Kris Mikael Krister
Layang Layang is a remote atoll in the South China Sea, around 300 kilometres off the coast of Borneo.
The 14 kilometre long atoll rises from the depths 2000 metres below, providing awesome wall diving and some great opportunities for shark lovers.
The star of the show here is the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, which gathers in large schools around the atoll in April & May.The sight of hundreds of these majestic creatures together is an experience that cannot fail to excite even the most experienced diver
Highlights
Best diving spots
The star of the show here is the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, which gathers in large schools around the atoll in April & May to breed. The sight of these majestic creatures gathering together is an experience that cannot fail to excite even the most experienced diver. It is possible to encounter the sharks all round the island, but D’s Wall, which plummets vertically down to unimaginable depths, and Gorgonian Forest are two of the best spots for sightings.
Hammerhead Sharks are not the only large creatures that visit these waters however. Manta Rays & Eagle Rays can be seen at Wrasse Point, while Whitetip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks & graceful Leopard Sharks all find food & protection around the atoll, ensuring regular sightings.
Shark’s Cave, as the name suggests, is an excellent place to encounter these residents, while Turtles sometimes put in an appearance at The Tunnel, a coral slope on the south side of the atoll. At Dogtooth Lair, Dogtooth tuna can be seen cruising the blue along with large schools of Barracuda & Trevally.
If you can tear your eyes away from the action, abundant & colourful hard & soft coral gardens provide shelter for a healthy population of reef-fish and many fascinating smaller critters are waiting to be found by the more observant diver.
When to dive
The main dive season here runs from March to August. Outside these months, the island’s only resort is closed. The best months to spot Hammerhead Sharks are April & May.
Getting there
The only way to reach Layang Layang is by flying from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. Flights are organised by Layang Layang Dive Resort in conjunction with your stay.
Activities
Aside from the diving, the atoll's lagoon area has nice snorkelling and there is a also bird sanctuary, where literally thousands of migratory birds find refuge. There are no beaches to visit and no tourist facilities outside the resort.
Resort and liveaboard options
Layang Layang has one sole dive resort - Layang Layang Dive Resort - that is open from March until August each year. The resort offer packages including accommodation, diving and meals, plus charter flights to and from the island from Kota Kinabalu.
How to dive Layang Layang
There is only one resort on the atoll, called Layang Layang Island Resort. The resort provides regular charter flights from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. We would recommend a 6 day, 5 night package to get the most from your stay. The resort is open from March through to August each year.
Layang Layang Snapshot
- When to go: March to August each year. Hammerheads seen in April and May.
- Marine life highlights: Hammerhead Sharks, Turtles, Pelagic species
- How to reach: Resort charter flight from Kota Kinabalu two or three times per week.
- Prices guide: A 6 day, 5 night diving package costs from USD2250 with Dive the World, including flights from Kota Kinabalu. Surcharges apply for the peak hammerhead period.
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