Best diving destinations in Asia
Best diving destinations in Asia
Deep sea drop-offs and tropical marine sanctuaries across Asia
Southeast Asia holds some of the most biodiverse reefs on earth, regularly cited by marine biologists as having more coral and fish species than anywhere else in the world. Neighbouring countries add their own celebrated wreck and reef diving traditions.
The destinations on this list range from remote liveaboard-only reef systems to shore-accessible dive resorts built specifically around a single famous site. Visibility and current strength vary considerably by season and location across the region.
Choosing the right season matters enormously here, since monsoon patterns affect visibility and safe conditions differently across each country's coastline. Many liveaboards also include marine biologists or experienced dive guides on board. Booking dives through operators with strong safety records also matters considerably, particularly at sites with stronger current.
Lists by region
Archipelago in Indonesia
Raja Ampat
Vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical islands
A marine recreation park covering four marine areas was designated here in 2009. Scientists have recorded 537 coral species, about 75 percent of the world's known total. The archipelago lies off the northwest tip of New Guinea. Researchers call it the global epicentre of tropical marine biodiversity.
National Park in Thailand
Similan Islands
Thailand's underwater paradise
Named from a Yawi word meaning nine, the national park actually has 11 islands. Thailand established it in 1982 in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga Province. The park covers about 54 square miles with only 10 of land. It closes every year from 16 May to 15 October.
National Park in Indonesia
Komodo National Park
Dragons, Pristine Reefs and Wild Beauty
Currents in the Sape Strait are among the strongest in the world. They feed manta rays, whale sharks and eagle rays. Well-known sites include Manta Alley, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, Batu Bolong and Yellow Wall. Marine waters cover 60 percent of the 669 square mile park. Hire experienced guides.
Country
Philippines
7,641 islands of tropical wonder
A 22,549 mile coastline, fifth longest in the world, wraps about 7,641 islands. Philippine waters hold over 3,200 fish species and 121 are endemic. The country is an important part of the Coral Triangle. Typhoon season runs mostly from July to October, so plan dives outside it.
Country
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
Spread over 34,700 square miles of ocean, 1,192 coral islands form 26 atolls. Land totals just 115 square miles and the highest natural point is 7.9 feet. Reefs host 187 coral species and whale sharks. Bleaching in 2016 killed up to 95 percent of coral around some islands.
Island
Borneo
Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife
Kakaban's lake in the Derawan Islands holds millions of stingless jellyfish. The archipelago has 31 islands off East Kalimantan and hosts Indonesia's largest green turtle nesting site. Borneo is the world's third-largest island and Indonesia holds about 73 percent of it. Divers reach the islands through East Kalimantan.
Island in Malaysia
Sipadan
Crystal reefs and untouched tropical paradise
Living corals built Malaysia's only oceanic island atop an extinct volcanic cone that rises about 1,970 feet from the seabed. Sabah Parks limits daily dive permits. Green and hawksbill turtles nest there and an underwater cave holds turtle skeletons. Resorts closed in 2004 when the marine park was declared.
Island in Philippines
Palawan
Paradise of Lagoons and Limestone Cliffs
Tubbataha Reefs dive trips run from mid-March to mid-June when seas are calmest. Visibility reaches about 100 to 148 feet. Access is by liveaboard only, about ten hours from Puerto Princesa. At Coron, Japanese ships bombed on 24 September 1944 now rest at 33 to 131 feet.
Country
Indonesia
Volcanoes, temples, rice terraces and coral reefs
About 130 active volcanoes mark an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands on the Ring of Fire. Its reefs form part of the Coral Triangle, which holds more than 76 percent of the world's reef-building coral species. Pollution and destructive fishing have reduced coral diversity on some reefs. Coastline totals 33,999 miles.
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