Dive Into Miri-Sibuti: Borneo's Underwater Wonderland

Sep 29

2 min read

Located off the coast of Miri, Sarawak, the park is a sprawling marine paradise. Just a short boat ride from the mainland lies the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, one of Malaysia's top diving destinations and the largest offshore marine park in Sarawak.

With more than 40 dive sites and depths generally ranging from around 7 to 30 metres, there are plenty of places to explore. The nearest dive site is a mere ten minutes from the Marina Bay Jetty.

Best Time to Visit

To get the absolute best sea conditions, the diving season is generally best from late March through November. Particularly April to September, temperatures stay warm year-round (24°C to 32°C), is a favourable period for snorkeling and diving.

It is best to avoid the monsoon season from November to February, the wetter months can bring rougher seas and reduced underwater visibility, so weather conditions should always be checked before travelling.

Vibrant red and orange soft corals growing on a reef beneath clear blue water, with the underwater reef extending into the background. — Vibrant red and orange soft corals flourish beneath the clear blue waters of Miri-Sibuti, creating a spectacular underwater scene.

What You Can Do There

With over 40 distinct dive sites catering to all skill levels, Miri-Sibuti offers a rich variety of water-based activities:

Snorkeling: For visitors who prefer to stay closer to the surface. They can enjoy marine-life observation and boat trips to the various dive locations.
Scuba Diving : Explore vibrant coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and underwater pinnacles. Highlights include Seahorse Reef, famed for micro-marine life, and Anemone Garden, teeming with clownfish and sea anemones.
Beginners can take certification programmes through local dive operators, while experienced divers can explore deeper reefs.
Wreck Diving: Experienced divers can dive into history at sites like the Atago Maru, a Japanese World War II shipwreck that has transformed into an artificial reef bustling with aquatic inhabitants.
Underwater Photography: With clear waters and diverse light conditions, photographers can capture everything from wide-angle reef scenes to close-up macro shots.

The Character of Miri-Sibuti

The character of Miri-Sibuti is defined by its remarkable versatility and convenience, a combination of extensive patch reefs, marine life and wreck diving, with more than 40 dive sites and relatively easy access from Miri.

Miri-Sibuti, by comparison, gives divers more opportunity to move between coral reefs, smaller reef creatures and wrecks during their diving trip.

Responsibility

Visitors should remember that coral reefs are fragile ecosystems. By diving responsibly, avoiding contact with corals and marine life, taking all rubbish with them and never leaving waste in the sea.

Following local conservation guidelines can help minimise their impact and protect Miri-Sibuti’s underwater environment for future generations.