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Diving in Malaysia

Diving in Malaysia, awesome eco marine life around the best Malaysian Islands




Diving in Malaysia is for most people interesting on the east coast (Tioman, Redang, Perhentian) and in Sabah Borneo (Sipadan is one of the worlds most spectacular - and expensive- places to dive).

The west coast of Malaysia is not well known for it's diving spots.

Does it mean diving on the west coast is impossible? On the contrary, diving in Penang may be impossible but with Langkawi and the over 90 islands. Yes it is possible diving in Malaysia, the west coast is a good choice.

Penang and Langkawi as the most famous hotspots on the west coast, you would expecta good diving site too.

And we have it! Within reach of Langkawi and Penang the tiny uninhabited island of Payar is the diving pride and joy of the west coast.



Learning to dive, the first few steps


A non diver can not understand the excitement being underwater. Photos and video do not justice to the experience itself. Malaysia is a good country to start your diving adventure. A good place to start is Pulau Payar with it's quiet waters and plenty of things to see in your first dive.


There are a few prerequisites to start a diving in Malaysia course: first you can swim and you must be reasonably fit and healthy.



Diving in Pulau Payar, Malaysia
Diving in Malaysia, Pulau Payar



Our dive Company has an excellent PADI Open Water course (4 days) in which you will learn all the necessary basics for diving at Pulau Payar and (in principle) any other place. Additional course are available depending on the demand.



Experienced divers


Preparing for dive in Malaysia
Certified Dive Master in Malaysia

When experienced divers talk about diving in Malaysia they mostly talk about the east coast and Sabah. But after having seen Pulau Payar, many will acknowledge Payar too is an excellent dive spot. Maybe less known, but less known doesn't always mean less interesting.

The experienced divers do get their share of the fun. They too will have the possibility to explore the reefs and find an abundance of fish, anemones, nudibranches and other sea animals and plants.

Our dive masters know all the good spots on the reef so you will not miss anything.



What will you see?



Divers have always the same questions:
  • How deep do we go?
  • What's the viz (visibility)?
  • What fish is here to see?

Experienced licensed divers who will do fun dives will go as deep as 30 meters, the maximum RE-creational divers are allowed to dive. However, the best area to find what you are looking for most is between 6 and 15 meters but even in very shallow waters the reef is fantastic. In general the visibility is great, especially if you realize the marine park is right on the busy Straits of Malacca.



Safety


Non divers ask me sometimes: "isn't diving very dangerous?" My answer is always the same. If you follow the safety regulations which you learn in the very first Open Water Diver course lesson, there are few things that can go wrong.

Yes, it is dangerous if you are flying in and straight go for a dive. You need to rest 2 days before and after dive. This is to allow the body to release air pressure. If not, I was told ear drum might burst might arise.

Then again, it's much more dangerous to sit in a car on the motorway then go underwater with your buddy using the regulations you have learned. It is beyond the scope of this page to give you these details as they are part of the Open Water Course, our Dive Company has available.

And in case you are flying out, make sure you have not been diving for at least 24 hours to let the nitrogen bubbles, which formed in the blood, outgas out of the body circulation.


 
Marine Corals in Sipadan Sabah Malaysia
Diving in Malaysia, Sipadan courtesy of Diving Photographer Ning

Diving in Malaysia is generally safe and fun. The dive community is quite small.

For example if you dive at Pulau Payar and you go to the east coast or Sabah, it's not unlikely your dive master on the east coast will know the dive master in Payar.

Diving in Malaysia is a life changing experience. It will make you aware how fragile the system underwater is.

Many divers get addicted to diving. Some will become professional filmmakers or photographers. But all share the love for fish and sea life in general and threat it with respect.

Exotic Marine Life in Malaysia
Nudibranches and Seaworms in Sipadan,
Malaysia Courtesy of Diving Photographer Ning

So make it not only life changing but also a safe experience. As a photographer and diver, my diving friend Ning tells me it is an enriching experience.


I feel very privileged to receive her photos taken in her photography diving expedition.

I cannot begin to tell you how many hours I looked at many marine life photos and not feel bored, in fact I feel so awe inspired.

My antennae tells me to share the wonderful colors of our eco system and our marine life.


I am intoxicated by the babble of hundred fishes, marine sea life and corals. Simply put "magnificent is my expression!" I wrote a page some time back for Ning when she told me about Sipadan. This is her excellent photography work and you will see what a great diver she is too.

Equipment

As you expect from a professional dive organization, our dive company has everything you need available (well... you still need to bring your own swim suit). Masks, snorkels, fins, wet suits, everything is available. However, experienced divers may want to bring their own equipment. After all, diving with your own gear is still preferable then to use rented material.


Tours from Penang or Langkawi

Our dive company has a range of Water Certification Courses to Pulau Payar available. The diving industry is booming so enjoy our courses. Tell us what you need? Want to know more about our Pulau Payar Diving Certification Courses? Or if you are ready, fill up the form provided.



All about the Dive Sites in Malaysia.


Greatest Dive Sites: Malaysia, World

Go to Top of Diving in Malaysia Page.
Back to Diving Certification Course Page.
Back to Diving In Payar Page.
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It would bring me a lot of happiness when you share my site with your friends. Do find them in these social networking below. Thank you for making my day. God bless! Pearly.

Hard Rock Hotel

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For happy travellers wanting a great holiday in Penang, Hard Rock Hotel is certainly a great choice. With 249 room with great balconies and sea views, one can have vacation with a sweet smile.
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Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa

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The grand dame of Batu Ferringhi is Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa which has catapulted Penang to fame as the first beach resort in the region with a five star hotel status. Top notch with a spacious living room, dressing area, large marble bathroom, separate bath-shower and soaking bathtub on balcony, feel like a king and queen during your stay!
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Golden Sands Resorts

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Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort, Penang brings together the magic of the east and the comforts of the west, with its rooms and suites offering all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe resort. Recreational activities include exciting water-sports, jungle trekking, or simply lounging at one of its many pools.
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Hydro Majestic Hotel

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Hydro Majestic Hotel is situated along the famed Batu Ferringhi beach, a perfect hideaway for holiday makers and the businessperson. It is 25 minutes by car to Georgetown and 45 minutes to Bayan Lepas.
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Bayview Beach Resort

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The Bayview Beach Resort is the perfect retreat for holiday-makers, conference and business travelers. Lay back and enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees from the hotel's award-winning landscaped gardens.
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Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

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The wonders of Blue Mansion. Don't get me wrong, the exterior may be crummy, the interior of Cheong Fatt Tze mansion is an architectural marvel. God only knows how many times my breath was taken away when I gawked at the ceramic relief paintings, the old-encrusted wooden frames and the majesty of the spiral staircase.
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Tg Bungah Hotel

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Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel is the ideal venue for your banquet or corporate event. Whether its a wedding, group convention, theme party or a business meeting, the team of special event specialists will ensure that everything is arranged without a hitch.
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The Copthorne

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Everything you made need or want to spend your tourist dollar on is within 20 minutes of The Copthorne. Now, what about the hotel. The most important part, the management and staff that initially started the improvements are still there and worked hard on making our Copthorne Orchid in Penang stay a fantastic one."
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Paradise Sandy Bay

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Staying at Paradise Sandy Bay for the fact that it is situated near the beach and the room rates are really value for money, considered the 5-star looked a liked room.
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Flamingo by the Beach

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Formerly known as Penang Crown Jewel Penang hotel, it is now the Flamingo by the Beach hotel. It is one of Penang's hotel with good reputation for facilitating very well trained employees. Being situated in this vibrant area has many advantages such as good access to nearby points of interest.
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Northam All Suite

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The Northam All Suite is the first all suite Business Hotel in a resort setting in Gurney Drive Beach Hotels, Penang.
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G Hotel

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A bold, beautiful creation in homage to modern, contemporary design, G Hotel fuses cool modernity with stylish comfort. The stunning atrium lobby, washed in sumptuous lighting is accented with an imaginative and carefully selected collection of designer furniture.
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Gurney Resort Hotel and Residences

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The newest Hotel in Penang is The Gurney Resort Hotel and Residences. The Gurney Drive Beach Hotels is a sea-front resort cum business and entertainment hotel, highly regarded as one of the most prominent deluxe hotels in the city of Penang or Pulau Penang.
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Evergreen Laurel Hotel

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Evergreen Laurel Hotel, has a magnificent oceanfront location overlooking Georgetown city, and featured recreational facilities. Enter a World of Elegance and discover a new level of unrivaled hospitality; one that is extravagantly luxurious yet meeting all travelers needs with a finesse.
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Berjaya Georgetown Hotel

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Berjaya Georgetown Hotel Penang is part of the 1-Stop Midlands Park, a complex comprising condominiums, offices, shopping arcades, supermarkets, bowling alley, water theme park, food and entertainment outlets.