Malaysia has been recognized as a premier diving destination in the prestigious Scuba Diving 2025 Readers Choice Awards, winning top honors across multiple categories. This year, Malaysia has garnered more accolades than ever before—a testament to the growth in its scuba and snorkeling opportunities, as well as its expanding array of dive resorts. Surpassing other competitive destinations in the region, Malaysia continues to showcase its rich marine biodiversity, world-class dive sites, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Divers of all skill levels are drawn to explore Malaysia’s underwater wonders, solidifying its place as a standout on the global diving map.

The 2025 Readers Choice Awards survey was taken by 8,566 readers and website visitors. In the highly competitive Pacific and Indian Oceans region, Malaysia achieved remarkable placements, including:

• 1st Place in both Beginners and Best Value categories, showcasing its accessible dive opportunities and affordability for divers and families.
• 2nd Place in Snorkeling and Shore Diving, reflecting the country’s diverse underwater experiences and stunning coastal environments.
• Top 5 recognition in Best Overall Dive Destination and Macro Life, emphasizing Malaysia's rich biodiversity and vibrant marine habitats.
• Top 10 for Wall Diving, recognizing its spectacular vertical drop-offs and diverse marine life.
• Acknowledged as One of the Best for Big Animals, Advanced Diving, Wreck Diving and Photography, highlighting the unique encounters and unforgettable experiences awaiting divers.

Malaysia's commitment to sustainable tourism practices and marine conservation initiatives enhances the diving experience, ensuring that the breathtaking underwater ecosystems remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. With year-round diving opportunities across the country’s idyllic islands and marine parks, Malaysia offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty.

Sustainability and Conservation at the Core

Malaysia leads with marine conservation efforts:

• Sipadan Island limits visitor access to protect marine ecosystems.
• Reef Check Malaysia monitors over 300 coral reefs annually to preserve biodiversity.
• Lang Tengah Turtle Watch saved more than 150,000 endangered turtle eggs from poaching and expanded efforts to coral rehabilitation.
• Scuba Junkie in Sabah champions sustainable ecotourism through solar energy, green waste systems and biodegradable products.

Malaysia is home to a number of premier dive resorts that cater to the most discerning scuba enthusiasts, including:

• Tioman Dive Resort: A tropical haven featuring stunning coral reefs and jungle-clad slopes. Tioman Dive Resort offers exclusive dive packages starting at $1,200, with guided boat dives and add-ons to WWII wreck sites.
• Seaventures Dive Rig: Stay on a repurposed oil rig off the coast of Mabul Island, featuring unlimited house reef dives, access to Sipadan, and unique experiences like the famous Rig Jump from a 20-meter platform. Enjoy a game of pool, relax with massages, or stargaze from the sundeck under the Milky Way.

Discover why Malaysia enjoyed so much success in the 2025 Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards and why it is a beloved destination for divers worldwide. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website on malaysia.travel and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.