Getting here:
From Labuhan Lalang, the wooden boat journey takes about 30-45 minutes to Menjangan Island, depending on the tide. This dive commenced at White Beach, the island's only sandy shore. As soon as you see the drop-off, head left. Maximum depth: 20m. Total bottom time: 27 minutes. Visibility: 30m.
Description:
This certainly ranks as the best dive thus far since I obtained my PADI Open Water Certification. My previous dives in Tioman Island and Payar Island were generally disappointing when it comes to visibility (and current!). What a pleasant surprise to dive in layers and layers of gigantic and colorful sea fans and other soft corals with outstanding visibility. (Updated: Recently I had almost-similar diving experience of Menjangan in Pulau Chebeh, Tioman)
This second dive was slightly shallower at maximum depth of 20m, and yet much superior than my first dive at Pos #2 Left Side. The variety of soft corals here is probably one of the best in the region.
As I ran out of oxygen early, I resurfaced alone after 27 minutes of bottom time. While waiting for my dive master, I floated effortlessly with BCD fully inflated. I found myself in a mini snorkeling adventure. The hard corals on the fringe of the drop-off are just as prolific! At only about 3m deep before the drop-off, this spot is also an excellent place for snorkeling (as also witnessed by the presence of a boat load of snorkelers that day).
My verdict:
Highly recommended! Literally an underwater Garden of Eden. Even excellent for snorkeling. |
