Diving in Layang Layang

Hammerhead Sharks at the Coral Atoll

A short flight off the north of Borneo lies Layang Layang a tiny gem of an island surrounded by clear water, pristine reefs and some of the most heart-stopping diving opportunities around. Although concentrating on only one feature does not do justice to the island's varied reefs, the draw card for divers from all over the world is the chance to see vast schools of hammerheads cruising around. This is one of the very few places in the world where, at the right time of year, you have a good chance to drop down into an enormous school of hundreds of these marvelous creatures.

Layang Layang's pristine reefs, which drop down as sheer walls into the abyss, are covered with splendid examples of healthy hard corals with staghorn, tables and acropora being the most numerous. The reefs are home to a great variety of sea life where turtles, triggerfish, manta rays and more are quite common, but overshadowed by the mighty presence of the scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Highlights

D'Wall - in truth we could have chosen any of the sites here as Layang Layang diving promises healthy fields of coral with all manner of activity going on. Clear water and proximity to the awesome sites are great features of the diving here but the reason most people go to Layang Layang is the chance to spot the famed scalloped hammerheads that cruise around this tiny island. Don't just imagine yourself hanging in crystal waters at 25 metres as hundreds of hammerheads cruise past only metres from you mask - do it!

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How to Dive Layang Layang

The island of Layang Layang consists of little more than a landing strip, a navy base and a dive resort. No liveaboards make it out this way so there is only one show in town: Layang Layang Island Resort.

Diving Season

The resort is open between the months of March to August and you cannot dive here outside that time. The hammerheads and other big pelagics are present more or less throughout this time with a greater frequency of sightings around the March - May period.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, wall diving, reef life and health and visibility
Not so great for: Beginner divers, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 25 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: ~20
Access: Diving resort
Recommended length of stay: 5 - 8 days

Dive Site Descriptions

For more information on the detailed Layang Layang dive sites:

• Layang Layang tourist information

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• Sabah - Borneo  -  Malaysia Peninsula

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