SIX OF THE BEST


DIVING SPOTS IN ASIA


Paradise awaits divers in Asia. Archipelagos stretch like pearls


across the continent, hiding dramatic aquatic worlds. But which are the best scuba spots? Asks Laura Gelder.


of Japan, are among the largest coral habitats in the world. Here, the Ryukyu Archipelago stretches between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, comprising 160 islands, only 48 of which are inhabited by people. A top- rated dive is the mysterious Yonaguni Monument. No-one knows if the underwater pyramid-like structures are natural or manmade and large schools of hammerhead sharks add to the excitement at this unique site. SELL IT: The 12-night Diving Sub Tropical Japan package is from £2,779pp (based on two sharing) and includes Tokyo, the Kerema Islands and Islands in the Okinawa prefecture. insidejapantours.com


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jungle. Must-dives include the island of Sipidan, formed over thousands of years by coral growing on top of an extinct volcano. Its abundance of life can be astounding – hundreds of turtles can be seen on a single dive as well as grey and whitetip reef sharks, and large schools of bumphead parrotfish and barracuda. Also in Malaysian Borneo, Lankayan Island’s reefs boast macro highlights like frogfish and ghostpipefish. And watch out for Brunei as an up-and-coming wreck diving destination. SELL IT: Seven nights at the Mabul Smart Dive Resort overlooking Sipidan is £1,625pp for two sharing and flights (commission amount dependent on booking). planetdiveholidays.com


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BORNEO Marine life here is just as bio-diverse as the


off the west coast of Thailand. Liveaboards leave from Khao Lak and Phuket to take advantage of underwater topography ranging from coral gardens to deep-water rock formations. Favourite dives include Elephant Head Rock, where giant granite boulders create dramatic underwater canyons decorated with waving sea fans. Further north is Richelieu Rock. The submerged pinnacle discovered by Jacques Cousteu is carpeted with rich purple coral and is often visited by the world’s biggest fish – the whale shark. SELL IT: Seven nights at the Briza Resort, Khao Lak is from £1,349pp, b&b, with return flights from Heathrow and private transfers. Many Liveaboards operate from here. trade.premierholidays.co.uk


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for its dragons on land, but under water it’s a diver’s dream of shallow reefs, current-swept walls and pinnacles patrolled by sharks. Liveaboards are popular from April to November and top dive sites include Cannibal Rock – famous for its rainbow of colour from the resident sea apples, purple gorgonians fans and anemones. There’s also the Yellow Wall of Texas, named for its abundance of sea cucumbers. It frequently draws sharks and manta rays. SELL IT: Seven nights at the four-star Bintang Flores hotel is from £1,220pp based on two sharing and flights. Dive shop onsite. Commission amount is dependent on booking. planetdiveholidays.com


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KOMODO ISLAND This island and national park in Indonesia is famous


SIMILAN ISLANDS This pristine island group lies in the Andaman Sea


diverse island. Liveaboards leave from the capital Puerto Princessa and are likely to visit shipwreck city Coron – where 24 Japanese boats were sunk by an American air raid in 1944. The soaring rock formations and azure lagoons of El Nido are a protected area home to dugong, dolphins, turtles and an array of colourful fish and nudibranches. The isolated UNESCO World Heritage-rated Tubbataha Reef rivals the Great Barrier Reef for diversity (open only mid- March to mid-June). SELL IT: The Batangas and Coron Liveaboard runs November to February for 10 nights from £2,421, full-board with three-four dives per day (commission 10%) regal-diving.co.uk.co.uk


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untouched for over 40 years and is still relatively undiscovered by tourism and divers. However, the incredible visibility makes it great for learners too. The pristine white sand beaches slope off into a sub aqua world of coral reefs, sea grass meadows and mangrove forests with marine life including seahorses, dugongs and turtles. A popular island from which to dive is Koh Tang, with sites whimsically named Sting Ray Alley and Beady Eye Bay. SELL IT: Stay at the five-star Song Saa island resort from £4,940pp in low season, all-inclusive (all meals, house drinks, most excursions/activities and flights and transfers). scottdunn.com


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KOH RONG This archipelago off the coast of Cambodia lay


PALAWAN Diving is big business on the Philippine’s most bio-


OKINAWA, JAPAN The waters off Okinawa, in the southernmost part


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