::DIVING IN SABAH AND SARAWAK::
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, where divers stop in transit to Layang-Layang and Mabul is also the site of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. This marine sanctuary is 50 sq km in size and was gazette in 1974. It is made up of the 5 islands of Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug and Mamutik.
Shallow waters, dazzling coral gardens and a variety of accommodation make this a popular site where rare antenna rids and large tropical cuttlefish can be sighted. The best time to dive here is from March to October. Divers will have to go through a local diving centre.
Labuan, lying 8 km off mainland Sabah is a haven for wreck diving. The four wrecks within Labuan's waters, namely the Blue Water, Cement, American and Australian Wrecks are accessible to all but internal exploration is best left to expert divers. Trevallies, barracuda, batfish and groupers are the commonly sighted species.
Layang-Layang, an oceanic atoll situated 300km off the northwestern coast of Sabah offers breath-taking coral gardens and open sea species such as Scalloped Hammerhead sharks which may be seen here between April and May. The island is also a bird sanctuary.

::SEASONS::
Heavy rains in December and March affect currents and visibility at certain sites. Terengganu's Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian as well as Pulau Tioman in Pahang are the sites most affected. The atoll of Layang-Layang in Sabah is closed from November to March due to high waves and torrential rain. The Sabahan islands of Mabul and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park remain open all year round as they are sheltered by the Bornean land mass. Water temperature here rarely falls below 27 degrees Celcius. Visibility seldom drops beyond 30 metres.

::EQUIPMENT::
Everything a diver needs can be hired at local dive stores or from dive operators. Divers are advised to give two weeks notice prior to their arrival to ensure the operators have the equipment ready.
In the warm tropical waters of Malaysia, a 3mm wet suit is enough protection as temperatures rarely dip below 23 degrees Celsius. A lycra skin is just as adequate and takes up less space.
Hyperbaric or recompression chamber facilities are available in Malaysia. The Malaysian Navy operates two in Lumut and Labuan while Borneo Divers own a two-man chamber in Sipadan.

::CONDITIONS FOR DIVING::
Divers will need to produce their certification cards and log books before they are allowed to join a diving expedition.
Malaysia accepts PADI, NAUI, SSI and BSAC certifications. Dive operators reserve the right to require a refresher course for any diver who cannot show proof of diving in the last 12 months.
All dives must be done with a buddy. No solo dives are allowed and most dives are limited to a maximum of 130 feet or 40 metres. Those wishing to night dive must show proof of night, cavern or wreck diving and must exit the water by 10pm.
Most operators reserve the right to decide on the fitness of an individual to dive. It is strongly suggested that a prospective diver respect and adhere to the views of these professionals. Diving insurance is also highly recommended. Divers will have to sign a liability waiver before their dives.