When
it comes to diving spots, nothing quite compares to Asia. With a few
countries in the region lying at the “Coral Triangle” – a marine
biodiversity-rich area where three major oceans meet – you are bound
to see over half of all coral species here, as well as thousands of
reef fish, critters, and sea turtles.
To help narrow down your choices, here
is a list of five of the best diving spots in Asia.
is a list of five of the best diving spots in Asia.
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Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park – Philippines
When you’ve got a diving spot that’s an
acclaimed UNESCO Heritage Site and a New 7 Wonders of Nature nominee,
you know you’re in for a serious underwater treat. Tucked in Sulu
Sea, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is coveted not only for its
unique lagoons, hundreds of coral and fish species, and perpendicular
wall, but also for the various endangered species that have made the
reef their home. Among these are 11 species of shark – most notably
white tip sharks – dolphins, manta rays, whales, jacks, and
barracuda. Green sea and hawksbills turtle are a common sighting here
too, with the atoll serving as their nesting ground.
acclaimed UNESCO Heritage Site and a New 7 Wonders of Nature nominee,
you know you’re in for a serious underwater treat. Tucked in Sulu
Sea, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is coveted not only for its
unique lagoons, hundreds of coral and fish species, and perpendicular
wall, but also for the various endangered species that have made the
reef their home. Among these are 11 species of shark – most notably
white tip sharks – dolphins, manta rays, whales, jacks, and
barracuda. Green sea and hawksbills turtle are a common sighting here
too, with the atoll serving as their nesting ground.
2. Pulau Sipadan – Malaysia
Arguably Malaysia’s topmost diving
destination, Pulau Sipadan off Sabah’s eastern coast is known for two
unique sites: Barracuda Point at the northern tip of the island,
where blacktail barracuda often congregate and encircle divers; and
Turtle Tomb, a limestone cave with underwater tunnels and chambers
housing the remnants of marine turtles. Other residents of the island
include white tip sharks, parrotfish, jacks, and hawksbills and green
sea turtles, which often come to nest on shore from April to
September. The island is best suited for intermediate to advanced
divers.
destination, Pulau Sipadan off Sabah’s eastern coast is known for two
unique sites: Barracuda Point at the northern tip of the island,
where blacktail barracuda often congregate and encircle divers; and
Turtle Tomb, a limestone cave with underwater tunnels and chambers
housing the remnants of marine turtles. Other residents of the island
include white tip sharks, parrotfish, jacks, and hawksbills and green
sea turtles, which often come to nest on shore from April to
September. The island is best suited for intermediate to advanced
divers.
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Komodo Island – Indonesia
While Komodo is best known for its
resident Komodo Dragons, for divers it’s also a must-dive mecca that
provides unchartered access to various species of sharks, turtles,
manta rays, dolphins, and the blue-ringed octopus, one of the rarest
and deadliest of its kind. The venom from this octopus can kill over
two dozens of humans in a matter of minutes.
resident Komodo Dragons, for divers it’s also a must-dive mecca that
provides unchartered access to various species of sharks, turtles,
manta rays, dolphins, and the blue-ringed octopus, one of the rarest
and deadliest of its kind. The venom from this octopus can kill over
two dozens of humans in a matter of minutes.
Another popular attraction is the
Cannibal Rock at the island’s southern end, which contains soft
corals and invertebrates, including scorpion fish and frog fish.
Cannibal Rock at the island’s southern end, which contains soft
corals and invertebrates, including scorpion fish and frog fish.
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Similan Islands – Thailand
One of the most popular dive sites in Thailand is Similan Islands, which consist of 11 islands forming a National Park. Located off Andaman Sea, the islands are pretty secluded, affording divers access to untouched marine life, including whale sharks, rays, and turtles. A striking feature of Similan Islands are its massive underwater boulders that serve as passages for swim-throughs. Beach bums also rave about the islands’ powdery sand and glassy, aquamarine waters.
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Andaman Islands – India
Andaman Islands is know for its 570-plus islands that serve as a habitat for various crustaceans and fishes, including sailfish, black marlin, and the deep-sea living ribboned sweetlips, which spans up to 1.6 feet. Among the more popular islands are Margherita’s Mischief and Neil Islands, whose unspoiled reef draws divers of all shapes and sizes. Neil Islands serves as a more peaceful antidote to the busy Havelock Island, known for its stunning beaches, pristine rainforests, and birds. Other dive sites you can explore are K Rock, Bus Stop, and Junction.
Tip: Before heading out for a
dive, make it a point to grab a sturdy dive watch. Not only are dive
watches designed to be waterproof at unprecendented depths, they also
provide excellent readability even under poorly lit conditions. Above
all, they’re crucial in reminding you when to swim back to the
surface to avoid lung complications. For completeinformation on dive watches, Scuba List Pro has an excellent
article on the subject.
dive, make it a point to grab a sturdy dive watch. Not only are dive
watches designed to be waterproof at unprecendented depths, they also
provide excellent readability even under poorly lit conditions. Above
all, they’re crucial in reminding you when to swim back to the
surface to avoid lung complications. For completeinformation on dive watches, Scuba List Pro has an excellent
article on the subject.
