Layang-Layang is an atoll of about 13 linked coral reefs which is located in waters 2,000 meters deep. This island is part of the Spratly's, which has 600 islands, reefs and shoals in the South China Sea. This atoll is a tiny gem surrounded by clear water which is teeming with rich biodiversity of marine life.
Due to its location by deep water, Layang-Layang give rise to some stunning wall diving and encounters with pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, which can go into hundreds at certain time of the year, gathering here to perform their mating ritual. The spectacular coral gardens of virgin atolls surrounding Layang-Layang Island has never been exposed to any kind of fishing or man-made pollution. Hence, they are undeniably the healthiest reef in Malaysia and with exceptionally high diversity of coral and fish species.
Layang-Layang Island has some of the most pristine reefs which drop down as sheer walls into the abyss and covered with staggering species of healthy hard corals like the staghorn, tables and acropora being the most in numbers. These reefs makes great home to a myriad of sea life for the triggerfish, manta rays, and turtles. However, they're still outnumbered by the mighty presence of the scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Often spotted cruising here in this magnificent dive site are the schools of large dog-tooth tuna. These awesome creatures often cruise around the drop-off, in groups which range over a meter long and a large set of pointed gnashers to match. You might also bump into the elusive sunfish and pelagic like whale shark if you're lucky enough.
The visibility in the waters surrounding Layang-Layang Island is ranked extraordinary and often exceeds 40 meters. The out-of-this-world visibility could be misleading and dangerous to divers. Divers should always watch their diving depth and no-decompression time as they may be at deeper than they thought.
The only way to access Layang-Layang Island is through plane and there's only one resort on the island. The Layang-Layang Island Resort operates from March to August and closes outside that period. Big pelagic and the hammerheads are present around these time and peak sightings is around March to May period.
Depth at the Layang-Layang dive sites is from 5 to more than 40 meters. The currents are gentle with a calm surface condition. As there are dive walls which can go into endless depth, only certified divers with minimum intermediate experience level are encouraged to dive here. The recommended length of stay here is from 5 to 8 days. Divers take note, this is one of the few great dive sites that you should visit before you regret it.
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