A small atoll off the coast of Borneo in Malaysia, Layang Layang is definitely an unbelievable dive destination for all levels of scuba diving fans. Described as "a little gem, a sparkle within the deep blue sea. Like a mariner's dream, it stands all alone, a striking haven in the wide ocean awaiting a visitor." Layang Layang is also known as ‘The Jewel of the Borneo Banks', it has created for itself a calm lagoon which teems with wildlife. As many as 13 coral reefs have formed here, creating a magnetic underwater scenery.
Layang Layang is situated 180 miles from Kota Kinabalu in the South China Sea and is typically reached by sea plane. It is an atoll 14 square kilometres in diameter jutting 2000 meters from the Ocean depths. Underwater visibility is up to 50m and the extraordinary coral gardens of these virgin atoll reefs surrounding Layang Layang Island has never been fished or experienced any kind of man-made pollution.
One of the best dive sites in Layang Layang (although admittedly you'll be hard pressed to top most of the dive sites here) is Dog Tooth Lair. This Layang Layang dive site is named after the schools of large dog-tooth tunas frequently found cruising here especially along the drop-off.
The reef itself has a variety of coral gardens, complete with overhangs and ledges, just before the site plunges into the 2,000 metres abyss of the open South China Sea. At the shallow end of the reef, you'll find schools of barracuda, big-eyed jacks, fusiliers and surgeonfish on the move.
Another great dive site is Shark's Cave
April and May is the best time to see schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which gather to perform mating rituals.
April through October is the best time to visit. The rainy season is November to March. The water temperature ranges from 26C to 30C year round!There is just one resort on this atoll which is now owned by the Avillion Hotel Group. Staying at this resort is the best way you can dive this atoll. The resort is closed from September through to February each year which is the worst part of the rainy season.
As a side point, the inhabitants of the deep blue sea are not the only treasure on Layang Layang. Situated on the other end of the island is a bird sanctuary where migratory swallow, egret, brown foot bobbi, crested terns and other feathered creatures find a resting place on a predator free breeding ground after a long journey.
Another great dive site is Shark's Cave. For some reason, this Layang Layang diving site has an abundance of sharks of various varieties. At a depth of about 30 metres, on a sandy ledge, you are most likely to encounter leopard sharks and whitetip reef sharks.
Moving on, you'll glide past coral formations - gorgonians, black corals and barrel sponges - till you find yourself at the mouth of a cave. The cave can be penetrated to a length of about five or six metres.
Within the cave, you'll find leopard sharks, whitetip reef sharks and nurse sharks asleep on the floor. Watch out that you don't block their exit out of the cave though - you may be the object of an attack from these otherwise docile creatures.
Heading back out again into the open sea, you may encounter sightings of hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays and eagle rays, all gliding past you in the open waters. Layang Layang diving is mostly about big fish action and this site is a good bet for plenty of big fish.
For more of the world's greatest diving destinations including The Great Barrier Reef, Grand Cayman, the Red Sea, Micronesia, Thailand etc visit
Great Dive Destinations Of the World
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