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The Best Malaysia Dive Resorts & Diving Packages

Malaysia Resort Diving: Sipadan Island, Lankayan and More

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Malaysia has plenty to offer tourists, both divers and non-divers alike; and its key attractions are affordability, ease of travel, wildlife adventures, as well as some phenomenal diving opportunities at the likes of Sipadan Island, Layang Layang and Lankayan Island. At all of these destinations the dive sites are very close to land, which is why Malaysia dive resorts are such a popular choice. Rather than sleeping on a boat, you step off the jetty and onto the reef within minutes. This proximity means dive resorts in Malaysia offer a relaxed, land-based rhythm that suits everyone from macro enthusiasts to families travelling with non-divers.

Map of Sabah (click to enlarge in a new window)

An equatorial paradise, Malaysia is blessed with an amazing underwater kingdom for diving and snorkelling, and offers pristine rainforests for wildlife safari tours, mountain ranges for trekking, wetlands for bird watching, and unspoiled islands for some sun and surf or simple relaxation. Sabah is one of the 2 Malaysian states in Borneo and is a land full of adventure and natural wonder. It is home to Mt. Kinabalu, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the world famous scuba diving mecca of Sipadan. Choosing one of the Malaysia dive resorts in Sabah means you can combine morning dives at Sipadan or Mabul with afternoon trips to see the nearby island - a flexibility that liveaboards simply cannot match.

Malaysia is a country that is developing quickly and you may be surprised by its modern infrastructure, how widely English is spoken and generally how easy it is to get by as a tourist. Kuala Lumpur is one of the best connected cities, with flights coming in from all over the world. You can easily hop from here to a great number of other destinations using one of Asia's low cost airlines. That connectivity extends to resort diving in Malaysia as well: most resorts offer package deals that include airport transfers, daily diving, and accommodation, removing the logistical headaches and letting you focus on getting in the water.


Where to Stay in Malaysia

The Malay Peninsula has several islands that are very popular with tourists who enjoy diving, including Tioman, Perhentian, Langkawi and Redang islands. However, our focus is on offering you the very best scuba packages in the country and these dive resorts are all located across in Sabah on the legendary Malaysian island of Borneo:


Sipadan

Lankayan dive resort

Sepilok Nature Resort



Sipadan Dive Resort Packages

Sipadan Island is famous among scuba divers the world over and its walls are considered by many to be among the top ten dive destinations in the whole world. Here you'll find enormous schools of barracuda and trevally, reef sharks, huge schools of marauding bumphead parrotfish, and more sea turtles than you can count. [More information on these dive sites: Sipadan].

There is a good selection of all-inclusive accommodations serving Sipadan, located on the shores of the nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai. Diving package choices cover most budgets, from backpacker style rooms to luxurious stilted resorts located atop the Celebes Sea!

> [More details: Sipadan Dive Resort Packages]

Lankayan Dive Resort Packages

Lankayan Island offers divers a wide range of underwater attractions, including healthy and vibrant reefs, interesting wrecks and seasonal whale sharks. [More information on these dive sites: Lankayan].

There is only one accommodation option here too, a very pleasant and well managed dive resort that balances well with nature. Their dedicated conservation efforts include an in-house turtle centre, which allows guests to witness the incredible spectacle of breeding, egg-laying, hatching and release of baby turtles.

> [More details: Lankayan Dive Resort Packages]

Day Trips

We also offer daytrips in Kota Kinabalu, and from Semporna to Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai.

Add-On Package

Orang-Utan Sanctuary - If this is your only planned visit to Borneo then we strongly recommend that you consider a stay at the homely Sepilok Nature Resort to allow you to witness the once-in-a-lifetime jungle encounter with endangered orang-utans.

Stays of 2 or 3 nights are ideal and this package can be added on to any of our Malaysian dive resort options in Sabah, although Sepilok is most conveniently located near Sandakan (for Lankayan).




Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
Sepilok Nature Lodge Sepilok Nature Lodge
From USD 68 per day

Customer rating: Excellent!

Max 44
Wi-Fi
  • 10 minutes walk from Sepilok Ora...
  • Eco-resort with bed & breakfast
  • Lunch and dinner available at th...
  • Birding, trekking and river guid...
  • Lakeside property, set among tro...
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
From USD 158 per day

Customer rating: Excellent!

  
Shore Dives
Max 178
Wi-Fi
  • Eco-friendly water village const...
  • 2 guaranteed dives at Sipadan wi...
  • Offers full board and diving pac...
  • Dive at Sipadan, Kapalai and Mab...
  • Unlimited self-guided jetty dive...
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
From USD 220 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

  
Shore Dives
Max 226
Nitrox
Wi-Fi
  • Mabul Island dive resort
  • Full board and diving packages
  • 2 dives at Sipadan for a 3-night...
  • Unlimited self-guided shore dive...
  • Large swimming pool and massage
  • Room-sharing policy for solo tra...
Lankayan Island Dive Resort Lankayan Island Dive Resort
From USD 186 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

  
Shore Dives
Max 54
Wi-Fi
  • Environmentally conscious resort...
  • The only property on the Lankaya...
  • Offers full board and diving pac...
  • Seasonal whale shark sightings
  • Land and water based activities
  • Turtle sanctuary
Mabul Beach Resort Mabul Beach Resort
From USD 65 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

Max 88
Nitrox
Wi-Fi
  • Offers full board economy dive n...
  • Sipadan diving permits available...
  • Scuba equipment rental included ...
  • Extra dive location at Si Amil
  • Option of sharing with another g...
  • Operates the Mabul Turtle Hatche...
Mabul Water Bungalows Mabul Water Bungalows
From USD 192 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

  
Shore Dives
Max 76
Nitrox
Wi-Fi
  • Luxury dive resort in Mabul
  • Full board dive and stay package...
  • Bungalows and suites available
  • Diving at Sipadan, Mabul and Kap...
  • Ocean kayaks
Seaventures Dive Rig Seaventures Dive Rig
From USD 150 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

  
Shore Dives
Max 75
Nitrox
Wi-Fi
  • Mabul dive resort
  • Offers full board and diving pac...
  • 2 guaranteed dives at Sipadan wi...
  • Converted oil rig with elevator ...
  • Single divers usually share acco...
Sipadan Mabul Resort Sipadan Mabul Resort
From USD 82 per day

Customer rating: Very good!

  
Shore Dives
Max 50
Nitrox
Wi-Fi
  • Mabul Island dive resort
  • Full board and diving packages
  • Dive at Sipadan, Mabul and Kapal...
  • Unlimited self-guided house reef...
  • Swimming pool, whirlpool spa, se...
  • Solo travellers can share a room
Kota Kinabalu Daytrips Kota Kinabalu Daytrips
From USD 73 per day

Customer rating: Be first to rate!
Sipadan Dive Day Trips Sipadan Dive Day Trips
From USD 267 per day

Customer rating: Be first to rate!

Useful Information for Malaysia Dive Resorts


The Climate and Best Time to Go

Malaysia enjoys a warm equatorial climate, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). In highland areas, temperatures can dip to a cooler 18°C (64°F). Rainfall averages 250 cm (98 inches) annually, with tropical downpours often accompanied by thunder and lightning. Humidity remains high year-round, typically around 80%.

Rainfall patterns vary by region. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and northeastern Sabah and western Sarawak experience heavier rains from November to February. The west coast of the peninsula sees increased rainfall between May and October. Despite seasonal rains, diving in Malaysia is fantastic year-round in most locations. For the best timing at specific sites, check our detailed Malaysian dive destination guides.

How to Get There

Malaysia serves as a premier travel hub in Southeast Asia, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA, code KUL) offering direct flights from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. For added convenience, select international airlines also service smaller regional airports like Kota Kinabalu (code BKI). Excellent regional connections are available from neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand, with frequent, reliable flights.

All international visitors must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days prior to arrival. We strongly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance that covers diving activities and trip cancellations. Our exclusive insurance programme offers competitive rates tailored for divers.

Choose Your Own Accommodation

Planning to explore Malaysia before or after your resort diving getaway? Discover a wide selection of accommodations at hotelscombined.com, our trusted hotel booking partner.

Save on your hotel - www.hotelscombined.com

Every reservation comes with their 'Low Price Guarantee, so you can book with confidence, knowing you’re getting the best value for your stay.



Got some questions about Malaysia? Get all the details on our frequently asked questions page.




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