Pulau Layang-layang MALAYSIA | Layang-layang Island | Diving in Layang-layang Island Sabah

A diver's paradise, Sabah's Layang-Layang (pulau layang-layang, Malaysia) is actually a new name for an oceanic atoll once called "Swallow Reefs". Situated approximately 300km northwest of KK, Pulau layang-layang Malaysia is a tiny oceanic island surrounded by a coral atoll. It is among the famous Spratlys, which is a collection of about 600 islands, reefs, and atolls strategically located in the South China Sea. There are some who rate Pulau Layang-Layang as an exclusive dive location. The island has even been nicknamed "Big Fish" or the "Wall Diving Mecca of Southeast Asia".

Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia covers only six hectares but an atoll over 7km long and 2km wide surrounds it. The atoll features a 2000m sheer drop around its rim, thus making it an excellent dive site. Located far from land and human encroachment, its waters are crystal clear with visibility averaging 50-60m. Divers will therefore get a clear view of the amazing underwater habitats. As it is bathed in tropical conditions of 7.5 degrees north to the equator and 114 degrees east of the meridian, its waters are warm with surface temperatures ranging between 21-32 degrees Celsius.

One of Pulau Layang-Layang's biggest attractions is the Hammerhead Shark. Manta rays with fin spans of over 10ft are also found here. Other pelagic species that are found regularly include tuna, barracuda, and reef sharks.

The eastern end of the atoll is home to thousands of migratory birds. Hence Pulau Layang-Layang is not only a diver's paradise but also a bird watchers' haven.

HIGHLIGHTS

Diving in Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia is a stunning experience as the average visibility is between 30 to 50 meters. The island is an atoll and it drops off 2,000m before reaching the sea floor. Largely unexplored, much of Pulau Layang-Layang has never been seen before; the many reefs here harbour many species yet to be identified or named. Fishes of every colour and shape dart in and out of delicate pastel corals. Schools of hammerheads and pygmy devil rays are some of the fascinating sights. Reef grey sharks, turtles, dogtooth tuna, jacks and barracudas are usual appearance on your dives. If you are lucky whale sharks, mantarays and thresher shark do make an appearance. Armed with the spirit of exploration, divers from around the world have discovered this jewel in the blue wilderness. It is no wonder Pulau Layang-Layang It is no wonder Pulau Layang-Layang is placed at the top of their lists for the best diving spot.

ACOMMODATION

The island has one resort; the Pulau Layang-Layang Island Resort which provides comfortable accommodation, conference facilities and scuba diving excursions. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a private balcony. All meals are provided as part of the room package.

DIVER EXPERIENCE

Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia - Divesite Map

Over the last 10 years we have dived Pulau Layang-Layang frequently. Pulau Layang-Layang diving is mainly ‘blue water diving’ where the dive boat drops you a few meters off the reef (to mark the direction. You swim out into the blue, hanging around the 25-35 meter depth awaiting the show to begin. Usual sights are large schools of dogtooth tuna, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, devil rays and even whale sharks… sometimes nothing at all. As you swim back to the reef you will encounter schools of jacks in their hundreds and manta rays. If lucky, you will also see the ‘shy’ thresher shark for a few seconds. What is seldom mentioned is the rich marine life on the reef. Visibility is excellent and the variety of fish and coral are a sight to behold. We rank the reef of Pulau Layang-Layang as one of the best in the World. The house reef is a great macro diving spot.


Layang Layang is a wall diving mecca. The ocean floor drops to an amazing 2000 metres from the edge of the atoll. The combination of deep water and pristine walls attracts big fish galore and amongst Layang Layang's most famous are the Hammerhead sharks.

BEST SEASON

Due to the eastern monsoon the season in Pulau Layang-Layang, Malaysia is effectively limited to the period between the beginnings of March until late August.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Bird watching - A number of species of bird’s nest and visit the island. During the right time of the year, this would present good photographic opportunities for the bird watching enthusiast. Some non divers go to Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia just for the birds.

PACKAGE COST

For a 6 day 5 night dive package Pulau Layang-Layang will cost RM 3,710 for Malaysian residents and RM 4,955 for non-Malaysian residents ex Kota Kinabalu. The package includes the Kota Kinabalu/Layang-Layang/Kota Kinabalu flight, full board accommodation adn 12 boat dives.

The island can be reached by plane or cruise boats. The flight takes about 2 hours while the cruise takes 16 hours from KK.

Courtesy of Sabah Tourism and Tourism Malaysia.

Bahasa Melayu

Pulau Layang Layang Malaysia menjadi destinasi selaman skuba yang terkemuka di Malaysia selain Pulau Sipadan. Pulau karang ini terletak di lautan terbuka Laut China Selatan kira-kira 300 km ke barat-laut Kota Kinabalu iaitu ibu negeri Sabah.

Kawasan kecil ini menampung resort yang mempunyai 90 buah bilik mewah, sebuah pengkalan tentera laut Malaysia dan menjadi tempat koloni burung laut yang berhijrah dari satu tempat ke tempat yang lain mengikut musim untuk bersarang. Topografi terumbu karang di sini terbentuk dari batu karang keras yang subur dan ada di antaranya yang terletak di kawasan sangat cetek sehingga terdedah kepada udara sewaktu air surut, tetapi kebanyakannya bermula pada kedalaman kira-kira 5 meter hinggalah di dasar laut.

Antara hidupan laut yang sering kelihatan di 14 tapak selaman skuba di sini termasuk ikan yu sirip hitam, jerung hammerhead, ikan alu-alu, ikan cermin, 'bump-head parrotfish', 'lionfish', belut moray, penyu, 'nudibranch', ikan goby dan 'ghost pipefish'.