The Sembilan, or Nine Islands, located off Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, are surrounded by little-known dive sites, with even more waiting to be discovered. Although visibility in these plankton rich waters tends to be no better than 15 meters, and is often as low as 5 meters, the magnificent creatures that live in the abundant coral reefs don’t mind a bit. Visit between November and March for the best conditions. Let’s take a peek at the underwater gems that await.
White Rock - Sembilan Islands Dive Sites
The most commonly visited dive site at the Sembilan Islands is White Rock. Easily identified, thanks to its towering white rock formations and its lighthouse, White Rock features more massive boulders and steep walls that descend all the way from the surface to meet the seabed 40 meters below. Played by a light current, the wall is covered in an abundance of hard and soft coral, as well as sea fans and sea whips, huge sponges, and beautiful anemones. You’ll find huge tuna and barracuda here, along with moray eels and snappers, groupers, and a wealth of colorful reef fish.
Pulau Pangkor - Sembilan Islands Dive Sites
Better for snorkeling than for diving, this little island is surrounded by very shallow fringing reefs pockmarked with tiny holes where an amazing assortment of blennies can be found living fin to fin with anthias and other colorful reef dwellers. Look for lobsters and shrimp, moray eels and groupers as you make your way from one patch of reef to the next. This island is a favorite with the few tourists who do end up in the Sembilans, and is blessed with white sandy beaches that make a nice place to relax between trips into the water.
Pulau Jarak - Sembilan Islands Dive Sites
Washed by swift currents, and an excellent place to encounter pelagics, Pulau Jarak is suitable only for experienced divers. Unless you’re confident of your capabilities and in good condition, don’t get into the water here! This is a remote area, far away from medical facilities. This being said, once you’re beneath the water’s surface, you’ll find yourself among magnificent coral formations teeming with fish large and small. Watch for reef sharks and barracuda, triggerfish and angelfish, butterfly fish, and all kinds of other reef inhabitants. The soft coral thrives in this rich water, and can often be seen fully extended. While maximum depth is about 40 meters, there is lots to see in depths from ten to thirty meters – there is no need to take risks.
At all these sites, as well as at other stops, take the time to look for the seahorses. This group of islands is one of the only places in Malaysia where you can find them, and some are large by seahorse standards – up to about five inches long. They tend to hide in sea fans and make excellent macro subjects.
If you want to visit the Sembilan Islands to dive, you’ll have to go with a liveaboard as there are no dive shops on any of the nine rocky islands. Tourism is minimal, and the islands are inhabited mostly by indigenous fishing families. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some incredibly coral reefs which have not been spoiled by careless diving practices, and as Malaysia’s diving is gaining renown worldwide, it is likely that these sites will someday be easier to access. For now, enjoy the blue silence. This is sure to be one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take.