Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Water activities are gaining popularity, and international diving expert Lee Yueyao recently came to Taiwan to share his diving experiences in Malaysia’s underwater paradise. He specifically introduced Sipadan Island, voted by renowned UK diving media SCUBA Travel as the world’s top dive site in 2016, as well as the newly discovered secret dive spot North Luconia Shoals, offering diving enthusiasts a cool summer experience!
A diver with clownfish. (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)
During the sharing session, Lee Yueyao revealed must-visit islands and hidden gems for diving in Malaysia. For example, Sipadan Island in Malaysia is the best spot in the world to observe barracuda, and it also offers spectacular underwater scenery. The vast underwater pastures, where occasional water currents sweep through, are home to white-tip sharks, sea turtles, groupers, snapper schools, humphead parrotfish, and barracuda groups.
Humphead parrotfish at Sipadan Island. (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)
Tornado-like school of barracuda. (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)
The best months to dive in Malaysia are from March to September, when the climate is warm and pleasant. On islands in West Malaysia such as Tioman and Swallow Reef, and East Malaysian islands like Sipadan and Layang-Layang, divers can witness tornado-like schools of barracuda and spiral-shaped schools of snapper swimming right by them.
Wreck diving at Sipadan. (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)
A common concern among diving enthusiasts is how to protect dive sites and marine ecosystems from human damage. Lee Yueyao shared how he had long communicated with Sipadan resort operators, persuading them to withdraw from the island to reduce pollution. The Malaysian government has also held seminars, subsequently establishing protected areas and regulating related businesses to keep the dive sites unpolluted.
Ribbon eel. (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)
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