Scuba Diving in Kota Kinabalu : Discovering Malaysia's Amazing Marine Life

Scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu is definitely at the top of every diver's to do list. Divers from all over the world would agree that Kota Kinabalu holds one of the most beautiful coral reefs known to man. Scuba diving is almost a way of life in this place as most tourists flock here to experience its amazing marine life.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital state of Sabah, Malaysia. Located in the south-eastern region of Asia, the South China Sea borders it to the west while the Celebes Sea borders it to the south. Sabah is also home to the Coral Triangle, which is the melting pot of marine life. The Coral Triangle is known to have the largest and most diverse marine life in this part of the world, making it one of the most visited places in Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu's Marine Park

Kota Kinabalu has one of the best dive sites for nature lovers or people who just want to enjoy the wonders of the seas. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is located twenty minutes from Kota Kinabalu by boat.

Opened to the public in 1974, this marine park was named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. At the time, the park was Sabah's second National Park. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is home to five rich islands surrounded by diverse marine life:  the Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sulug and Pulau Sapi. Of the five islands, Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik are the most visited islands as they are fully equipped with facilities and amenities for tourists and divers. For those who want to dive Kota Kinabalu, the park offers several dive sites they can choose from.

Kota Kinabalu is replete with dive sites and Sapi, one of its famous diving spots, is home to various sea creatures that can truly make your diving experience a remarkable one. The Sapi House reef is home to diverse marine life, including Barracuda, Damsel Fish, Bat Fish, Fusiliers, Wrasse, Puffer Fish, Parrot Fish, and Porcupine Fish. Divers can also catch a glimpse of Hawksbill Turtles that are abundant in this dive site. At the southern side of Sapi are other wonderful dive sites: the Rays Reef and Rons Reef. These two reefs have gentle slopes that start from 8m and go as deep as 18m.

Kota Kinabalu has something to offer as well to divers who are looking for some tranquillity, and Mamutik is the perfect location for them. More remote and quieter than Sapi, Mamutik is ideal for those who would like to dive in smaller groups. It has a fringing reef up north and on the western side where divers can enjoy watching False Clarke Anemone Fish that thrive in this location.

Scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu is a thriving industry due to the numerous dive sites and colourful reefs this side of Malaysia has to offer. With the best dive sites in the world, diving in Kota Kinabalu is definitely one activity that tourists should not miss in the country.