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Getting in Deep: Asia's Best Diving
It is no secret that some of the world's finest scuba diving can be found in Asia. For years, visitors have congregated at famous sites in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia to plumb the balmy tropical waters. But the region has plenty more variety on offer, from a mysterious pyramid in Okinawa to the fabulous wreck dives off Papua New Guinea. Here is a Remote Lands selection of unforgettable underwater explorations.
GETTING IN DEEP: ASIA'S BEST DIVING
It is no secret that some of the world's finest scuba diving can be found in Asia. For years, visitors have congregated at famous sites in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia to plumb the balmy tropical waters. But the region has plenty more variety on offer, from a mysterious pyramid in Okinawa to the fabulous wreck dives off Papua New Guinea. Here is a Remote Lands selection of unforgettable underwater explorations.
INDONESIA’S UNDERWATER WONDERLAND
Rufas Island, Raja AmpatIndonesia is world renowned as a paradise for divers with countless astounding options scattered throughout the 17,000 island archipelago. While Komodo is most famous for its giant lizards, its pristine depths harbor abundant marine life with numerous luxurious liveaboard yachts patrolling the ocean equally worthy of distinction. Further east, the Spice Islands held a mystique that captivated renowned Old-World explorers, among them Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. Another of Indonesia’s dive havens is Raja Ampat, which unquestionably ranks among the world's most stunning island chains. It is characterized by pristine white-sand beaches, concealed lagoons, enigmatic caves, peculiar mushroom-shaped islets, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A fine way of exploring this part of Indonesia is aboard Aqua Blu, a long-range exploration yacht that offers scope for cultural as well as diving discovery.
OKINAWA’S PARADISICAL PYRAMID
Yonaguni PyramidOkinawa showcases a completely different side of Japan from the famous "Golden Route" first-time visitors typically enjoy in northerly Honshu. Known for its friendly, subtropical climate and string of rocky as well as sandy beaches, the province is Japan’s premier spot for relaxation and beach bliss. It is also highly regarded for its diving, with coral and marine species as varied as that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The prefecture has numerous incredible dive sites, none more so than at the mysterious Yonaguni, where the site known as “Atlantis” or “Yonaguni Pyramid" is rated as one of the best in Asia. Sitting about 30 meters beneath the surface, it features step-like rock formations and amphitheater-like structures, and theory has it that an ancient city of a lost civilization was submerged here 5,000 years. Another reason to dive in Yonaguni is for hammerhead sharks, as the island is on the migration path for these majestic creatures. Congregating by the thousands, they pass through the deep blue waters from November through June. Prime hotel options in Okinawa, include HOSHINOYA Okinawa, a modernist retreat nestled along the scenic shores of the East China Sea, and Hiramatsu Okinawa.
ISLAND LIFE IN OMAN
The endangered Green TurtleOman has rich opportunities for exciting whale shark encounters in its plankton-rich oceans. Every autumn, the seas attract dozens of whale specimens that come here to feed. One of the best spots to visit is the Daymaniyat Islands, an archipelago located around 50 km offshore from Muscat, rich in coral reefs and marine life. The waters around the archipelago serve as a channel for migratory marine animals, including whale sharks, sperm whales, and various species of dolphin. The first designated marine reserve in Oman and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the islands also shelter nesting populations of Hawksbill and green turtles. After rewarding days underwater rest your head at a prestigious Muscat address such as Jumeirah Muscat with panoramic ocean views over Muscat Bay.
PNG’S SUNKEN TREASURES
Kimble BayPapua New Guinea boasts a selection of spectacular dive sites that can rival any in the world. The vibrant marine life alone would be a showstopper, but what sets PNG apart are the numerous aviation wrecks dating back to World War II, making it a pilgrimage site for divers and history buffs alike. Off the coast of New Britain, the country's largest island, where fiery volcanoes and misty rainforests create a dramatic backdrop, you'll find dive sites like Kimble Bay, the Witu Islands, and the Father's Reefs. These areas teem with colorful sea life, gracefully navigating through luminous coral gardens. Venture slightly further from the shore, off New Island, and you'll encounter the Der Yang Wreck. Over time, Pacific currents have transformed this sunken fishing boat into a thriving hub for marine creatures.
BORNEO’S BRILLIANT DIVING
SipadanThe seas off Malaysian Borneo offer some of Asia’s best diving, with top locations including Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai. Sipadan located just off the coast of Sabah is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, featuring over 3,000 different species including barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks. Its steep walls are covered in vibrant corals and sponges. Nearby, Mabul is famous for its macro life, attracting underwater photographers with exotic critters like frogfish and seahorses. Kapalai, a sandbar island with a resort on stilts, provides excellent muck diving opportunities to find and photograph the tiny sealife that lives on the ocean floor. Kapalai’s shallow waters are home to fascinating marine creatures, including cuttlefish and blue-ringed octopuses. Together, these islands offer a diverse and captivating underwater adventure for divers of all levels.
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