Good Dive Sites in Perhentian, Malaysia

[sushi]

Hi guys,

I'll be going to the Perhentian Islands in a few weeks time, and would like to get some ideas as where the better divesites are at the place. I'd love to get specific details as well e.g. how the currents are, what flora and fauna can be found and that kind of thing for this time of the year from those with the chance to have experienced Perhentian. Thanks!

 

[wandernsoul]

Two sites that come to mind are Shark Point and Twin Rocks. I spent April and May on Besar last year, working with the Marine Parks folks, doing underwater surveys in the entire area. Of course right now the names of places don't come to mind! I'll have to look for my log book..... I actually found the viz to be rather bad then, like diving in a snowstorm on many dives, but hopefully it will be better for you.
Where will you be staying? Kecil or Besar? And diving with? All the DM's that I dealt with were very knowledgeable about the sites and their marine biology is great as well.

 

[sushi]

Thanks for the advice, i'll be staying at the coral bay area on the small island. As for the vis, I've been told its pretty decent right now as the season's just opened after the long monsoon break and its a good time to catch sightings of 'big' fish. I'll be diving with Steffan's Seasports, as its just next door to the place I'm booked into. Please do let me know if any other sites come to mind. I was wondering if you've dived at the Sugar wreck before?

 

[wandernsoul]

Nope, didn't get to do the wreck, but i heard it's nice. One of the deeper dives in the area if I remember correctly.
One dive that 's really nice is a pinnacle a ways off Kecil, a very popular dive, once again can't remember the name. Starts at about 90', where I found lots of baby sharks, like a shark nursery. Gorgeous corals, lots of fish, and wicked currents so it's usually dived early. We surveyed all around it, which turned out to be a challenge to say the least!
While you're on Kecil you should wander into the village, and walk the trail that cuts through the island and back around to your resort. Very nice hike.
Good news about the viz. Have a ball!

 

[jarllie fich]

My all time favs in Perhentian even after logging more than 80 dives there are:

1. Temple of the Sea: Very popular site and lots of offer...
2. Tiger Rocks (Terumbu Tiga): Swim-throughs... bumpheads... pipefishes...
3. Secret Reef: Deep dive... small area but plenty of stuff to see...

As for the wreck, depends on the viz - if the viz is poor, it can be a real disappointment and challenge with the currents... if there's clear viz, quite beautiful.

 

[wandernsoul]

Ah yes, Secret Reef. It still remains a secret to me.
Here's a tip on that site. Go down the descent line!

 

[Kupu]

I expect you will really enjoy diving the Perhentians, I spent about two weeks there last September as the season was winding down for the monsoon. Would have stayed twice as long in order to see more sites but got shanghaied to Sipidan. I did go to the Sugar Wreck and although the vis was poor it didn't bother me as there were plenty of critters around. Saw a couple of Bamboo Sharks, Cuttlefish at play, watch out for the well hidden scorpion fish, Flabellina Nudibranch on the mooring rope, and a few more of the usual supects. I also liked Tokong Laut which is a pinnacle that goes down to about 24 meters. The first dive had strong currents but good vis, saw Blue Spotted Rays, White Eye Moray, Reef Squid, Pufferfish, Schools of Pilot Jack and Big Eye Snapper, Filefish, and plenty of coral around. Terumba Tiga also gets my vote.

 

[YCW]

Been to most of the east coast islands off Malaysia, and still love Perhentian the most. Have been going back there every year for at least once for the past 5 years ! Some may argue the diving at Perhentian is not that great, compare to perhaps Pulau Tenggol or Redang, but the quietness and serenity of the islands more than make up for that. As for the diving, I agree with others that Temple of the Sea (Tokong Laut) and Tiger Rocks are the best sites around that area. But all the other dive sites are quite decent as well. Most of the dive sites have only very little or no current to due with. Only occassionally there will be some mild current at the above 2 sites but managable.

Have fun.

 

[sushi]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! Will be off to Perhentian this weekend and praying for good viz!

 

[seok]

hi there if i'm not mistaken the sea became rough again since few days ago.. hope u could still make ur trip and be extra careful as i heard the wave could go as high as 3m.

been diving there for 3 months from june-sept last year and viz was alright.. the best yet was up to 20m but at normal times can easily hit 10m. if u're ever going for night dive be sure to check out 'batu nisan' near long beach. u'll see plenty!!

have fun diving!

P.S: i'm new here.. just wanna say what a great place this forum is!!