DIVE SITE
GORGONIAN FOREST

The Gorgonian Forest is one of the most renowned dive sites of Layang Layang Island situated in the Borneo region of Malaysia. This dive site, considered to be the signature dive destination of the area, is located at the northeastern edge of the island and is ideal for reef dives, drift dives and wall dives. Extremely popular for the uncanny hammerhead sightings in April and May, it is highly recommended only for moderately experienced divers to expert divers because of its strong currents. The name “Gorgonian Forest” comes from the gorgeous range of colorful gorgonian sea fans and barrel sponges swaying in the currents underwater and the area is incredibly rich in marine life which includes several species of small and large fish, corals and turtles as well.

With a visibility of over 40 meters, the magic of diving here begins at a mere 12 meters when the gorgonian forest’s beauty comes into sight and goes on until over 30 followed by sightings of reef fish like the red tooth triggerfish or the butterfly fish, snappers, batfish, unicorn fish, jacks, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, barracuda, hawksbill turtles, manta rays, giant trevallys, fusiliers, harlequin sweet lips and giant clams. Like all dive sites on the Borneo region of Malaysia, diving in the Gorgonian Forest is considered to be the best from March to August. The months of April and May are ideal for scalloped hammerhead shark sightings while July and August is the peak tourist season due to the pleasant water temperatures and high concentration of marine life.

While water temperature here ranges from 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, Gorgonian Forest has an excellent visibility range of 20 to 50 meters. The dive site can be reached by a boat and is about fifteen minutes from the shore. Currents here usually tend to be strong and it can be dangerous for beginners to attempt the dive. At just 15 meters, Gorgonian fans of red, green and yellow colors can be spotted while barrel sponges also adorn the wall. The wall is also covered in soft coral like whip and black corals. The myriad of colors accompanied by the abundance of underwater fauna makes Gorgonian Forest an ideal spot for drift diving, underwater photography and other recreational activities.