Mawali Scuba Diving

Based in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Mawali Scuba Diving operates as a boutique expedition team focused on the remote reaches of Sabah. They specialise in small-group liveaboard trips that take you far beyond the reach of standard day-trip operators, targeting the most iconic and untouched sites in Malaysia.

Their operations are centred around a 56-foot sailing catamaran, designed to facilitate 7-day, 6-night expeditions. This setup allows for a true liveaboard experience, navigating between the highly sought-after reefs of Sipadan and the isolated coral atolls of Layang Layang.

The team is led by highly qualified professionals, including a PADI Course Director, ensuring a high standard of safety and expertise on every expedition. They maintain a boutique approach, keeping group sizes small to ensure a personalised experience for every diver.

All instruction and expedition management are conducted in English. The team is committed to marine conservation, integrating an ethos of environmental stewardship into their remote expeditions.

Mawali Scuba Diving offers advanced training for those looking to refine their skills or progress professionally. Their course catalogue includes the PADI Deep Diver Specialty and the PADI Cave Specialty.

For those pursuing a career in the industry, they provide IDC (Instructor Development Course) training, catering to professional-level divers looking to advance their certifications.

The expeditions are hosted aboard a 56-foot sailing catamaran, which serves as both your transport and your floating accommodation. The vessel is configured for small groups, with a maximum capacity of 6 divers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere on board.

This catamaran allows for extended stays in remote locations, making 7-day, 6-night liveaboard trips possible. The vessel provides concierge services and expedition assistance to ensure all logistical needs are met while at sea.

Full rental kit is available upon request, allowing you to travel light to the Sabah region. While the catamaran is the primary base for these expeditions, the team can organise the necessary equipment to suit your specific diving requirements.

The region is a powerhouse for pelagic life, particularly during the window from March to May. During this time, hammerhead sharks are a primary attraction at the Layang Layang atolls.

You can expect to encounter large species such as reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and various rays. The deep blue waters often host tuna, barracuda, and whale sharks, while the walls of Sipadan are famous for their resident sea turtles.

For those interested in macro photography, the sites offer significant variety. Snapper Ledge is a dedicated spot for finding pygmy seahorses among vibrant soft corals and sponges, while Crack Reef provides a wealth of macro life within its coral crevices.

Other notable residents include thresher sharks, eagle rays, and various species of nudibranchs found tucked into the cornices and overhangs of the reef.

The best window for diving these remote sites, particularly for hammerhead shark sightings, is between March and May. During this period, the conditions are most favourable for pelagic encounters.

Access to these locations is limited, as they are reachable only by private flight or by catamaran, ensuring the sites remain relatively undisturbed by large numbers of divers.