LAYANG LAYANG ISLAND RESORT

Terembu Layang Layang, “Swallow reef” is an isolated submerged coral atoll in the South China Sea, 306 Km northwest of Sabah capital Kota Kinabalu. It has a man-made island covering 6 hectares situated on the eastern end of the atoll.

The atoll is a favoured nesting site for many species of migratory sea birds. There is a seasonal increase in numbers during the nesting months from February to October - easily reached by a short flight from Kota Kinabalu, this isolated destination is definitely one of the Malaysia’s most exciting and challenging for diving.

LAYANG LAYANG DIVING

The reefs are pristine and the visibility excellent. Steep walls over extremely deep water provide spectacular diving. Resident shoals of barracuda and caranx are becoming accustomed to divers, Hawksbill and Green turtle are frequently seen resting on the reef. Healthy corals, giant sea fans and soft corals grow to two metres or more across deeper water.

Set in a vast open sea, the reef attracts pelagic species; the northeast corner is a unique location where encounters with shoal of Hammerhead Sharks are common when the water is colder during the months of April and May. On numerous occasions hundreds of these shy creatures are seen but they always keep just a little too far away for cameras to record clearly.

THE DIVE CENTRE

The dive operation is from a PADI certified dive centre. A team of 6 dive masters/instructors who between them have logged hundreds of dives in Layang Layang will assist with the daily scheduled dive trips.

Equipment in the dive centre includes 10 Catamaran boats that can bring the diver to the sites within 10/30 minutes, 300 80 cubic ft. aluminium tanks, Bauer KAP180 compressors, 20 sets of BCD and regulators (mix of Scuba-pro & Apollo) and a vast range of fins, masks, booties, weights and belts.

All divers must agree to the Environmental Conservation Programme set-up by the Dive Centre and are required to sign a Reef Conversation Policy prior to diving. PADI dive courses up to Dive master are conducted.

LAYANG LAYANG ISLAND RESORT .

Layang Layang Island Resort: A modest three star resort with 76 rooms and 10 suites. Its tropical hardwood structures are similar to those of a traditional Malaysian longhouse. Rooms are fully air-conditioned, have en suite bathrooms with shower, hot and cold fresh water, and are furnished with the best basic facilities.

Fresh water for the resort comes from a desalination plant.

The in-house restaurant offers a variety of east and west cuisines; a large swimming pool, massage centre, bar lounge, movie presentations, a souvenir shop and the diving centre complete the resort facilities.

GEO-DIVE OPINION

A plain but comfortable resort, despite it’s isolated position. The food is fairly good with quite a wide choice of dishes; a good level of service overall. There may sometimes be problems with low water pressure in the bathrooms/showers, especially during periods of high usage by the guests, but it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to visit this remote location.

The dives are excellent, even though there are only 12 sites so dives are often repeated, the reefs are very healthy and colourful, with pelagic fish in abundance, and sometimes some ‘pleasant surprises’ during the period from March until the end of May. The environmental policy of the dive centre is very strict and should be respected to avoid unnecessary arguments. Suitable for divers of all levels.

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