Located between Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia lies just north of the equator and is slightly larger than New Mexico, with a population of 18 million people. The capital is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is an ethnically diverse country, with Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist and several local religions being practiced. Malay is the official language but English, Chinese and Indian dialects are also spoken in different parts of the country.

There are two distinct regions in Malaysia: the Malay Peninsula (Thailand lies to the north, Singapore to the south), and the northern part of the island of Borneo with the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Most of western Malaysia is covered by tropical jungle, including the central mountains that run north to south through the peninsula. The western coast is marsh while the eastern is sandy. Eastern Malaysia has wide, coastal plains with interior jungles and mountains. The beaches and offshore islands have dazzling white sand and crystal clear waters with world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.

Malaysia is a year around destination depending on which part of the country you visit. The climate is characterized by temperatures ranging from 78ºF to 95ºF in the lowlands. Temperatures can fall as low as 55ºF in the highlands. Rain falls throughout the year in quick heavy showers with the total annual rainfall averaging around 200cm. The heaviest rainfall can be expected from October to March when the northeast monsoon brings strong winds and heavy rain to the east coast of the peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia will leave you breathless with its underwater beauty and diversity. Large pelagics, giant leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles, plus tiny crustaceans and everything in between await. The special magic of this diverse and unique land is sure to captivate you long after your journey has ended!

For the true diving enthusiast, the island of Sipadan, located off the east coast of Sabah, needs no introduction. Praised by the internationally renowned diver and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots in the world, Sipadan is the only oceanic island (meaning not connected to the continental shel) in Malaysia rising 2,000 ft (600 m) on a limestone pinnacle that “mushrooms” out near the surface. The abundant and stunning marine life will thrill and amaze you no end.

Another diver’s favorite, The Layang Layang Atoll, is located 165 miles north west of Kota Kinabalu. Oval-shaped and blessed with clear blue waters, you can also windsurf, sail a catamaran, dive, snorkel, fish to your heart’s content, then climb back on land and watch the thousands of migratory birds nesting there in this nature lover’s paradise.

Other islands that have equally enchanged the diving fraternity are Mabul Island, know as home to the world’s best “muck diving”, a discovery that is gaining in popularity, and Langkayan Island, for its colorful world of macro marine life in over 20 dive site that never cease to fascinate all visitors.