Scuba Dive Layang Layang, Malaysia

A small atoll off the coast of Borneo in Malaysia,season is November to March. The water
Layang Layang is definitely an unbelievable divetemperature ranges from 26C to 30C year
destination for all levels of scuba diving fans. Describedround!There is just one resort on this atoll which is now
as "a little gem, a sparkle within the deep blue sea. Likeowned by the Avillion Hotel Group. Staying at this
a mariner's dream, it stands all alone, a striking haven inresort is the best way you can dive this atoll. The
the wide ocean awaiting a visitor." Layang Layang isresort is closed from September through to February
also known as 'The Jewel of the Borneo Banks', it haseach year which is the worst part of the rainy season.
created for itself a calm lagoon which teems withAs a side point, the inhabitants of the deep blue sea
wildlife. As many as 13 coral reefs have formed here,are not the only treasure on Layang Layang. Situated
creating a magnetic underwater scenery.on the other end of the island is a bird sanctuary
Layang Layang is situated 180 miles from Kotawhere migratory swallow, egret, brown foot bobbi,
Kinabalu in the South China Sea and is typicallycrested terns and other feathered creatures find a
reached by sea plane. It is an atoll 14 square kilometresresting place on a predator free breeding ground after
in diameter jutting 2000 meters from the Oceana long journey.
depths. Underwater visibility is up to 50m and theAnother great dive site is Shark's Cave. For some
extraordinary coral gardens of these virgin atoll reefsreason, this Layang Layang diving site has an
surrounding Layang Layang Island has never beenabundance of sharks of various varieties. At a depth
fished or experienced any kind of man-made pollution.of about 30 metres, on a sandy ledge, you are most
One of the best dive sites in Layang Layang (althoughlikely to encounter leopard sharks and whitetip reef
admittedly you'll be hard pressed to top most of thesharks.
dive sites here) is Dog Tooth Lair. This Layang LayangMoving on, you'll glide past coral formations -
dive site is named after the schools of large dog-toothgorgonians, black corals and barrel sponges - till you
tunas frequently found cruising here especially alongfind yourself at the mouth of a cave. The cave can be
the drop-off.penetrated to a length of about five or six metres.
The reef itself has a variety of coral gardens,Within the cave, you'll find leopard sharks, whitetip reef
complete with overhangs and ledges, just before thesharks and nurse sharks asleep on the floor. Watch
site plunges into the 2,000 metres abyss of the openout that you don't block their exit out of the cave
South China Sea. At the shallow end of the reef, you'llthough - you may be the object of an attack from
find schools of barracuda, big-eyed jacks, fusiliers andthese otherwise docile creatures.
surgeonfish on the move.Heading back out again into the open sea, you may
Another great dive site is Shark's Caveencounter sightings of hammerhead sharks, grey reef
April and May is the best time to see schools ofsharks, manta rays and eagle rays, all gliding past you
scalloped hammerhead sharks, which gather toin the open waters. Layang Layang diving is mostly
perform mating rituals.about big fish action and this site is a good bet for
April through October is the best time to visit. The rainyplenty of big fish.