Is there good diving in Borneo?

Yes, Borneo is a great destination for scuba diving, with many world-class dive sites that offer a diverse range of underwater experiences. The island’s clear waters are home to a rich and varied marine ecosystem, including colorful coral reefs, vibrant schools of fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and other exciting sea creatures. Some of the best dive sites in Borneo include Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Layang-Layang Island, Derawan Islands, Pom Pom Island, and Lankayan Island. These sites offer opportunities for both novice and experienced divers, with varying depths and currents, and a range of marine life to see. Whether you’re interested in macro photography, deep-sea diving, or simply exploring the fascinating underwater world, Borneo is a fantastic destination for scuba diving.

Borneo is an island in Southeast Asia, shared by three countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is a popular destination for divers due to its abundant marine life, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. There are several popular diving spots in Borneo that offer a diverse range of underwater experiences. Here are some of the top spots you should consider when planning a diving trip to Borneo:

  • Sipadan Island: Sipadan is a small island located off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysia. It is renowned for its wall diving and large pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
  • Mabul Island: Mabul is a small island located near Sipadan and is famous for its macro diving. Divers can spot an incredible variety of small marine life, including seahorses, nudibranchs, and octopuses.
  • Layang-Layang Island: Layang-Layang is a small atoll located in the South China Sea, off the coast of Sabah. The island is home to a large population of schooling hammerhead sharks, as well as other large pelagic species.
  • Derawan Islands: The Derawan Islands are a group of islands located in the Indonesian part of Borneo. The islands are known for their pristine coral reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays.
  • Sangalaki Island: Sangalaki Island is also located in the Indonesian part of Borneo and is renowned for its manta ray cleaning stations. Divers can also spot a variety of other marine life, including barracudas, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

When planning a diving trip to Borneo, it is essential to choose a reputable dive operator with experienced guides who can take you to the best spots and ensure your safety. Borneo offers a paradise of breathtaking underwater life that you won’t want to miss!

The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo

Borneo is a beautiful island located in Southeast Asia, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural scenery. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it an excellent destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Here are ten of the best places to scuba dive in Borneo:

  • Sipadan Island: Sipadan Island is located off the east coast of Sabah, and it is known for its vibrant marine life, including green turtles, reef sharks, and barracudas. It is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.
  • Mabul Island: Mabul Island is located near Sipadan Island and is famous for its diverse marine life, including seahorses, frogfish, and octopuses. It is an ideal place for macro photographers.
  • Layang-Layang Island: Layang-Layang Island is situated in the South China Sea and is known for its deep-sea diving. The island is home to schools of hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and other pelagic fish.
  • Mantanani Island: Mantanani Island is located off the coast of Sabah and is famous for its underwater wrecks and diverse marine life, including green turtles, stingrays, and barracudas.
  • Derawan Islands: Derawan Islands are located off the east coast of Borneo and offer excellent diving opportunities, including manta ray sightings, colorful coral reefs, and schools of fish.
  • Sibuan Island: Sibuan Island is located in the Celebes Sea and is renowned for its stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life, including sea turtles and barracudas.
  • Mataking Island: Mataking Island is located in the Celebes Sea and is famous for its unique macro diving opportunities, including seahorses, nudibranchs, and frogfish.
  • Pom Pom Island: Pom Pom Island is situated in the Celebes Sea and is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including whale sharks and green turtles.
  • Kapalai Island: Kapalai Island is located near Sipadan Island and is famous for its muck diving opportunities, including colorful nudibranchs and frogfish.
  • Lankayan Island: Lankayan Island is located off the east coast of Sabah and is famous for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, including whale sharks, turtles, and schools of fish.

These are just some of the many fantastic scuba diving sites in Borneo. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Borneo has something to offer everyone.

Where else can we dive in Borneo other than Sipadan?

Borneo is a great destination for scuba diving, and there are several other popular diving spots in addition to Sipadan. Some of the other dive sites in Borneo include:

  • Layang-Layang Island: Layang-Layang Island is located in the South China Sea and is famous for its deep-sea diving, including sightings of schools of hammerhead sharks.
  • Mabul Island: Mabul Island is located near Sipadan Island and is known for its diverse marine life, including seahorses, frogfish, and octopuses. It is an excellent place for macro photography.
  • Mataking Island: Mataking Island is located in the Celebes Sea and is famous for its unique macro diving opportunities, including seahorses, nudibranchs, and frogfish.
  • Kapalai Island: Kapalai Island is located near Sipadan Island and is famous for its muck diving opportunities, including colorful nudibranchs and frogfish.
  • Derawan Islands: Derawan Islands are located off the east coast of Borneo and offer excellent diving opportunities, including manta ray sightings, colorful coral reefs, and schools of fish.
  • Pom Pom Island: Pom Pom Island is situated in the Celebes Sea and is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including whale sharks and green turtles.
  • Lankayan Island: Lankayan Island is located off the east coast of Sabah and is famous for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, including whale sharks, turtles, and schools of fish.
  • Sibuan Island: Sibuan Island is located in the Celebes Sea and is renowned for its stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life, including sea turtles and barracudas.

Is it safe to dive in Borneo?

Yes, scuba diving in Borneo is generally considered safe, as long as proper safety precautions are taken and you dive with a reputable and licensed dive operator. The dive operators in Borneo are typically highly professional and experienced, with a focus on safety and environmental conservation. They follow international safety standards, and their dive equipment is well-maintained and regularly inspected.

However, as with any adventure sport, scuba diving does carry inherent risks, and it’s important to be aware of these risks and take appropriate safety measures. Before diving, you should ensure that you are in good physical health, properly trained and certified, and familiar with the dive site and local diving conditions.

It’s also essential to follow all safety protocols and guidelines provided by your dive operator, such as maintaining proper buoyancy, monitoring air consumption, and staying within your dive limits. By following these safety precautions and diving with a reputable operator, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding diving experience in Borneo.