Become a fish, swim to a lower altitude, and lose the sight of the shore for once! Life is better under the ocean. Malaysia’s tropical islands are known for its snorkeling experience. Snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world come here to enjoy this thrilling experience. One can also acquire a diving license in these islands. Here are the 9 best places to snorkel in Malaysia. dive deep into the ocean to explore the corals and sea creatures!

1. Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is the only island that is built on a volcanic seamount. The water in this Island is 500 meters deep. It has also become a hanging garden crowded with radiant corals. Known for wall diving, this place is home for various turtles and bump head parrotfishes. Starters can dive within 3 to 6-meter area. The school fishes at the Barracuda Point is a feast to the eyes. visit the Mid-Reef which is considered as home to hard corals and reef fishes. Visit Sipadan Island and get an opportunity to snorkel with the fellow fishes!

Snorkeling at Sipadan Island — Image credits: Flickr

2. Langkawi Island

Holidaying at Langkawi Island is incomplete without snorkeling. As you walk for 10 minutes from Tanjung Rhu Beach, you will reach Datai Bay. Datai Bay Beach and Chabang Island are the best places to explore. Datai Bay is a private beach. So, it is recommended to stay at the Andaman Resort and the Datai Resort. Do not stop only with snorkeling here. Try your hand in boat rides to Pulau Payer Marine Park and Pulau Dangli Beach. Connect with the boat operators and get to know the best time is to dive and explore the reefs.

3. Redang Island

Almost all the holiday resorts in Redang Island offers snorkeling trips for travelers. One can rent snorkeling equipment from the hotels at a reasonable cost. Experienced guides will assist you to get a better experience. Meet a group of baby black-tip sharks at Tanjung Tengah also known as the Shark bay during April and August. Snorkel carefully to avoid damages to the beautiful corals. Do not forget to make your way to Tanjung Mak Cantik along the rocky outcrop on the right. Dare to dive through the lift side of the rocky outcrop if you are an experienced diver. Visit the Marine Park Centre that leads to the vast barrier reef filled with wondrous marine life. Do not forget to visit the Marine Park Centre that will lead you to a vast barrier reef crowded with colorful marine life.

4. Tioman Island

Tioman Island is quite popular among tourists for its snorkeling experience. There are plenty of snorkeling sites and holiday resorts on the island for you to rent the gear. Coral Island and Malang Rocks are considered as a hub for numerous marine creatures. Reggis Island is by far the highly recommended place to snorkel here. Its shallow water provides a beautiful view of the vivid corals. Make friends with turtles, pufferfishes, and clownfishes here!

Snorkeling at Tioman Island — Image credits: Flickr

5. Perhentian Island

One can learn diving at Perhentian Island by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course at Anti-Gravity Divers Dive school. It is highly recommended for its professional instructors and guides. Spot Tokong Laut, Romantic Bay, and Sugar Wreck are some of the hot spots for Diving. Alternatively, you can snorkel close to the jetty pier at Long Beach or join the snorkeling trips at Sea Sports Centre.

6. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

This marine paradise is one of the liveliest places to do Snorkelling in Malaysia. Book your trip at Downbelow’s PADI 5 Star IDC Dive & Adventure Center at Gaya Island. Explore the adventures diving sites of Gaya Island, Pulau Tiga, and Mantanini. Get a photograph with the underwater species and corals. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is an ideal place to snorkel for both beginners and experienced divers. One can choose the Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, or Refresher courses before diving at Kapalai, Sipadan, and other popular diving sites.

7. Layang Layang Island

Nic named as ‘The Jewel of Borneo Banks’, Layang Layang Island is located near Kota Kinabalu. This Island is famous for its mesmerizing underwater scenery. With 13 linked coral walls and sea animals in crystal-clear water, this place stands as the best for snorkeling experience. Crack reef, Dogtooth Lair, D’Wall, Gorgonian Forest, Navigator’s Lane, and Shark’s cave are some of the places to explore here. Get ready to witness hammerhead sharks, pygmy seahorses and manta rays in the ocean. Non-monsoon season (May to October) is the best time to visit Layang Layang.

8. Kapas Island

If you want a private snorkel experience, then Kapas Island is the best pick for you. Being a small and less-crowded island, this place has some spectacular diving sites to discover various fish species. Hop into a boat from the Marang, Terengganu, and reach the Island in 20 minutes. Do not forget to explore Berakit Reef, Japanese landing craft wreck, and Gemia Island. Book your tour in Aqua spot divers where you can acquire a diving license as well!

9. Mabul Island

Find the tiniest and rarest marine life at Mabul Island. Jump into the boat from Semporna which will take you to Mabul Island. Eel Garden, Ribbon Valley, Stingray City, Lobster wall, and Paanglima are the ideal places to dive where you will see colorful corals, barracudas, eels, turtles, cuttlefish, octopus, etc. You might also see a whale shark on your snorkel tour. End your day by having a relaxing stretch at the beach in Mabul Island.

Jump into the turquoise blue water, chase the school of fishes and be more aquaholic! Its time to experience underwater freedom. Snorkeling is undoubtedly the cherry on top of your trip. Head to the Pickyourtrail app and start planning your trip to Malaysia.