Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is a coastal city on the island of Borneo with direct access to the South China Sea. It serves as a gateway for divers exploring the marine life of the Sabah region, including nearby reefs, wall dives, and island day trips led by local dive centers. While the city itself is not a large dive destination, it offers a solid base for Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo–style diving itineraries, with a handful of centers providing courses, equipment rental, and boat departures to nearby sites. Expect warm tropical waters, good visibility near the shore, and a range of macro life and reef fish at common dive sites in the broader area.
Essential information for traveling in Malaysia
About Malaysia
Practicalities
Diving specifics
Dive sites and dive centers around Kota Kinabalu
Nearby Dive Sites (26)
- 0.1 km · 0 min
- 0.3 km · 1 min
- 0.6 km · 1 min
- 1.8 km · 4 min
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- 2.8 km · 6 min
- 4.1 km · 8 min
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- 6.7 km · 13 min
- 7.9 km · 16 min
- 12.2 km · 24 min
- 12.4 km · 25 min
- 12.6 km · 25 min
- 12.7 km · 26 min
- 13.2 km · 27 min
- 13.6 km · 27 min
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- 14.7 km · 29 min
- 15.0 km · 30 min
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- 16.1 km · 32 min
- 17.4 km · 35 min
- 19.2 km · 38 min
- 19.4 km · 39 min
Nearby Dive Centers (6)
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- 7.2 km
- 7.3 km
- 7.6 km
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- 5.6 km
- 7.2 km
- 7.3 km
- 7.6 km
- 7.6 km
- 12.2 km
Nearby cities for scuba diving around Kota Kinabalu
The best time to dive in Kota Kinabalu
The best months to dive in Kota Kinabalu are from May. Temperatures are confortable (28°C), currents are mild and the visibility is at its best.
Based on last year's weather. Scores compare months for this destination only and are indicative. A mitigated month may still suit many divers.
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