Layang Layang
Offering complete isolation, pristine reefs and steep walls plunging 2000m into the blue.
Layang Layang has gained a well-deserved reputation for the quality and quantity of its pelagic life. 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
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Layang Layang Resorts & Hotels
Layang Layang Island Resort
Built in the style of a traditional longhouse, the Layang Layang Island Resort presents modern comforts in a charmingly unspoilt…
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Layang Layang Information
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
- Night dive
- Boat rental (half day - 4 hours, full day - 8 hours)
- Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire, including BCDs, regulators, shortie wetsuit, dive computers, dive torch, high pressure gauge only, low pressure hose only, fins, masks & snorkels
Resort Info
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 & 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.
Time
Layang Layang is +8 hours GMT.
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit - 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).
Planning your Holiday
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)
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.
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
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