Layang Layang Atoll (Swallow Reef) v2

Hammerheads, Deep Blue Walls, Remote Ocean Wilderness

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Located 300km off the coast of Sabah in the heart of the South China Sea, Layang Layang is one of Malaysia’s most remote and exhilarating dive destinations. This isolated atoll sits atop deep ocean drop-offs and is globally known for its seasonal hammerhead shark schooling, crystal-clear visibility, and dramatic blue-water walls.

Unlike other islands, Layang Layang has no local population, no fishing activity, and no coastal runoff. Resulting in pristine waters and thriving pelagic life. The atoll is home to a Malaysian Navy base and a single dive resort, making it a truly exclusive diving experience.

With only a short March-August season, Layang Layang is a bucket-list destination for divers seeking remote adventure, big pelagics, and untouched reefs far from the mainland.

Why Dive Here?

Hammerheads (Seasonal)

One of the few places in Asia to witness schools of scalloped hammerheads at depth during Mar-May

Pristine Blue-Water Walls

Dramatic drop-offs with 40m+ visibility and thriving pelagic ecosystems

Exclusive Diving

One atoll. One resort. Limited guests. Remote diving at its purest

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Location Info

A high-level summary, where it is, what's the diving like, and who it's suitable for

Location

300km off the coast of Sabah in the deep South China Sea

Diving Season

Mar-Aug
Best times: Mar-May

Number of Dive Sites

12

Type of Diving

Guided – boat, deep, drift, night

Diving Skill Level

Best for intermediate to advanced divers due to depth and blue-water conditions

Family Friendly

Yes, with some resort-based activities

Seasonal diving conditions, visibility ranges, water temps, and the marine life Layang Layang is known for

Water Temperature

27°C (80.6°F) to 30°C (86.0°F)

Underwater Visibility

Typically 20m (65ft) to 40m (131ft)

General Current Conditions

Moderate to strong, some sites require good drift management

Marine Highlights

Schools of scalloped hammerheads (seasonal), dogtooth tuna, jacks, reef sharks, occasional mantas

Suggestions and technical details to help you plan your dives safely and comfortably

  • Cylinder Valve: Usually Yoke, with limited DIN configurations
  • Wetsuit: 3-5mm recommended
  • Nitrox: Available and recommended for repeated deep dives
  • SMB: Strongly recommended for drift ascents in blue water
  • Depth: Hammerhead sightings typically at 30-40m
  • Camera strobes & drones: Not allowed

How to get there, and what facilities to expect on this remote atoll

Access

Seasonal charter flights from Kota Kinabalu; no boat transfers

Medical

Small clinic on site; recompression chamber in Kota Kinabalu; evacuation is weather-dependent

ATM/FX

Not available. Bring sufficient Malaysian Ringgit

Connectivity

Mobile data is limited or intermittent

Retail Shops

Mini store in the resort for souvenirs and basic necessities

Other Activities

Snorkelling, birdwatching, kayak

Important safety information for diving in a remote, deep water environment

  • Chamber: No on-site hyperbaric chamber
  • Insurance: Dive insurance is strongly recommended
  • Depth: Deep blue water requires strong buoyancy and gas planning
  • Remoteness: Emergency evacuation may be delayed by weather or flight availability
  • No medical stores: Bring required medication

Good-to-know tips and important notes to ensure a smooth experience

  • Operating Window: Resort only operates during Mar-Aug
  • Weather: Trips are weather-dependent; rare cancellations may occur
  • Environment: Strict “no touching / no fishing” zone
  • Exclusivity: Only one resort; limited spots during peak season
  • Reservations: To book at least 1 month in advance before arrival date to obatain entry permits from the Malaysian Navy 

Featured Dive Sites

A selection of our favourite sites highlighting Layang Layang's pelagic action, and blue water diving

Dogtooth Lair

Maximum depth: 40m

Currents: Moderate

A high-energy site where dogtooth tuna patrol the steep walls that plunge over 2,000m into the blue. Expect turtles, jacks, fusiliers, reef sharks. Keep an eye out into the blue – Hammerheads cruise through this area during season.

Wrasse Strip

Maximum depth: 40m

Currents: Moderate to strong

A vibrant reef bursting with hard and soft corals that feel almost sculpted. Schooling barracuda, batfish, sweetlips, and bumpheads frequent this technicolor stretch. Look to the blue to pelagics – white tips, eagle rays, mantas, and seasonal hammerheads.

Shark Cave

Maximum depth: 40m

Currents: Mild

Begin your dive along a gentle drop-off before descending to a small cave where resting sharks can be observed calmly. Outside the cave, pelagics patrol the blue. A site that rewards slow, minfdul diving and solid gas planning.

The Valley

Maximum depth: 40m

Currents: Mild to moderate

A scenic slope filled with large coral formations and abundant reef life – Turtles, groupers, sweetlips and triggerfish. Overhangs hide nudibranchs, while sandy patches host garden eels and ribbon eels. Always glance into the blue for pelagics.

Gorgonian Forest

Maximum depth: 40m

Currents: Moderate to strong

One of Layang Layang’s signature dives, where dense gorgonian sea fans line a dramatic wall with visibility up to 50m. When currents run, marine life gathers in impressive numbers across the reef. Hammerheads often cruise just off the wall – A breathtaking sight during peak season!

Getting There

Because it is located far offshore with no public transporation routes, Layang Layang is only accessible via seasonal charter flights.

Nearest Jetty : N/A – The only way to get to Layang Layang Atoll is via private plane charter from Kota Kinabalu Airport (IATA: BKI) to Layang Layang Airport (IATA: LAC)

Nearest Airport : Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA: BKI)
* Estimated travel time to Layang Layang is about an hour

Note : Flight costs are typically bundled in with the dive packages for convenience.

Planning a trip to Layang Layang?

Weather plays an important role in charter flight operations and overall diving conditions. Below is the latest forecast to help you plan your travel window. While Layang Layang’s Mar-May peak season typically offers calm seas and excellent visibility, conditions can still vary day to day. Always check updates before your trip 🤙

[to insert weather forecast + moon phase widget]

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