Map location of Panglima Reef
Dive Spot Guide

Panglima Reef

Sloping Mabul reef with macro life and turtle action.

ScubaSnorkelBeginner
Reef
Usually dived from the Mabul side, Panglima Reef works as an easy scenic reef in calm water and a gentle drift when the tide starts moving.

About Panglima Reef

Panglima Reef is a gently sloping Mabul reef where coral-covered sections, sandy patches, and spongey pockets combine into one of the island’s stronger all-round sightseeing dives. It can stay beginner-friendly on calm days, but the site becomes more interesting when tidal flow starts pushing a mild drift along the slope and the cleaning-station life becomes more active. The reef is especially valued for the mix of macro subjects and larger everyday encounters, with nudibranchs, crocodile fish, schooling snapper, turtles, rays, and occasional blue-water surprises all part of its reputation. Divers usually choose it when they want classic Mabul variety instead of a single-feature wreck or a shallow-only training reef.

Research Estimate At Panglima Reef

Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.

VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessSimple entry
Coral HealthHealthy coral
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Current StrengthModerate current

Where Is Panglima Reef?

Map location of Panglima Reef
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.

Panglima Reef Planning Details

Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.

Reported Depth

5m+

Depth Note

Reef starts at about 5 m off the shore and extends ~50 m toward deeper water; no maximum depth stated.

Best Season

Panglima Reef can be dived throughout the year, with April to December commonly used as the more reliable Semporna planning window for weather and visibility.

Typical Conditions

Longshore current may be present depending on tides.

Safety & Access At Panglima Reef

Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.

Key Hazards

Strong current

Safety Notes

Longshore current can occur with tidal changes; plan for drift conditions.

Access Restrictions

Panglima Reef is normally dived through Mabul-area operators rather than by independent public entry.

Local Intel For Panglima Reef

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Scuba

A beginner-friendly site that can be used to experience drift diving when tidal current is running.

Panglima Reef Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Panglima Reef.

Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
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Time
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Sunset
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Great
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Great
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Great
Wind
No data
Swell
No data

Exposure Profile at Panglima Reef

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

Recent Logged Visits At Panglima Reef

Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.

No Dive Logs Yet

Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!

Dive Spot Log Averages At Panglima Reef

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Panglima Reef Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Panglima Reef Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

www.diveplanit.com · Dive Directory

Exact site listing for slope, depth profile, and mixed marine life.

www.mabul.com · Operator Guide

Mabul dive guide for Panglima terrain and typical marine life.

Mabul operator page for Panglima turtle cleaning-station context and site planning.

www.sempornadiveresort.com · Operator Conditions

Semporna seasonality guidance used for the planning window and visibility context.

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