If you’re planning a scuba diving trip, look no further than South East Asia. This region is home to some of the planet’s most biodiverse and visually stunning underwater environments. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking for adventure, the best dive sites in South East Asia offer something for everyone—from coral gardens and drift dives to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and historic wrecks.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the most spectacular dive destinations across Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. 🌴🐠

1. Raja Ampat – Indonesia

Often considered the crown jewel of scuba diving, Raja Ampat boasts the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. Located in eastern Indonesia, this archipelago offers crystal-clear waters, untouched reefs, and an incredible variety of marine life.

Highlights:

• Manta rays, reef sharks, pygmy seahorses
• Famous dive sites: Melissa’s Garden, Boo Window, Misool
• Best explored via liveaboard

Best time to dive: October to April
Why it’s one of the best dive sites in South East Asia: Unmatched biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes.

2. Sipadan – Malaysia

A legendary name among divers, Sipadan lies off Sabah ‘s coast in Borneo, Malaysia, and is one of the most protected dive sites in the world. With daily diver limits, its reefs remain vibrant and healthy.

Highlights:

• Vertical wall dives
• Frequent sightings of sea turtles, reef sharks, and barracudas
• Strictly regulated with only 120 divers allowed per day

Best time to dive: April to December
Why it’s famous: Pristine ecosystem and abundant big fish action.

3. Komodo – Indonesia

Komodo National Park offers thrilling dives with strong currents and dramatic underwater topography. Mantas, reef sharks, and stunning coral formations make this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-dive.

Highlights:

• Manta Alley, Castle Rock, Shotgun
• Currents that attract big pelagics
• Excellent for advanced divers

Best time to dive: April to November
Keyword relevance: One of the best dive sites in South East Asia for drift diving and manta encounters.

4. Nusa Penida – Indonesia

Just off Bali‘s southeast coast, Nusa Penida is world-renowned for its majestic manta rays and Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) sightings.

Highlights:

• Manta Point, Crystal Bay
• Excellent macro and pelagic diversity
• Be prepared for strong currents

Best time to dive: July to October (Mola Mola season)
Why it stands out: Unique pelagic encounters close to Bali.

5. Tubbataha Reef – Philippines

Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible only by liveaboard. This remote marine sanctuary offers pristine diving and jaw-dropping biodiversity.

Highlights:

• Hammerheads, mantas, pristine corals
• Liveaboard-only access ensures minimal human impact

Best time to dive: March to June
Why it’s on the list: Exclusive access to untouched reef systems.

6. Cebu & Moalboal – Philippines

Cebu is perfect for both adventure and beginner divers. In Moalboal, you’ll find the famous sardine run, while Oslob offers whale shark encounters.

Highlights:

• Easy dive sites and high visibility
• Reef walls, caves, and pelagic life
• Sardine balls and macro critters

Best time to dive: November to May
Why it’s great for all levels: Accessible, safe, and diverse diving.

7. Coron – Philippines

A dream location for wreck divers, Coron in Palawan, Philippines, features a dozen sunken WWII Japanese warships resting in warm, clear waters.

Highlights:

• Wreck dives from beginner to tech level
• Scenic limestone karst landscapes
• Coral-covered steel giants

Best time to dive: October to June
Why it’s unique: Best dive site in South East Asia for wreck exploration.

8. Bunaken – Sulawesi, Indonesia

Bunaken Marine Park is a favorite for wall diving lovers. Home to vibrant corals and reef fish, it also offers great macro life and is located near Lembeh Strait, a top muck diving site.

Highlights:

• Walls dropping hundreds of meters
• Macro life, turtles, and pristine corals
• Visibility often exceeds 30 meters

Best time to dive: March to October
Why it’s worth visiting: Diverse topography and healthy reefs.

9. Ko Tao – Thailand

Ko Tao in Thailand is a favorite among new divers, thanks to calm conditions and affordable certification courses. But it’s also home to impressive dive sites like Sail Rock, between Ko Tao and Koh Samui, which boasts schooling fish and reef sharks.

Highlights:

• Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Sail Rock
• Great place to get PADI certified
• Occasional whale shark sightings

Best time to dive: February to May
Why it’s popular: Best dive site in South East Asia for learning to dive.

10. Halmahera – Indonesia

Tucked between Sulawesi and Raja Ampat, Halmahera is a hidden gem. With few visitors and untouched reefs, it’s perfect for divers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Highlights:

• Remote and uncrowded
• Beautiful coral gardens and large pelagics
• Still largely unexplored

Best time to dive: October to April
Why it’s special: Remote diving with a frontier feel.

Final Thoughts

From majestic manta rays in Raja Ampat to wrecks in Coron and sardine runs in Moalboal, the best dive sites in South East Asia offer unmatched variety and beauty. Whether you’re into big fish, coral gardens, wrecks, or macro photography, there’s an underwater paradise waiting for you.

Planning your next dive trip? Bookmark this list and get ready to explore some of the most spectacular waters on the planet!