Labuan diving guide

About diving at Labuan

Labuan is a duty-free federal territory off the coast of Borneo and one of the best wreck-diving destinations in Southeast Asia. Its fame rests on four large wrecks, each with a different story, from the Second World War to the 1980s.

The reefs of Labuan Marine Park offer easier diving between wreck days, but the wrecks are the reason most divers come.

What makes Labuan special

• The Cement WreckA large cargo ship that sank in the 1980s and now sits upright, making it the most accessible of the big four.
• The Blue Water WreckA fishing vessel wreck known for clearer water than the others.
• The American WreckA US Navy minesweeper lost in 1945, lying deeper and suited to experienced wreck divers.
• The Australian WreckAn older steamer sunk during the Second World War, also a deeper dive for trained divers.

Marine life to look for

• Schooling batfish
• Groupers
• Barracuda
• Lionfish
• Soft corals on the wrecks
• Reef fish

When to dive

Diveable for much of the year; conditions vary with the monsoons, so ask your centre about your dates.

Getting there

Fly into Labuan, or take a ferry from Kota Kinabalu or Brunei.

Who it suits

Wreck enthusiasts. The deeper wrecks need SSI Advanced Adventurer-level experience at least, with Enriched Air Nitrox and wreck training strongly recommended.

Local tips

• Bring a torch and a reel or spool for wreck dives.
• Never penetrate a wreck without proper wreck training and a guide.
• Nitrox gives longer bottom times on the deeper wrecks.

Learning to dive at Labuan

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 scuba diving in Malaysia.