Grab your gear for our round-up of the region's fabulous fish-friendly viewing spots. These are our pick of some of the best family snorkel spots in Asia
Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Gilis are a group of tiny islands off the larger island of Lombok. They include the palm-fringed and car-free isles of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
The gentle ocean currents lapping the islands and mostly good visibility make them a great spot for beginner divers and snorkellers. Expect to see lots of turtles, reef sharks and manta rays at certain times of the year.
The Gilis are a fairly reliable location for diving year-round, although visibility can be reduced in December and January when there is the potential for heavy rainfall. The best times to visit are between May and September.
How to get there: Catch a fast ferry from Bali or fly to Lombok Airport and catch a taxi to Bangsal Harbour and a boat to the Gilis.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc is a collection of one main island and a handful of smaller islands just off the coast of mainland Vietnam. It’s home to some of the best snorkelling in southeast Asia, boasting vibrant marine life in clear, shallow waters. Look out for bamboo sharks, dugongs and cuttlefish.
While it’ s all good, arguably the best snorkelling to be had is in the south of Phu Quoc near the village of An Thoi. There are plenty of dive and snorkel operations throughout the main island that can arrange day trips or private boat tours.
The best time of year to visit is November to April; avoid Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in early February when the area is very busy.
How to get there: Fly direct to Phu Quoc International Airport with HK Express (daily flights from December 6).
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
The Perentians are a small group of coral-fringed islands off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhenthian Kecil.
The islands are popular with families and most of the islands’ beaches boast clear, shallow waters that are alive with rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. Or take a boat trip to the five further, uninhabited islands.
There’s plenty of great snorkelling to enjoy, but if you want to take your diving a step further, there are also lots of venues that offer PADI certification courses.
Avoid the Perhentians during monsoon season, which runs from November to February, when many of the islands are closed to tourists.
How to get there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu Airport and take a taxi to Kuala Besut. From here it’s a 40-minute ferry ride to the Perhentians.
Palawan, Philippines
The Palawan group of islands in Southern Luzon is about an hour’s flight from Manila. The area is named for its largest island, Palawan. Pristine beaches, clear blue waters and stunning limestone cliffs make this one of the best places in Asia to dive.
Top spots here include Matinloc Island in El Nido, which has great marine life and corals close to the shore.
In Coron, Coral Garden is a must-see. It’s a regulated marine sanctuary with only a limited number of boats allowed in at any one time. The corals are plentiful and expect to see lots of clownfish wafting in and out of the anemone.
The best time of year to visit Palawan is from mid-October to early May when it is warm and dry. Wet season runs from late May to early September.
How to get there: Fly to Manila International Airport and catch a domestic flight to El Nido.
Hoi Ha Wan, Hong Kong
The 260-hectare Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in Sai Kung West Country Park boasts around 60 types of hard coral and 120 species of coral fish. Marine life that calls the park home include black sea cucumber, crabs, starfish, lion’s mane jellyfish and yellowtail clownfish.
The area is relatively remote and you'll need to catch a bus from Sai Kung Town. When you arrive, follow the path between the houses down to the beach and bay.
Snorkel equipment can be hired relatively cheaply in the village and lockers are available to store your gear while you swim.
The bay is well protected and very calm for swimming and there are about four coral communities to explore, one close to the beach.
There’s also a visitor centre where you can discover more about the local area’s marine life.
How to get there: From Sai Kung Town take a number seven green minibus or hail a green taxi to Hoi Ha Village.
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