Diving Layang Layang, Malaysian BorneoLocated in the South China Sea, 300 kilometres North West of Borneo's Kota Kinabalu, Layang Layang is an atoll of 14 square kilometres with a large lagoon encircled by the craggy walls of hard and soft corals. In 1985 reclamation work began on what was known as 'Swallow's Reef' to create the tiny Pulau Layang Layang and Layang Layang Island Resort. The walls right off the edge of Layang Layang drop almost 2000 metres to the ocean floor. Most sites have terraces where time spent amongst the Barrel Sponges and red-orange Gorgonian Sea Fans can produce Blue-Spotted Sting Rays, small White-tip Reef Sharks and plenty of macro life, including Nudibranchs and various varieties of Leaf and Pipe Fish. Keep one eye on the blue for schools of Hammerhead Sharks, Dogtooth Tuna or even giant Manta Rays. Layang Layang's diving is all about exceptionally good average visibility, often over 50 metres, and that feeling of frontier diving where you could see almost anything.
Just 10 small day boats run out from Layang Layang to a dozen or so named sites around the Atoll's outer walls, between 10-30 minutes away. Waters are tropical, and dive-able between February and October, but the presence of deep water means temperatures can drop as low as 26c with highs around 30c. There can be moderate drifts on many of the reefs. Due to its remoteness there is a maximum depth limit of 40m and while there is plenty for the inexperienced we'd suggest having a few dives under your belt before you arrive to get the most out of your time on Layang Layang. Easily combined with other dive spots and the topside attractions of Malaysian Borneo.
Diving Malysia
Diving Holidays in Malaysian Borneo
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