There's plenty to discover under the waves in Asia
Asia boasts some of the best dive spots in the world, whether you’re throwing on a scuba pack or bobbing around with a snorkel set.
So where are divers heading? Holiday booking website Agoda has run the numbers for the first half of this year and it turns out that Bali is currently the most popular dive destination on the continent.
Bali of course is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich culture, but it also has some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. One of its most famous diving sites is USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben where divers can explore a shipwrecked World War II cargo ship. Offshore islands just a boat ride away offer myriad diving experiences, including Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Menjangan Island. Further afield, the waters surrounding the Gili Islands toward Lombok are teeming with marine life.
Agoda’s ranking, compiled to mark International Scuba Day earlier this month, found that Phuket in Thailand came a close second to the popular Indonesian holiday island, followed by Okinawa in Japan, Cebu in the Philippines and Nha Trang in Vietnam. The leaderboard was based on accommodation bookings made through Agoda between January and July this year.
Phuket offers spectacular diving, including at the nearby Similan Islands with crystal clear water and abundant marine life. Closer to Phuket, Racha Yai and Racha Noi are also worth a trip. Dive from Phuket at the right time of year and you can even spot whale sharks.
Okinawa in Japan came third in popularity; Blue Cave in Cape Maeda is a must-dive site known for its stunning blue hues and diverse marine life including sea turtles and reef fish.
Cebu in the Philippines took the fourth spot. The island offers diving sites for all levels, including the most popular spot of Malapascua Island where divers can encounter thresher sharks.
Meanwhile, Nha Trang in southern Vietnam is gaining popularity as a dive destination for its colourful marine life and conservation spaces. The Hon Mun Marine Protected Area boasts clear waters and abundant reef-life for divers to explore.
“Asia offers some of the most spectacular diving experiences in the world,” commented Agoda vice president Andrew Smith. “From shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs, each destination provides unique underwater adventures for divers of all levels.”
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