Rising up from the depths of the South China Sea, the tiny island of Layang Layang sits 2000 metres above the seabed like a tiny white pinnacle amongst the warm, blue waters surrounding it. Fringed by healthy coral reefs, Layang Layang is an atoll of 13 linked coral reefs and forms a part of the hundred or so islands, shoals and reefs known as the 'Spratlys'.  Located 300km off Borneo's northern coast and reached by a short flight, Layang Layang can offer extraordinary visibility, a rich diversity of marine life and some of the most outstanding diving in South East Asia.

A ban on any fishing activities here ensures that the reefs here are healthy. They are characterized by large numbers of staghorn and Acropora corals which provide a home to countless species of brightly-coloured fish and colourful marine invertebrates.  You are likely to see garish shoals of neon fusiliers, large gatherings of white margin unicornfish and hundreds of pyramid butterflyfish gliding towards you. Layang Layang offers some exceptional reef diving, but many who come to this small island do so to see sharks.

Sharks are part of many a dive to Layang Layang, whether that be a gentle leopard shark resting on the reef, their blunt noses pressed into the sand; or sleek reef sharks patrolling the waters for prey or snoozing in wide-mouthed caves. But for several weeks every year, the deep waters around Layang Layang become a magnet for one of the sea's most recognizable and enigmatic animals: the hammerhead shark. Late Spring sees the return of hundreds of scalloped hammerheads, congregating in the waters to perform courtship displays and mate. Diving when these fascinating sharks are present is a mesmerizing experience - their characteristic silhouettes gliding closer, shoaling in their hundreds, as they swim past you within just a few metres. Layang Layang is one of just a few places on Earth where it is possible still to see hammerheads gathering in such large numbers.

Other large species such as barracuda, dogtooth tuna, humphead wrasse and trevally are all common in the area. Turtles, manta rays and dolphins also make regular appearances. All in all, the waters around Layang Layang are teaming with life and the reefs are said to be the healthiest in Malaysia.

Malaysian Borneo's islands are jewels in South East Asia's rich tapestry of marine habitat - and long may they remain that way. The diversity of life within them is of global importance, but like many reefs around the world, they are beautiful but fragile environments that are under pressure.  We therefore urge all divers to dive responsibly and safely, avoiding any contact with the reef.