Scuba diving is one of the best things you can do while travelling, and Southeast Asia is undoubtedly a great place to do it. If you haven’t been here yet, then you’ve surely seen the pictures of the clear blue waters and colourful wildlife that almost look unreal. You’re going to need your PADI certification before you dive in, and doing a diving tour at these destinations will not only help you get it, but make you fall in love with this sport as well. Here’s our top 6 best dive spots in Southeast Asia.
1. Tioman Island, Malaysia
Off the east coast of Malaysia, Tioman Island is rated one of the most beautiful islands in the world according to TIME Magazine, and a great place to scuba dive. You’ll find tons of diving schools all over the island, and the various companies will make sure your experience is great overall. Come during the dry season when everything is open, and indulge yourself in the vibrant and colorful marine life beneath the surface.
2. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, Thailand
Known as Red Rock and Purple Rock in English, HIn Daeng and Hin Muang are perfect spots to scuba dive. Being that Thailand has tons of beautiful islands to choose from, it might be hard to decide which is best. While the Similan Islands may be the most famous, these two places shouldn’t be passed up. Check out the brightly colored reefs, whale sharks, manta rays, and everything else you’d expect to see in the gorgeous Andaman Sea. Getting there isn’t so easy, but it will be worth it once you arrive.
3. Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is a great place for a diving vacation. If you need nothing more than diving to have the getaway of your dreams, then this is the perfect place to do it. Plenty of people come here for extensive diving holiday tours, where your experience out of the water with fellow divers will be just as fun as your experience in the water. If you’re eager to see hammerhead sharks, barracudas, coral and sea turtles, then make sure to go to Sipadan Island or Sabah to explore one of the richest and diverse ecosystems in the world.
4. Bali, Indonesia
If you’ve considered visiting the paradise that is Bali, then why not make the most of it and dive here? The best thing about diving in Bali is that this typically expensive sport is ridiculously cheap here. Because of that, it’s become one of the best locations in the world to try out this sport. There’s diving classes and opportunities on every corner, and each dive will be met with abundant fish and other animals waiting to greet you.
5. Boracay, Philippines
Yapak 2 and Crocodile Island in Boracay, Philippines, are world renowned places for scuba diving. Both these places are a short ride away from the beautiful beaches of Boracay, and we recommend giving both a try. Yapak 2 is a little more isolated and perhaps better for those who are experienced and feel really comfortable in open water. Crocodile Island is better for divers of all levels. Both provide amazing scenery of the colorful wildlife underwater.
6. Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang is an awesome and beautiful place to dive. Here in Nha Trang, the beaches are amazing, calling your name to come on in. Not only is it a great place for experienced divers to come, it’s also recommended for new divers that want to learn, since the certification classes around the area are laid back and affordable. Don’t miss out!
Author’s Bio: Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
