Layang Layang resort lies atop a remote atoll in the South China Sea to the northwest of Borneo island. Divers head here for the opportunity of incredible pelagic encounters.
The remote atoll of Layang Layang (Swallow Reef) lies in the South China 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu. Upon it, a migratory bird sanctuary and a converted military base catering exclusively to divers who seek a unique experience and the chance of incredible shark encounters.
The charmingly rustic property, built to resemble a traditional longhouse, features 46 rooms with king or twin bed configuration. Clean and simple the rooms feature air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, a fridge, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. All have a private verandah. Complimentary WiFi internet access is available in the hotspot lobby area.
Facilities include a restaurant serving a combination of local and international cuisine five times a day, a swimming pool and bar area, small shop and a conference room. The resort is the only facility on the island and the main activity is diving.
The resort is open annually from March to August and scheduled transfers to the island are by a one hour long charter flight four times a week from Kota Kinabalu.
Layang Layang island resort caters exclusively to divers and, starting early, up to three dives a day are operated by an experienced crew from the small fleet of fibreglass catamaran style boats. The isolation of the atoll attracts an incredible marine life either living on the steep colourful walls, in the caves and caverns or cruising on by in the blue. The ocean floor drops to 2,000 metres and with visibility of up to 60 metres you’ll hardly miss a thing.
The highlights are regular sightings of pelagic species with resident schools of barracuda and big eye trevally, tuna, sweet lips, green and hawksbill turtles, stingrays and mantas. In addition, the atoll attracts grey reef, leopard, silvertip and the occasional thresher shark. The seasonal visit of scalloped hammerhead sharks, however, is perhaps the main reason divers visit the resort from April to June each year.
Suited to experienced divers and photographers, there are 14 dive sites around the atoll, most at a depth from five to 40 metres. Runway is an incredible wall site with a wealth of corals and tiny residents, white-tip reef sharks rest in the Valley and hammerheads are often seen at depth at Navigator Lane and Dogtooth Lair.
Water temperature ranges from 26-30C.
Mabul offers excellent ‘muck diving’, with an incredible variety of crazy critters. Combine this with Layang Layang’s pristine conditions and famed pelagics, and you have the perfect dive holiday. Find Out More about Sipadan & Layang Layang
Lying in the South China Sea, the atoll of Layang Layang rises from the depths 2000 metres below. Schools of hammerheads visit seasonally, drawing thrill seekers the world over, and other highlights include silvertips, grey reef sharks, turtles and fabulous corals. Find Out More about {acc:title}
