Scuba Diving Around Kota Kinabalu
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Things to do · Destination Guide
A city base with a five-island marine park on your doorstep
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Kota Kinabalu is a rare setup in Southeast Asia: a full-service city paired with a protected island marine park a short boat ride away. Most operators run day boats into Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) for reefs, small wrecks, and training sites, then mix in Sepanggar-area reefs when you want clearer water and fewer day-tripper crowds. Expect warm water around 27°C to 30°C, generally easy to moderate conditions, and a fun mix of coral gardens, turtles, macro life, and schooling fish. Keep your schedule flexible in late winter to early spring if you want a chance at seasonal whale shark sightings around Gaya Bay (never guaranteed).
An easy boat dive behind Mamutik with thriving coral and lots of fish life.
A classic TARP reef dive near Mamutik that pairs well with nearby sites for a relaxed 2tank day focused on coral structure and reef fish.
Named for a reef formation that resembles a landslide.
A beginnerfriendly bay on the back side of Gaya Island with healthy coral gardens.
Healthy coral reef habitat with active fish life.
A shorebased reef dive known for abundant fire coral and sea urchins.
A shoreentry site used for easy fun dives and training, with shallow water that gradually deepens (commonly down to around 10 m).
A small wreck dive near Sepanggararea sites that works well as a skillsoriented dive (finning, trim, navigation) and for spotting reef life that uses structure for shelter.
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