Amongst the newer VTLs that are opening up, tourists who are looking to travel abroad from Singapore to Malaysia can finally do so on 20 December 2021 as both countries have announced the opening of land-vaccinated travel lanes (VTL). As such, the Causeways, being the most popular method of travel between the two countries will soon see an increase in tourists.
For Singaporean scuba divers who are planning their next diving trip to Malaysia, there are a plethora of amazing diving spots available. In this article, we will highlight some of the best diving spots in Malaysia for scuba divers who are planning their diving trips in 2022. So pack your diving gear and get ready.
Sipadan and Mabul
Lying off the east coast of the Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan Island holds a spot on the lists of top 10 dive destinations around the world teemed with diverse marine life living amongst the island’s coral reefs which came as a result of an extinct volcanic core.
Mabul Island has a human population with resorts and dive shops around and its surrounding waters are filled with unique macro life. Mabul Island is best known for its world-class muck and critter diving and is also home to some of the best underwater views, making this an attractive place for underwater photographers as well.
Getting There
As these are considered remote islands, the best way to reach them is to fly into Tawau which is the main city in southern Malaysian Borneo. Following this, scuba divers can hop on board a 90-minute drive to the fishing town of Semporna where they can then catch a boat to these islands. Alternatively, one may fly to Kota Kinabalu the make their way to Seporna.
Upon arriving at Mabul, scuba divers who are looking to travel to Sipadan can hop onboard a speedboat which will take them about 25 minutes to get there.
Sibuan Island
Also known as the Battleship island, Sibuan Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Celebes Sea and is an ideal spot for scuba divers of all levels. Home to pygmy seahorses, frogfish, mandarin fish and more, the waters surrounding the island is filled with unique, diverse marine life. Often overlooked by divers as it is located near Mabul and Sipadan Island, Sibuan Island is a gem that often goes unnoticed.
Getting There
Similar to getting to Mabul and Sipapan Islands, scuba divers will have to first make their way to Semporna where they can then hop on board a 30-minute boat ride to the island.
Tioman Island
Located in Pahang, the island is surrounded by numerous coral reefs and is listed as one of the most beautiful islands in the world with over 25 dive sites available. The waters surrounding the island is homed to many schools of fishes, turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Divers who are lucky might even get to spot a Whale Shark.
For underwater photographers, the island is not to missed as one might find rainbow-filled coral gardens as well as macro subjects like nudibranchs.
The island is suitable for all levels of divers but those who are seeking more of a challenge may indulge in other dive sites offshore the main island such as Tiger Reef and Soyak Island.
Getting There
For Singaporeans, there are 2 main ways to get to Tioman Island. The first will be to get to Mersing Jetty either via a coach or a private vehicle. Travelling by coach will take up to 3.5 hours and from the jetty, tourists may hop on board a ferry to the island.
Another way would be to travel via Tanjung Gemok either via a private vehicle or a bus. There is also a direct bus from Singapore to Tanjung Gemok which takes about 6.5 hours.
Take note that it is highly recommended that you arrive one to two hours before your scheduled ferry at either of the two locations should there be additional checks due to covid-19 regulations.
Lang Tengah Island
Located between the islands of Redang and Perhentian, Lang Tengah is a much smaller and lesser-known island that offers scenic views of colourful reefs and encounters with marine life such as turtles, jacks, barracudas and leopard sharks.
Getting There
The island is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the Merang Jetty where Singaporean scuba divers can find their way there via their private vehicle or via a bus from Golden Mile Complex with only one transfer in between. Upon arrival at Merang Jetty, tourists can then hop on board a ferry to reach the island. The total travel time is approximately 13 hours.
Redang Island
The Island lies within the Terengganu Marine Park which is located near the city of Kuala Terengganu at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island offers a wide variety of amazing dive sites where divers can encounter many large forms of marine life such as tuna, barracudas, reef sharks, manta rays and even whales. The island is also home to amazing beaches where tourists can frolick at and wind down.
Getting There
Scuba divers travelling from Singapore will have to reach Kuala Terengganu first. The most popular mode of transport getting there is the bus which leaves Queen Street Bus Terminal. This bus ride takes about 1.5 hours to Johor Bahru and then a subsequent 9 hours from Kuala Terengganu. Upon arrival, tourists will need to head to Shahbandar Jetty to hop onboard a ferry to the island which will take roughly 1.5 hours.
Additional Covid-19 Related Information
As of 20 December 2021, Singaporean Citizens will be able to enter Malaysia and Malaysian Citizens will be able to enter Singapore via VTL (Land). There are a total of 32 land VTL designated bus services entering each country per day. Travellers who arrive via other means such as by private transport or walking across the Causeway will be subjected to prevailing border control measures including a 7-day Stay-Home Notice.
All travellers must have been fully vaccinated and will be required to present digital proof of vaccination at the border. It is also important to consider other important factors such as vaccination rates and infection rates in the destination country as this may also impact your stay over the days.
Hence if you are planning to travel between these two countries anytime soon, it is of utmost importance to do the necessary research and to fully understand the prevailing measures before finalising your itinerary.
Scuba divers who are planning to travel to Singapore in the following months may also find out more details on the Best Spots to Scuba Dive in Singapore.