Top 10 Dive Spots in Asia

It’s often claimed that we have more knowledge of the moon than we do of our oceans.

That idea is likely a myth. Honestly, the moon is no more than a cold, lifeless rock drifting through space.

In contrast, the oceans have the power to mesmerize even the most skeptical of art lovers. But they are fragile.

Human actions like overfishing and pollution are endangering nearly 95% of Southeast Asia’s coral reefs, according to the World Resources Institute.

Climate change is having a significant impact on coral reefs. In Thailand, officials have even closed well-known dive sites to give coral a chance to recover from bleaching.

Embark on a journey to 10 of Asia’s most awe-inspiring dive destinations, where you’ll encounter sharks, whales, sunfish, and more, while also learning about the challenges these ecosystems face.

1. Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia

Pulau Sipadan is Malaysia’s sole oceanic island, and until 2002, it was at the center of a fierce territorial dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s considered by many dive publications as one of the premier dive destinations globally.

Recently, the Malaysian government has had to crack down on illegal coral harvesting along the nation's coastlines.

Pulau Sipadan has also suffered from coral bleaching in the past, a phenomenon typically caused by rising sea temperatures that result in the death of coral, leaving the reefs ghostly white and 'bleached.'

One of the island’s most intriguing features is its 'turtle tomb,' an underwater limestone cave filled with narrow passages and chambers containing the remains of green sea turtles that tragically became trapped and perished.

For further details, visit Dive The World.

2. Similan Islands, Thailand

The clownfish, often spotted around the Similan Islands, is affectionately known as 'Nemo' to younger divers.

With its pristine white beaches, towering boulders, and crystal-clear waters, the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea offer the perfect setting for relaxation. Its remote location and diverse marine life – including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and countless fish species – make it an exceptional diving destination.

In 1982, the 11 islands of the archipelago were designated as a protected National Park by Thailand, safeguarded by stringent regulations.

The islands remain closed annually from mid-May to mid-October due to the Monsoon season, as the harsh weather makes it unsafe to visit.

Despite the protective measures, the government reports that some local fishermen continue to illegally fish during the monsoon, causing harm to the delicate coral reefs.

For additional details, visit Similans.net.

3. Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Stingless jellyfish are among the more intriguing creatures found in the waters surrounding the Derawan Islands, an archipelago of four inhabited islands and two uninhabited ones off the eastern coast of Borneo.

The jellyfish shown here are feeding in Kakaban Lake, located on Kakaban Island.

Without natural predators, these jellyfish have evolved over thousands of years to lose their defensive sting.

As a closed ecosystem, life in Kakaban Lake is vulnerable to the impacts of human activities, such as the use of outboard motors.

For more details about the Derawan Islands, visit Skin Diver Online.

4. Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

The Mergui Archipelago, consisting of around 800 islands, is a remote and largely untouched region, far from the bustle of the outside world. A haven for adventurous divers, it boasts massive boulders, caves, tunnels, and dramatic drop-offs.

Along with sharks and manta rays, divers might also encounter red lionfish (as shown). Their vibrant frills hide venomous spines along their backs, which are used solely for self-defense.

When hunting, lionfish rely on their lightning-fast reflexes to engulf their prey whole.

While the Andaman Sea has largely avoided the overdevelopment, coral bleaching, and nutrient overload affecting other regions, fishing practices like trawling, longlining, and blast fishing have still taken a toll on local fish populations.

For additional details, visit Mergui.org.

5. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Located off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua province, the Raja Ampat Islands boast the highest recorded diversity of fish and coral species on the planet – with 537 species of coral and 1,074 species of fish, according to The Nature Conservancy.

So far, the islands have shown remarkable resilience to coral bleaching and disease. They are known for helping replenish nearby reefs with coral larvae.

Overfishing, pollution, and coastal urbanization pose serious threats to the reefs. The local government is collaborating with agencies to safeguard marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

Here we see fusilier fish, a common sight around Raja Ampat. These sleek fish move in a stunning zig-zag pattern at high speeds, often appearing to move as one – a mesmerizing spectacle.

For more details about the Raja Ampat Islands, visit Diverajaampat.org.

6. Andaman Islands, India

The ribboned sweetlips, a strikingly colorful species, is a common resident of the Andaman Islands. These fish can reach lengths of up to 50 centimeters, living solitary lives in deeper waters while feeding on crabs, shrimp, and sea snails.

Their brilliant colors help them blend in with the corals, aiding in their camouflage while hunting.

To protect marine species, including large game fish like black marlin and sailfish, the Indian government has implemented a ban on commercial fishing around the 572 islands that make up the Andaman Islands.

For more details on the Andaman Islands, visit www.andamans.gov.in

7. Komodo Island, Indonesia

The waters surrounding Komodo Island are home to a rich diversity of marine life, from sunfish, manta rays, and dolphins to pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and the venomous blue-ringed octopus, making it one of the most diverse dive destinations on earth.

In recent years, dynamite fishing and a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak have caused significant damage to the reefs. To aid in recovery, artificial electric reefs have been introduced to help rebuild the coral ecosystem.

For more details about Komodo Island, visit Dive The World.

8. Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia

Tulamben, a quaint fishing village, is home to one of Bali's most popular dive sites. The wreck of the USAT Liberty, a U.S. Army transport ship, was sunk by a Japanese torpedo during World War II, creating a fascinating dive site.

The 120-meter-long wreck now serves as a thriving habitat for various fish species, including batfish, angelfish, pufferfish, and hawkfish.

Fishing is prohibited in the waters around Tulamben, and several resorts have implemented eco-friendly initiatives. However, the growing number of visitors – as many as 100 divers per day during peak times – poses a potential risk to the site.

For more details about Tulamben Island, visit Sea Focus.

9. Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan

The Kerama Islands boast 76 dive sites and are well-preserved, thanks to a local community that supports both its natural marine ecosystems and sustainable tourism.

The Akajima Marine Science Laboratory, located on Akajima Island (with a population of 300), was established in 1988. It has since provided valuable data and recommendations for Japan’s reef protection efforts.

Cuttlefish (pictured) are among the many marine species found around the Kerama Islands, alongside majestic creatures like humpback whales and manta rays. Despite their name, cuttlefish are actually mollusks, not fish, and can quickly change color to blend into their surroundings when threatened.

For more details on the Kerama Islands, visit Japan National Tourism Organisation.

10. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Philippines

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in the Philippines teems with marine life. Sharks, turtles, and vibrant reef fish can frequently be seen gathering around the atoll.

The U.N. describes Tubbataha as 'a pristine coral reef with a dramatic 100-meter vertical wall, vast lagoons, and two coral islands,' making it a true natural wonder.

Shipping, marine pollution, and oil exploration are significantly disrupting the natural habitats, placing many species at risk of extinction.

There are hopes that the establishment of a 'buffer zone' around the reef's most vulnerable areas, along with stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws, will help protect these endangered species and ensure their survival.

For more details on Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, visit Tubbatahareef.org.