Malaysia offers so much to the worldly traveler - incredible sites, amazing food, and vibrant culture. But one of the most noteworthy attractions of the country is its pristine sea and thriving marine life. With its mostly calm waters, protected reefs, and easily accessible dive sites, Malaysia is an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts of every level.
Tioman Island has gorgeous white sands and crystal water and is great for relaxing dives. The reefs of Perhentian Islands offer possibilities for sea turtle sightings and Sugar Wreck is great for wreck diving. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in western Sabah is a good place to spot crustaceans, sea urchins, and colorful sea slugs. To make your dive adventure easier, we’ve put together a list of the top dive resorts in Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 01, 2024.
1. Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Gaya Island (from USD 283)
Situated just off the coast of Borneo, Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World feels very removed from the bustle of big cities. It’s the perfect seaside respite. The villas have private balconies with stunning views of the water. You can book a rejuvenating treatment at the onsite spa, or take a yoga class. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, as well, or lounge under the sun on the private beach.
The resort is within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, part of the marine epicenter of the world. They offer organized snorkeling and diving activities, such as leisure dives, PADI certification courses, and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) experience programs. Prices range from 320 MYR (72 USD) to 1485 MYR (335 USD) depending on the program and the number of participants.
Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
1453.56 km (903.2 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
2. The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Redang Island (from USD 424)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms with stunning ocean views.
Complimentary activities including kayaking, snorkeling, and photography sessions. Diverse dining options and a well-equipped gym.
Idyllic private beach with clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming with turtles. Convenient access to water activities and turtle research center.
Varied but slightly overpriced dining options with room for improvement in food quality and variety.
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is found on Redang Island, off Terengganu coast. A luxurious place to stay, it has bright, airy rooms with balconies that offer views of the clear sea or the lush garden. Here, you can relax on the beach, or in the onsite spa.
This diving resort is found in a protected marine area that has over 30 dive locations. There are diving programs for every level, from professional certified divers to beginners and kids. Prices for these start from 105MYR (24USD). For professionals, you can also rent equipment and sign up for specialty dive courses. They also offer specialty courses, as well as PADI-certified dive courses, and these range from 700 MYR (160 USD) to about 3270 MYR (752 USD).
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort
Address: C-O Lot GL-04 Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud
13.27 km (8.3 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
3. Japamala Resort by Samadhi - Adults Only, Tioman Island (from USD 423)
Japamala Resort by Samadhi - Adults Only is surrounded by beautiful tropical rainforest and clear sea waters. Its villas and suites flood with natural light and fresh air and are decorated elegantly. The private beach area provides a tranquil retreat and you can also make use of the outdoor swimming pool.
There are many dive centers around Tioman Island that offer beginner and professional courses, as well as PADI certification courses. The resort is always ready to recommend a good dive center and help you book a dive. Simply contact their reservations team for assistance.
Japamala Resort by Samadhi - Adults Only
Address: Kampung Lanting
367.04 km (228.1 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
4. Mimpi Perhentian, Perhentian Island (from USD 208)
Reasonable pricing for comfortable rooms and amenities, but additional charges for early check-in and limited breakfast options.
Convenient location near the jetty, clean rooms, and friendly staff. Complimentary snacks and drinks in the room are a nice touch, but some maintenance issues need attention.
Ideal location with easy access to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Proximity to the jetty is a major plus, but cleanliness and sewage smell issues need improvement.
Limited breakfast options and poor quality in the restaurant, but plenty of nearby dining choices and great views.
Found right on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Mimpi Perhentian has spacious and comfortable rooms that offer private balconies and great views. It also has a saltwater outdoor pool. You can opt for a treatment or a massage at the spa for an additional charge, as well.
Pulau Perhentian Kecil is an ideal place for divers, both beginners and professionals. Mimpi Perhentian has partnered with Below the Surface Divers to offer recreational diving programs, PADI certification courses, and PADI rescue diver courses.
Mimpi Perhentian
Address: Long Beach Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Malaysia
23.5 km (14.6 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
5. The Barat Tioman Beach Resort, Kampong Juara (from USD 88)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and beachfront villas
Beachfront location, swimming pool, and easy access to jungle walks and snorkeling
Idyllic setting near the beach with sunrise views and jungle walks to the waterfall
Good dining experiences with a variety of options, though some improvements needed
The rooms in The Barat Tioman Beach Resort are cozy and come with a private balcony. Some even have a hot tub or a spa bath. Aside from the serene waters, this property also has two outdoor swimming pools. It’s a beachfront property and ideal for some fun in the sun. You can also rent bicycles to explore the island or sign up for watersports for an additional charge.
The resort’s Barat Dive Centre offers diving programs for everyone - from beginners to advanced divers. Diving with your own equipment will cost you between 80 MYR (18 USD) to 280 MYR (64 USD). You can also rent equipment for 10 MYR (2 USD) to 180 MYR (41 USD) depending on the equipment. Sign up for scuba diving courses, costing 450 MYR (103 USD) to 1300 MYR (299 USD).
The Barat Tioman Beach Resort
Address: Lot 438 , Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, Rompin, Pahang
365.26 km (227.0 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
6. Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort, Tioman Island (from USD 39)
A beachfront retreat on Tioman Island, Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort has tastefully decorated and spacious units. Some of these units have beautiful views of the sea. You can book yoga classes, and get massages and treatments at the onsite spa. Or you can choose to relax by the outdoor pool or on the beach, with a drink from the bar.
This resort offers a wide variety of PADI diving courses for every level. It’s one of the best diving resorts on the island, and courses are handled by Paya Divers Cove, with only experienced and certified dive instructors handling each program.
Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort
Address: Unnamed Road, Kampung Paya, Tioman Island, Malaysia, 86800
361.33 km (224.6 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
7. Ombak Dive Resort Perhentian Island, Perhentian Island (from USD 73)
Reasonable pricing compared to other options on the island
Dive center, snorkeling and diving activities, movie nights, clean rooms with necessary amenities
Convenient location at Coral Bay with easy access to Long Beach, close to the pier for mainland transfers
Varied breakfast options, good food at the restaurant, beachfront dining, availability of beer and cocktails
Ombak Dive Resort Perhentian Island is on Perhentian Island and has simple but cozy rooms. Surrounded by greenery and clear waters, it’s a tranquil retreat away from your busy every day. Soak up the sun on the beach right in front of the resort, then have an early dinner at the onsite restaurant, which gives you a great view of the sunset. Some nights offer movie nights, and others have live acoustic shows and fire dance shows.
An excellent place for diving enthusiasts, Ombak Dive Resort Perhentian Island is a PADI-certified dive resort and offers courses for every level. You can choose between various packages that include return speedboat transfers, diving gear rental, and accommodation.
Ombak Dive Resort Perhentian Island
Address: Lot 406, Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil,
23.64 km (14.7 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
8. Tuna Bay Island Resort, Perhentian Island
Filled with natural light and refreshing sea air, the chalets at Tuna Bay Island Resort are cozy and inviting. The units even have their own private balcony, perfect for taking a breather in the middle of the day. A beachfront property, you can bask on the sand or take advantage of the numerous activities on offer.
Perhentian Island is a great place for diving, and Tuna Bay is an internationally celebrated diving resort with a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm award. They have a comprehensive onsite facility handled by a team of certified and professional dive instructors. Courses range from 170 MYR (39 USD) to 1400 MYR (322 USD) per person, per course. They also offer room and dive packages.
Tuna Bay Island Resort
Address: Pulau Perhentian Besar, Kuala Besut
20.03 km (12.5 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
9. Perhentian Island Resort, Perhentian Island (from USD 154)
Only steps away from the beach, Perhentian Island Resort offers delightful units with private balconies that open up to beautiful views of the water or landscaped gardens. Make use of the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and sign up for a treatment or massage at the onsite spa. They have a great in-house restaurant, as well as a beachfront dining area, where you can enjoy some freshly grilled dishes.
Perhentian Island Resort also offers a variety of water activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. A PADI dive resort, it offers an ideal place for beginners to learn and get their diving license. There are also courses for more experienced divers, as well as open water courses where you can explore the gorgeous marine life.
Perhentian Island Resort
Address: Resort Office, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Daerah Besut,22200 Kuala Besut
20.46 km (12.8 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
10. Villamas Perhentian Resort, Perhentian Island (from USD 41)
Right on Petani Beach in Perhentian Island, you can find Villamas Perhentian Resort. It has cozy rooms with balconies and is an ideal tropical getaway. Have breakfast at the onsite restaurant, and relax on the private beach before starting your day. Approach the concierge to book an activity of your choice. You can opt to hike and explore the rainforests or choose between a range of watersports, such as canoeing, snorkeling, and diving.
Villamas Perhentian Resort
Address: Villamas Perhentian Resort, Lot 78 Pasir Petani, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Perhentian
21.98 km (13.7 mi) from Lang Tengah Island
Visit Malaysia for an amazing diving experience
The beaches of Malaysia feel far removed from the lively and bustling city centers, but are equally as charming and interesting. Diving enthusiasts love the crystal clear waters, filled with a wide array of marine life and kaleidoscopic reefs. And these dive resorts ensure divers get to enjoy a memorable vacation.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to