Page 284 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

276 WATERSPORTS
A Diver’s Paradise
By Stewart Forbes
The Coral Triangle, a marine region that spans parts
of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste,
is home to more coral reef species than anywhere else on Earth. The region has the greatest coral reef fish diversity with 37% (2,228) of the world’s species (6,000) and 56% of those in the Indo-Pacific region (4,050). This abundance of marine life, combined with good infrastructure and ease of access, has made Malaysia one of the top dive destinations in the world.
Diving in Malaysia is suitable for all levels
of divers as waters are generally calm and reefs are protected. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia can be dived
from April to October, as water conditions during
the northeast monsoon can be rough. In East Malaysia, Sabah has a year-round diving season with peak visibility from March to May. Sarawak’s diving season is April – September.
Peninsular Malaysia
The islands and small archipelagos situated off the East Coast in the South China Sea include the Perhentians, Lang Tengah, Bidong, the Redang group, Kapas, Tenggol, Tioman
Moray eels and other reef dwellers provide a spectacular sight for visiting divers.
and Aur, along with a number of inshore islands. All offer beach and boat dives to extensive coral reef environments along with a wide variety of marine life.
Numerous beach resorts and dive centres can be found on these islands.
East Malaysia
East Malaysia offers
A colourful but venomous lionfish (genus Pterois) parades along the reef in search of small prey.