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Scuba diving in Malaysia

Marine-park islands on the east coast, world-class walls and muck diving in Sabah, and 78 SSI dive centres to learn with.

East coast islands

The islands of Pahang, Terengganu and Johor are mainly dived from around March to October, when the sea is calm.

Perhentian diving5 SSI centres Tioman diving12 SSI centres Pulau Aur divingDestination guide Redang diving1 SSI centres Lang Tengah divingDestination guide Pulau Dayang divingDestination guide Pulau Sibu diving1 SSI centres Pulau Tenggol diving1 SSI centres

Sabah

Malaysian Borneo can be dived year-round, from the oceanic walls of Sipadan to the macro life around Mabul.

Kota Kinabalu diving9 SSI centres Sipadan divingDestination guide Mabul divingDestination guide Semporna diving6 SSI centres

More destinations

Further options around Malaysia.

Langkawi diving1 SSI centres Miri diving1 SSI centres Labuan diving1 SSI centres

Learn with an SSI centre

Browse all dive centres in Malaysia, compare SSI Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventurer options, or read about the SSI certification pathway. Diving from Singapore? See scuba diving in Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to dive in Malaysia?

East coast islands such as Tioman, Redang and Perhentian are mainly dived from around March to October. Sabah, including Sipadan and Mabul, can be dived year-round.

Do I need a permit for Sipadan?

Yes. Sipadan diving is controlled through a limited number of daily permits allocated via licensed operators, so book well ahead.

Where is the best place in Malaysia to learn to dive?

Many divers learn on the east coast islands, which have calm, shallow reefs in season, or with a centre near home before travelling. Compare SSI centres by destination.