Asia is blessed with so many awesome snorkelling and diving spots, but if you're anything like us, it can be a f-ing challenge trying to figure out where the best places to go are. Whether you’re an ocean fanatic or fancy learning how to dive, we've put together a few of our favourite places to snorkel and dive in Asia.
PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
All that simply needs to be said here is, get your ass to Palawan in the Philippines for an epic snorkelling and diving trip. The waters are as clear as the overly filtered pictures that you see on your insta feed, and the limestone islands that surround you seriously makes you feel like you are on another paradise plant earth. Trust us, snorkelling and diving here an experience you’ll never forget.
The best spots to dive and snorkel in Palawan are in both El Nido and Coron. When you're in Coron, make sure you check out the skeleton shipwreck; a sunken Japanese gunboat from WW1 which is now home to big schools of fish that play around in their natural reef. An awesome experience...so don't think about it and get yourself to the Philippines!
KOH TAO, THAILAND
If you are looking to learn how to scuba dive in Asia, there is no better place to learn than Koh Tao island, Thailand. Many of you will know this island is famous for getting shit-faced on the Koh Tao Pub Crawl, but it is in fact Asia's top destinations to issue diver certifications. Every penny counts when your travelling so it’s a perfect place, that’s super affordable, to complete your qualification.
For those looking to snorkel, you won't be missing out as you will not miss the crowds of fish through the surface of the waters. Get your GoPro's at the ready for the awaiting school of fish; from parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish, blue-spotted rays and sea turtles. Keep your eyes peeled!
MALAYSIAN BORNEO
There are many reasons to go to Malaysian Borneo, and although it is known for adventure and wildlife (particularly those weirdly human-like animals known as orangutans), but snorkelling and diving is hands down, wicked. Malaysian Borneo is not so crowded with tourists making it another perfect place to complete PADI diving course. The safety and experience the diving schools have here are one of the best you will find, so whether you want to go for a try dive, or complete your masters, make sure you head here to get the best diving experience.
INDONESIA
From cute little clownfish to mammoth manta rays, Indonesia has some of Asia's best dive spots. Although there are so many amazing places to go in Indonesia when you're island-hopping, so here are a couple of our all-time favourites.
Gili Islands
The Gili islands are a popular destination to visit when travelling in Bali. Hop on an island boat trip and dive into the ocean to be welcomed with vibrant schools of fish and a magnificent array of coral. Whether you are a scuba diver or looking for a fun afternoon snorkelling, you don't want to miss this out here. Reward your self afterwards; have a cold sunset beer and get that perfect Instagram shot on the famous Bali Swings.
Komodo Islands
Not only a world heritage site, but the Komodo islands are also home to a whopping 1000 species; from manta rays, dolphins, turtles, about 14 different types of sharks. A divers paradise which welcomes world-class marine biodiversity - you'll never want to get out the water!
Snorkelling and diving don't get much better than in Asia, so next time when you're thinking about it, #JustGo.
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