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Brunei-Muara diving guide

Brunei's main diving area, home to the capital and the jetties at Muara and Serasa used for wreck and reef dives offshore.

About diving at Brunei-Muara

Brunei is one of Southeast Asia's least-crowded dive destinations, with around 60 dive sites and more than 30 shipwrecks — from Second World War relics to modern wrecks and old oil rigs — mostly reached from Muara and Serasa near Bandar Seri Begawan.

Visibility is usually more modest than at Borneo's oceanic sites, but quiet boats, warm water, varied wrecks and good macro life make Brunei a rewarding trip, especially for wreck lovers.

Illustration of a scuba diver exploring a coral reef at Brunei-Muara, Brunei

What makes Brunei-Muara special

  • Pelong RocksA short boat ride from Muara, with a sheltered fringing reef that is popular for training and relaxed fun dives.
  • The Cement WreckA large cargo ship that sank in the 1980s, one of the region's best-known wreck dives.
  • Bolkiah and Dolphin 88A naval vessel scuttled in 1992 and a barge that sank off Pelong Rocks in 2013, both now home to fish life.
  • Rigs to reefsDecommissioned oil-rig structures placed on the seabed as artificial reefs, including one of the first such projects in Asia.
  • Technical wrecksDeeper Second World War wrecks offer challenging dives for technical divers.

Marine life to look for

  • Groupers
  • Batfish
  • Eels
  • Giant clams
  • Nudibranchs and other macro life
  • Table and soft corals

When to dive

Diving runs year-round, with the best months usually from about March to November.

Getting there

Fly into Bandar Seri Begawan; dive boats leave from Muara and Serasa, around 30 minutes away. Ferries also connect Brunei with Labuan.

Who it suits

Beginners at Pelong Rocks; Advanced-level and wreck-trained divers on the deeper wrecks; technical divers on the deepest sites.

Local tips

  • Alcohol is not sold in Brunei — plan accordingly.
  • Wreck dives are often deeper than 20 metres; arrive with Advanced-level experience.
  • Weekdays are especially quiet on the water.

Learning to dive at Brunei-Muara

Visiting divers usually join an SSI centre for guided dives or courses such as SSI Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventurer. Check each centre’s dates and what its packages include.

Part of our guide to diving in Brunei.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brunei good for scuba diving?

Yes, especially for wreck lovers. Brunei has around 60 dive sites and more than 30 wrecks, with very few crowds.

Where do Brunei dive boats leave from?

Mainly from Muara and Serasa in the Brunei-Muara district, near the capital.

What is the best dive site for beginners in Brunei?

Pelong Rocks, a short boat ride from Muara, has a sheltered reef that suits training and new divers.