CONVERGENCE MAY - JUNE 2016

Travel
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DIVE AT THESE
DESTINATIONS
Syed said Malaysia has some of the best
world class dive destinations.
For beginners, he suggested islands such
as Tioman, Redang, Perhentian, Tenggol,
Mabul and off the city of Semporna.
For experts, he said: "The number one
dive spot is Sipadan Island. Everyone
knows that! It is an atoll like a mushroom,
dropping down to 325 metres. It is much
different than diving in Maldives. In one
dive in Sipadan, you get to see turtles
by the dozens, different species of
sharks, schools of jack fishes by the
thousands swarming around, a school
of Barracudas and Bumphead Parrotfish
which can grow to a minimum size of
three to five feet long. These fishes are
huge, like water buffaloes and swims in
a school of 20 to 30."
"If you're lucky, you will get to see it all
in one go."
In Maldives, however, he said that one
has to travel to different locations in
order to see different sea creatures.
Other than that, he also said that the
island is a mecca for diving enthusiasts
from all over the world as the underwater
visibility at Sipadan Island can reach up
to 50 metres.
Apart from Sipadan, he also suggested
Layang Layang Island which is also an
atoll known for viewing hammerhead
sharks that swim in schools of 40 to 50.
There are over 3,000 species of sea fishes
in the waters of Malaysia and hundreds
types of corals with new species of
marine life constantly being discovered.
With an average temperature ranging
from 25 to 30 degree celsius, Malaysia
has the most consistent weather in the
region, with the longest favourable
dive periods.
In general, the best months to dive are
from February to September when the
waters are calm, sunny days are longer,
and whilst rainfall and humidity are
relatively low.
In Sarawak, Kuching and Miri are popular
dive spots. The Satang and Talang-
Talang islands are perfect locations for
reefs such as anemones, sponges, and
crinoids while the Miri reef has two
shipwrecks lying 18 metres underwater.
Labuan also has a shipwreck which is a
Dutch steamship that sunk during World
War Two.
The waters of Payar Island Marine Park
of Langkawi have artificial reefs built
from tyres, concrete blocks and old
boats, which over the years have
developed into mature reefs formation
that is teeming with marine life while
Aur Island in Mersing, Johor Bahru has
excellent visibility due to its remoteness
from the mainland.
On an international scale, Syed suggested
Bali and Raja Ampat Island in Indonesia,
the Great Barrier Reef in Australia,
Maldives and Papua New Guinea.
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