Layang Layang - Hammerheads & Drop-offs
Layang Layang, the "Swallow Reef," is an atoll in the South China Sea some 300 km north-west of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. The extreme location of Layang Layang, the pristine reefs, excellent visibility, steep walls down to 2000m and regular sightings of pelagics have given Layang Layang the much deserved reputation of being one of the top ten scuba diving locations in the world.
Layang Layang has resident schools of Barracuda and big-eye Trevally. There are also frequently seen Green and Hawksbill Turtles - the reef has something to offer for every scuba diver.
The corals are plentiful and healthy with sea fans more than three meters across, filtering plankton from passing currents. The 20m deep lagoon has some great macro creatures to be found, including Seahorses, Cuttlefish and Pipefish but it is the pelagics visiting the outer walls that truly excite divers. Schools of scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks and the occasional Threshers and Silvertip Sharks can all be seen when scuba diving at Layang Layang, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.
Stingrays are also regular visitors including Manta Rays, Pygmy Devil Rays, Marbled Rays and Eagle Rays. Rarer sightings such as Whale Sharks, Orcas and Melon Headed Whales have all been reported over the last few years. Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins frequently follow the dive-boats to each location and divers are sometimes rewarded by snorkelling and diving with these amazing creatures!
The island is man-made and was constructed for the Malaysian Navy and later developed for the only dive resort, the Layang-Layang Island Resort. The island location offers absolute isolation, and the only mode of getting there, except by boat, is the regular Malaysia Airlines flights from Kota Kinabalu.
With its pristine reef, diverse fish life and visiting pelagics, Layang-Layang has rightly gained world wide recognition. You can enjoy some photos taken scuba diving at Layang Layang.
Interested in a scuba diving adventure at Layang Layang? Then book your next diving holiday at Layang Layang with Borneo Dream.
Information Source: Borneo Travel Guide