# Highlights
Images : Shutterstock
Sabah ’ s West Coast Dive Paradise
By Sabah Tourism
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MALAYSIA
BRUNEI
INDONESIA
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Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Malaysia
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Layang-Layang Mantanani Island
Sabah
Lankayan Island
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MANTANANI ISLAND Located just off the coast of Kota Belud , crystal-clear waters and white beaches make the Mantanani Islands alluring dive destinations for those looking to wreck dive . Explore sunken WWII Japanese naval ships by day and stargaze on sandy beaches at night . |
TOP ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ) A close-up of a pregnant ghost pipefish at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park ; a beautiful coral reef at Mantanani Island ; a manta cruises the reef at Layang Layang ; a hawksbill sea turtle on the reef at Lankayan Island
2 | SDAA
Indonesia
WHILE the east coast of Sabah is widely considered a prime diving destination , its lesser-known west coast counterpart is similarly well-endowed with rich marine biodiversity . Underappreciated and often overlooked , Sabah ’ s west coast is located just outside of the ever-busy Kota Kinabalu city and offers numerous interesting dive experiences .
TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PARK Just 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu city , Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is the perfect location for day trips and muck diving . Divers can even look forward to whale shark sightings between January and April . Beyond diving sights , Tunku Abdul Rahman Park offers a plethora of thrilling water sports .
LAYANG-LAYANG Layang-Layang is the only atoll in Malaysia and can be found 300 kilometres northwest of Kota Kinabalu . Suitable for diving between March and August , divers can expect to see a bevy of exciting marine wildlife from hammerhead and whale sharks to mantas , devil rays and sea turtles . If you ’ re lucky , you might even encounter orcas . A charter flight via MASwings or Layang Layang Aerospace is needed to get to Layang-Layang .
LANKAYAN ISLAND A 90-minute boat ride from Sandakan and situated within the Sea Turtle Corridor , Lankayan Island is a marine protected area with much to offer . Close to Selingan Turtle Island , Lankayan Island is the perfect place to witness the nesting of green and hawkbill turtles . Visitors might even have a chance to release new hatchlings !