Hidden Dive Destinations in Southeast Asia

This is your ultimate guide to the several hidden dive destinations in Southeast Asia! Explore the secrets of this multi-cultural region under the surface and you might just discover something new in these untouched waters.

The Philippines

Located in the Indo-Pacific’s Coral Triangle and boasting over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s best scuba diving destinations. With pristine coral reefs, lush coral gardens, huge schools of tropical fish, rare critters, manta rays, and even whale sharks, diving in the Philippines is a truly phenomenal experience unlike any other in the world. 

For many years, the Philippines has been a prized destination for tourists and divers alike. Undoubtedly one of the world’s diving paradises, the Philippines is home to more than 500 species of hard and soft corals and an abundance of reef fishes and pelagic animals. However, there remain many hidden gems in the Philippines archipelago that are not as frequented as the popular islands. Here are two remote and untouched islands for your next dive trip!

Dauin, Negros Island

Fimbriated Moray on Dauin, th Philippines

Getting There

Dauin is connected to Dumaguete, the nearest city that links it to the rest of the world map. Dumaguete can be reached by air from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu in less than an hour, and less than one and a half hours from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila. If you wish to travel by land or sea, Dumaguete can be reached relatively easily from Siquijor in less than an hour, Tagbilaran (Bohol) in 2 hours, and Cebu in 2 to 6 hours by multiple ferry connections. From Dumaguete, you can take the local transport, a jeepney, onward to Dauin. Take note of the travel advisories here.

Diving Here

Dauin is home to a breathtaking aquatic sanctuary, protected from fishing and motorboats that can potentially threaten the area. The unspoiled waters off the coast of the province of Negros Oriental make it an excellent location for muck diving. The many dive sites across Dauin have captivating coral reefs brimming with fishes alongside muck sites – a haven for underwater photographers all over! The macro wonders here include Wonderpus, Mimic Octopus, Blue Ringed Octopus, Motopi Octopus, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Nudibranch, Shrimps, Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish, Pygmy Seahorse, Bobtail Squid, Mandarin Fish and many more. It is recommended that you plan for a night dive because that’s when all the creatures crawl out from under the seafloor. 

​​El Dorado, Dumaguete

Green turtle spotted in Dumaguete

Getting There

​​El Dorado is 1.39 kilometres away from Dumaguete City and the nearest airport is Sibulan Airport (DGT), which is less than 4 kilometres from your destination. 

Diving Here

The deep El Dorado reefs have so much to offer to divers and underwater photographers! From car wrecks to tiny marine creatures, divers will undoubtedly enjoy this dive, no matter what their discipline may be. The short and fat Frogfish and the gorgeously coloured Flamboyant Cuttlefish, along with the Ghost Pipefish and Emperor Angels are a few odd-looking creatures that divers can spot on their dives. Underwater photographers and videographers can catch Pygmy Pipe Seahorses roaming the reefs elegantly, complemented by a meadow of garden eels. 

Malaysia 

Malaysia’s dive industry is overshadowed by its tourist-friendly city life. What many don’t realise is that the country is situated in the spectacular Coral Triangle, giving divers one of the most rewarding dive destinations. Malaysia’s east and west coasts are exposed to the open waters of the South China Sea and the Andaman sea respectively, both teeming with rich marine biodiversity. Popular spots such as Sipadan and Mabul are crowded with tourists. If you’re looking for some peace of mind and somewhere secluded, read on to find out more about a hidden, remote island that offers world-class diving opportunities!

Lang Tengah Island

Aerial view of Lang Tengah Island

Getting There

The best way to get to Lang Tengah Island is by taking a domestic flight to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu. Your resort will arrange to drive you down to Merang Jetty, which is about a four and a half-hour drive. Do note that the boats depart from the jetty at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. You may also opt to hire a private boat at your convenience. 

Diving Here

Lang Tengah Island is a gorgeous hidden paradise that offers world-class diving opportunities all year round! The diverse and colourful reefs provide unique encounters with turtles, resident schools of jacks, barracudas and leopard sharks. If you travel during the months between April and October, be prepared to witness a crowd of green turtles, nestling their eggs in the sand.

Indonesia

With over 17,500 islands and the widest variety of sea life in the world, Indonesia is every diver and underwater photographer’s dream destination. A quarter of the world’s fish species and a fifth of the coral population are found in these nutrient-rich tropical waters. The country is a seamless blend of adventure and leisure, making it a perfect getaway for any diver. 

The marine ecosystem in the Coral Triangle is unlike any other. From deep trenches to volcanic seamounts and World War II wrecks, these waters hold many hidden diving gems which continue to be discovered today. The Indonesian archipelago has many tiny islands that are hidden behind bigger and more tourist-ridden ones. Don’t be fooled by their discreetness because they hold as much charm and life-changing diving experiences as their neighbouring islands. Let’s take a look!

Banka Island, North Sulawesi

A clownfish in a coral reef in Sulwasi

Getting There

Getting to Banka Island is quite a challenge. The main gateway to Northern Sulawesi is Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC), Manado, which services both international and domestic flights. From the airport, it is a 45-minute drive to the northern tip of Sulawesi.

Diving Here

Banka Island is a tiny island nestled between Lembeh and Bunaken, both popular dive destinations for tourists and crowded with dive resorts. The coral reefs in this secluded area of Banka Island remain untouched and continue to attract tropical marine life. Divers can keep an eye out for tropical aquatic species such as the Napoleon fish, frogfish, pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs, as well as the magnificent dugongs, a rare and protected marine species. To add to the long list of tropical marine eco life, present in this region is a species of tubular marine sponge, the Petrosian nigricans, from which four new purine derivatives have been isolated. 

The coral reefs are unspoiled by human activities and flourish extensively in the cool waters of Banka Island. The soft coral sites such as Sahaung, Batu Mandi and Batu Pendeta are breathtaking sites to many divers. You will find a colourful combination of sloping reefs, rock pinnacles, seamounts and drop-offs – making this hidden island of Banka an exciting dive. 

Myanmar 

Myanmar may not be on every diver’s list of top dive destinations. This deters divers from realising the true potential of Myanmar’s waters and puts them off exploring the immensely rich ecosystem that the country offers. Before 1997, Myanmar’s waters were closed off to divers. This meant that for the time before that, many of the islands surrounding the country were not discovered and the same could be said for their deep waters. The unexplored waters give divers the thrill and challenge that they seek when diving in these untouched waters. As this remains a rather less-talked dive destination in Southeast Asia, take this opportunity to discover the deep blues of the isolated Mergui Archipelago.

Mergui Archipelago

Manta Rays swimming in the Mergui Archipelago

Getting There

While Kawthuang is an option, many divers opt to do a liveaboard trip from the shores of Thailand instead of travelling from Myanmar. The best is to get yourself to Phuket International Airport (HKT) and let your dive operator take care of the rest.

Diving Here

The Mergui Archipelago in the southern region of Myanmar remains a rather unknown destination to this day. With over 800 islands over an area of 12,000 square kilometres, the Mergui Archipelago is definitely one of the crowned jewels of Myanmar. It has only been over two decades since this dive destination was open to the public, which leaves most of the waters undiscovered and unspoiled by human touch. 

Black Rock 

The 80-metre wide islet is a favourite spot among divers visiting the Mergui Archipelago. This site is known best for its steep rocks and abundance of marine life, such as the silvertip, whitetip and blacktip sharks as well as mantas and other giant rays. Currents can be strong and run downward, especially on the deeper sides of the islet. The high level of visibility allows you to see past the towering rocky walls and spot large pelagics lurking in the deep blue. The vibrant macro life scattered across this area and the colourful coral reefs are bound to make this an interesting dive experience for you!

Western Rocky

Located in the southern region of the archipelago, Western Rocky is a small, barren island teeming with exuberant marine life. In addition to the countless large lobsters and crabs that stalk the seafloor, it is common to spot frogfish, seahorse, harlequin shrimp, and even rarities like guitarfish and whale sharks. For divers looking for that thrill, there are passages and tunnels that go through the island’s centre and, quite literally, lead you to the heart of the island. 

Shark Cave

Shark cave stands out for its numerous limestone caves and tunnels and an impressive collection of large rocks that are home to nurse sharks. The tunnels can be found at a depth of 20 metres, with ceilings decorated with marigold cup corals and floors covered with yellow sponges. A final tunnel will lead you to a rich coral garden, where divers can find exotic creatures like moray eels, cowries and many more! On your dive through the tunnel, you may also come across reef sharks, which are known to be aggressive creatures when provoked. Simply stick to the walls of the tunnel and allow them to swim calmly past you. Moreover, these tunnels can get rather dim so don’t forget to bring along a torch to navigate through them. 

Thailand

“Land of a Thousand Smiles” is what this coastal country is known as. Thailand, with a land area of more than 500,000 square kilometres, can be divided into two distinct regions facing two large bodies of water – the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. These two regions have over a thousand islands, most of which are difficult to access. Many divers choose to dive from a liveaboard for the best experience and to maximise the number of dive sites they can visit. Ideally, the months between November and March are the best time to dive due to the calm waters and their high visibility. 

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands, most of which are untouched and undiscovered. Divers are always spoilt for choices, especially dive junkies who are looking to discover new and exciting dive spots. Here’s one hidden gem of Thailand that many don’t know about.

Koh Losin

Lighthouse dive site in Koh Losin

Getting There

Travel from Bangkok to Hatyai. A shuttle van service from the airport to the pier (located at Songkhla) is provided. At the pier, hop onto a speedboat towards Koh Losin. 

Diving Here

Koh Losin is not a popular destination among the dive community and is only accessible for a short period of months a year, particularly around July to September. Located 100 kilometres off the coast, it is a truly isolated islet in the middle of the ocean. This tiny islet under the Pattani province is a well-kept secret, where whale sharks and manta rays thrive undisturbed. Divers can also see exotic marine creatures including Dragonfly Catshark and Mobula. 

Cambodia

The Cambodian waters are for the most part unexplored and that’s what houses a flourishing, healthy reef and vibrant marine life. Cambodia has slightly over 60 islands, though most of them are underdeveloped and hold undiscovered dive sites. This is one of the many reasons why divers have been so attracted to the vast Cambodian waters, to be the first to discover the hidden secrets under the deep blue surface. Check out this island and its less-frequented dive sites in hopes of discovering something new in these waters. 

Koh Sdach (King Island)

Koh Sdach (King Island), Cambodia

Getting There

The easiest way to Koh Sdach Archipelago is by road from a small fishing village called Poi Yopon. From there it is a 15-minute boat ride to Koh Sdach.

Diving Here

For an authentic Cambodian diving experience, visit the remote island of Koh Sdach, just 1.5 kilometres off the Gulf of Thailand. With only one operating dive centre and close-to-none tourism efforts, the island life offers an organic and isolated experience. The dive sites surrounding the island are shallow and well suited for beginners and professionals. There are volunteer organisations that provide you with your stay on this island while you actively participate in ocean conservation efforts in the region. With its crystal clear waters, the island is perfect for both snorkelling and scuba diving, with an exciting range of marine life to encounter. The seclusion of the island means you’re sure to find something new to explore!

Shark Island

A rocky island just north of Koh Sdach, Shark Island gets its name from none other than the blacktip reef sharks that are often spotted in the region. Bull sharks and whale sharks are two other species sighted in the area as well. With the presence of sharks, it is recommended that more experienced divers frequent this site. 

Condor Reef

Situated about 30 kilometres south of Koh Sdach, Condor Reef is an excellent diving destination with its jaw-dropping underwater scenery. The peculiar architecture of this dive site includes gigantic rocks that form terraces, mini walls and archways, inviting reef sharks and other marine creatures. The seafloors of this region are home to a number of shipwrecks that sank to the bottom hundreds of years ago, an ideal dive for wreck divers. 

Vietnam 

Vietnam may seem like an unusual dive destination but this country has been slowly developing a reputation amongst the diving community with their vibrant coastal dive spots. Most of their waters are untouched and in perfect natural conditions, making it an ideal dive destination. Islands such as Con Dao, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang have recently been discovered as dive destinations and marketed towards tourists all over. These uncharted waters drive divers to explore more than what has been offered, in hopes of discovering something new. Visit the island of Con Dao where the region flourishes limitlessly in its natural state. 

Con Dao

Con Dao Island from above

Getting There

There are two ways to get to Con Dao – by air or by sea. We recommend flying to Con Dao from Saigon. If you wish to travel by sea, start from Vung Tau City. You’ll first arrive at Cat Lo Port to get to Con Dao. Otherwise, you can also depart from Soc Trang City on the Superdong Expressway. The whole trip lasts for roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes

Diving Here

Con Dao, an off-the-beaten-track archipelago off the shore in Vung Tau coastal city, is a lively natural wilderness. The clear waters of the archipelago boast hundreds of different species of fish and an exotic marine seascape. The remote location of Con Dao is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and give themselves up to nature. 

Con Dao has more than 25 dive sites to choose from. Wrecks are also a popular attraction amongst divers looking for a unique place to dive. The best time to dive in Con Dao is during the months of March and September. 

Fish Highway 

This wreck of a steel-hulled fishing boat sits at a depth of 28 metres, covered in a mantle of sponge and coral. The wreck is also home to an array of fishes, in fact the very same ones it used to catch. Marine life that divers may come across here are groupers, moray eels, butterflyfish and angelfish. On top of that, large Moorish idols are a common occurrence in these waters. This dive site is well-suited for underwater photographers and divers with experience. 

The Thai Freighter

A 65-metre long steel-hulled Thai freighter lays on the ocean floor at a depth of 35 to 40 metres. Fishes such as batfish, fusilier, and barracudas, have made their homes in this coral-encrusted wreck. It is recommended that experienced and advanced-level divers should only explore this wreck site.

Grouper’s Grotto

Located inside the wreck of a large fishing trawler, Grouper’s Grotto rests at a depth of 35 metres on the seafloor. Interestingly, it gets its name from the massive school of groupers that have made this wreck their home. The wreck makes an exciting dive, with high chances of encountering moray eels and sharks, as well as lionfish and scorpionfish found among corals and sponges. Experienced and advanced-level divers should explore this wreck site.

Singapore

While Singapore has marvellous architectural feats topside, their underwater scenery does not disappoint as well. The waters around Singapore surprisingly offer many interesting diving experiences, with 64 islands to choose from. Indeed, Singapore is slowly emerging as a dive destination. Many divers do not fathom that the Singapore waters hold a rich marine ecosystem until they’re proved wrong when they catch a glimpse of manta rays, sand tiger sharks and macro creatures living in the shallow waters. Singapore even has their own wreck – Sudong Wreck! Here’s one island that has proven to be rich in history as well as its marine biodiversity. 

Pulau Hantu

Red Feather Star Taken Off Pulau Hantu

Getting Here

From the main island of Singapore, there are no ferries scheduled to bring you over to Pulau Hantu. You will have to arrange your own sea transportation from one of the dive centres. A common pick up point would be the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. 

Diving Here

When translated directly from Malay, Pulau Hantu is literally “Ghost Island”. It is not located far off the Singapore coast, a short 30 to 40-minute boat ride from the city. In fact, Pulau Hantu is two islets – Pulau Hantu Kecil (Little Ghost Island) and Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island). 

According to an age-old legend, two brave warriors were locked in a violent head-to-head battle at sea and awoke a sleeping jinn (sleeping spirit). Disturbed by the violence, the jinn cast a spell that trapped the two warriors in the depths of the sea. They continued their battle even under the sea and eventually killed each other. The legend goes on to conclude that the two warriors were transformed into the two islets for their spirits to inhabit. Until today, the locals believe that the ghosts of these warriors roam the islands. 

Pulau Hantu is a popular spot for macro photographers and muck enthusiasts and divers can expect various reef fish species, a wide variety of nudibranchs, shrimps, and even seahorses.

For more travel advisories in Southeast Asia, get your copy of the Asian Diver Magazine Issue 6/2021 Collector’s Edition available online at Asian Geo.

Subscribe to Asian Diver Magazine here or for more details, please visit https://www.shop.asiangeo.com/