Layang Layang

The small oceanic atoll of Layang Layang lies 300km north west of Kota Kinabalu, off the coast of Malaysian Borneo in the South China Sea. Offering complete isolation, pristine reefs and steep walls plunging 2000m into the blue, Layang Layang, also known as ‘Swallows Reef’, has gained a well-deserved reputation for the quality and quantity of its pelagic life. Layang Layang is simply shark central.

Schools of Scalloped Hammerhead sharks, Grey Reef sharks, Leopard sharks and even Threshers and Silvertips can all be seen here.  Some 13 coral reefs offer spectacular underwater scenery and abundant marine life. Stingrays and Mantas glide gracefully alongside breathtaking walls adorned with life and colour. Stunning gorgonian sea fans cluster together to form veritable forests, whilst sponges of fantastic proportions grow along the walls and sea whips spear the blue. Barracudas, giant groupers, tuna, schools of surgeons and jacks are all found here.

Turtles are easily spotted resting in the shallows and the lagoon area offers  gentle slopes with plentiful formations of hard corals including staghorn, mushroom and brain corals for sweet lips and trigger fish to hide behind. Photographers should not forget their macro lenses as there is plenty of smaller life to discover. Arrow crabs, nudibranch, clams, flatworms and tiny formations of 'stem coral' make beautiful subjects as they nestle for space on the densely packed walls. Cleaning  stations abound and plentiful overhangs, caves and crevices will provide you with plenty to explore whilst you look out for large sun fish and the rare golden anemone.

Layang Layang’s isolated position allows for a true frontier diving experience. It is truly a jewel in Malaysia’s crown offering an almost unparalleled combination of thrilling pelagic encounters and kaleidoscopic detail that will delight divers of any kind.

Read some of the dive highlights off Layang Layang Island here

Layang Layang Dive Centre

The in-house PADI accredited dive centre is run by an experienced team of ten with many hundreds of dives at Layang Layang between them. Many exciting dives await you especially on the stunning walls that plunge some 2000m from the edge of the atoll. The average visibility is between 20 to 60 metres year round.

All divers must agree to the strict Environment Conservation Programme set-up by the dive centre and are required to sign a Reef Conservation Policy prior to diving. PADI dive courses up to Divemaster level are also available and the dive centre offers a range of equipment to hire. All tanks are 12 litre (aluminium) with international fittings. DIN fittings are available.

10 catamaran boats service the dive sites that lie mostly within 10-20 minutes from the shore. At least 14 dive sites are available and the depth range is 5-40m. Currents vary from mild to strong, depending on tidal changes and surface conditions. In order to make the most of your diving here, we recommend divers have a minimum PADI Advanced qualification or equivalent, with minimum 40 logged dives.

Read some of the dive highlights off Layang Layang Island here

Dive Packs

Diving is included in your holiday cost. Typically two dives on day of arrival, followed by three dives on each subsequent day and one morning dive on the day before departure. Air tanks, weights and weight belt are also included.  Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Dive Courses

Dive courses can be pre-booked. Please enquire for details. PADI courses are available up to Divemaster level and are subject to availability of instructors.

Extras in Resort - payable locally

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change.

• Additional single dive: RM 150
• Night dive: RM 150
• Boat rental (half day - 4 hours) RM 800
• Boat rental (full day - 8 hours) RM 1500

Equipment rental per day - payable locally:

• Mask & Snorkel: RM 20
• Fins: RM 20
• Mask, snorkel & fins: RM 40
• Wetsuit (shorty only): RM 40
• BCD: RM 50
• Regulator: RM 50
• Dive computer: RM 50
• Dive torch: RM 50
• High pressure gauge only: RM 30
• Low pressure hose only: RM 20

The Federation of Malaysia consists of three separate territories: Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah.

Climate

The whole of Malaysia has an equatorial climate so temperatures vary little from month to month and humidity is high. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C average all year round and the sun is very strong.

Borneo is tropical and lies only a few degrees north of the equator. Traditionally the wettest months are November to February, but rainfall can be unpredictable.

Layang Layang Island Resort operates from March to October. Hammerhead season is from March to May and the Great Trevally Season is June - October.

Water Temperature and Visibility

Water temperatures average 26°C - 30°C.

Visibility can range from superb to terrible, according to water movement in these rich, silt laden waters! Currents can be very strong to almost non-existent.

Getting to Layang Layang

Dependant on your individual travel itinerary, you will fly in and out of Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Malaysian Airlines

• Kota Kinabalu - Outbound:
  London Heathrow - Kuala Lumpur - Kota Kinabalu: Daily Flights
• Kota Kinabalu - Inbound:
  Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur - London Heathrow: Daily Flights

Kota Kinabalu to Layang Layang:
Flight operates every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to confirmation)

• Layang Layang – Outbound:
  Departs Kota Kinabalu: 06:00 Arrives 07:00
• Layang Layang – Inbound:
  Departs Layang Layang: 07:30 Arrives 08:30

An overnight at the beginning of your stay will be required in Kota Kinabalu to ensure you connect with the internal flight onto Layang Layang.

Sabah Naturewatch Extension

For those wanting something even more special a tailormade extension can be arranged to visit the orangutans and climb Mount Kinabalu.

The Sabah Naturewatch Extension offers a classic wildlife adventure through Sabah, Borneo’s northern wilderness. You will visit the orangutans at feeding time and watch proboscis monkeys swing through the treetops of the rainforest. You also have the chance to trek up mighty Mount Kinabalu, relax in bubbling hot springs and enjoy the crystal waters of the South China Sea.

Tour Highlights

• Klias River - Cruise the river to see proboscis monkeys and other wildlife
• Homestay - Village stay in rural Borneo
• Mt Kinabalu - Climb South East Asia’s highest mountain (4095m)
• Manukan Island - Boat trip to this protected tropical island with pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling and nature trails

City stopovers can be arranged for Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Singapore.

Time

Layang Layang is +8 hours GMT.

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit - RM. Rates as of May 2016

£1 = 5.8 RM
$1 = 4 RM
€1 = 4.6 RM

GBP, Euros and USD can be converted to Malaysina Ringgit once in Malaysia.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered. If you do not have local notes in small denominations, foreign currency may be used.

Activities

Layang Layang’s amazing underwater scenery has some competition top-side for keen bird watchers. Migratory birds have taken over one of the islands within the lagoon for their annual breeding season. Here swallows, egrets, brown foot boobis, crested terns and other feathered creatures find a resting place on a predator-free breeding ground after long journeys. Boat trips to the Bird Island sanctuary can be arranged upon request. Snorkelling is also available on the island (medically fit and strong swimmers only).

Guideline Resort Prices (RM)

• Mineral water (1.2l): RM 5
• Soft drinks: RM 5
• Beer (can): RM 15
• Wine: RM 20-30 per glass, RM 100+ per bottle (depending on brand)

Flight Information

Getting to Layang Layang

Dependant on your individual travel itinerary, you will fly in and out of Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Malaysian Airlines

Kota Kinabalu - Outbound:
London Heathrow - Kuala Lumpur - Kota Kinabalu: Daily Flights

Kota Kinabalu - Inbound:
Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur - London Heathrow: Daily Flights

Kota Kinabalu to Layang Layang:
Flight operates every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to confirmation)

• Layang Layang – Outbound:
  Departs Kota Kinabalu: 05:45 Arrives 06:45
• Layang Layang – Inbound:
  Departs Layang Layang: 07:15 Arrives 08:15

An overnight at the beginning of your stay will be required in Kota Kinabalu to ensure you connect with the internal flight onto Layang Layang.

For those wanting something even more special a tailormade extension can be arranged to visit the orangutans and climb Mount Kinabalu. Please see ask about the Sabah Naturewatch Extension.

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to Borneo should have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

UK citizens do not require a visa for stays in Malaysia under three months. Other nationalities must consult their consular office.

Vaccinations

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic. Some parts of Borneo are malarial. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. There are no compulsory vaccinations, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

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Layang Layang Island Resort