Borneo is a sovereign state made up of parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. An island set north of Australia in the South China Sea, Borneo offers miles and miles of coastline from which boats launch daily for some of the world's best scuba diving. Malaysia is known for lush rain forests and calm, warm waters, giving divers and other tourists a delightful opportunity to enjoy new experiences in this beautiful area.

With so many coastal towns and villages, it is no wonder that scuba diving is such a booming business. Diving in Malaysia is an ultimate goal for many enthusiasts, and dive sites dot the areas around the island. Just a short boat ride away is the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which consists of a series of five islands, around which divers enjoy shallow diving in the calm, safe waters of the South China Sea. Beautiful reefs and fantastic sea life abound to the delight of those who wish to partake.

If you are visiting Malaysia, and have never tried diving before, you will find that this is a great place to try. Diving centers offer dive equipment for beginners and experts alike. Mares, a leader in diving equipment, is stocked widely throughout the island. Of course, these diving centers are not just for shopping. Rent a boat for the day, which will come with a captain and a first mate who know the waters and will take you to the most rewarding dive sites. Rookies can find diving instructors who will first guide them through the scuba shop to ensure they have the right gear; then they will go out with them for instruction and coaching.

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, and diving is a priority for you, consider one or more of the following cities: Sipadan Island, Mabul, Kapalai, Layang Layang, and Lankayan. Each offers outstanding diving opportunities, as well as beautiful surroundings, and comfortable accomodations.

Less than an hour from the mainland of Borneo is Sipadan Island, which, for some, is the ultimate site for diving. Multiple big and small fish populate the waters near the island, as well as sea turtles and sharks. Just a short trip north of this island is Mabul, which offers the finest in macro diving. This form of diving involves the use of a macro lens camera to examine and photograph very small sea life. Kapalai is an island resort near Sipadan Island, which is an ideal site for a vacation, even if you have no interest at all in diving; however, divers will be treated to a show when they observe squid, needlefish, and mandarinfish at home in the waters surrounding the resort.

A dive shop is available on each island and in every town to ensure that you have everything you need for your expedition. If you have never tried this popular sport and pastime before, but are curious about scuba diving, Malaysia is one of the most beautiful and rewarding places in the world that you can try.