Sep
Scenic, less-visited where Sulu and South China Seas meet.
Offers macro and seasonal pelagic sightings
Sabah: All year round
North Sabah: May-Sep
Sarawak: Mar-Oct
Averages 28-29°C
(82-84°F)
3mm wetsuit recommended
Typically 15-40m depending on site & season
WWII wrecks, pelagics, macro critters, world-class wall diving
Sipadan requires advance booking
All marine parks require conversation fees
Yoke is most common
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Kota Kinabalu Naval Base : +6088 482 000
Labuan Recompression Chamber : +6087 412 122
We partner only with operators who meet our standards for safety, professionalism, and guest experience - the same places we choose for our own dives
Trusted by divers across Malaysia and Southeast Asia
We match lower prices
(T&Cs apply)
Handpicked for safety, professionalism, and experiences
Real divers give real recommendations, not algorithms
Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll recommend the right islands, seasons, and resorts - Based on real diving experiences, not algorithms, not guesswork.
