Dive Sites Of Kuching

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Dive Sites of Kuching
Compiled by Ernest C. Teo

Basic information related to the main dive areas around Kuching which include photos, marine life, corals, getting there and interest. Dive season starts from April to September. All dive trips have to be pre-arranged.

SATANG ISLANDS

Nearest to Kuching, Satang comprises of two islands, Besar(Big) and Kecil(Small). Most diving activities are done at Satang Besar where coral reef fringed two third the island's edge and submerged boulders lays on the other. It is a playground from macro lovers.

On the beach, there is a turtle hatchery managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and by luck, visitors might get to see baby turtles. From April to September, sea turtles will come up to shore at night to nest laying average of 100 eggs each time.

Freshly layed turtle eggs are immediately transferred to this hacthery where they will maintain until hacth.

A green turtle coming up for nesting.

Egg laying in process.

A newborn ready to be released.

Facts : Satang

Activity
Muck diving, snorkeling and camping. All activities requires pre-arrangement.

Maximum Depth 12m

Interest
Fish : Blue Ringed Anglefish, Grouper, Snapper, Mangrove Jack, Copper Banded Butterflyfish, Parrotfish and Pufferfish.
Coral : Boulder, Sea Fan, Acopora
Others : Nudibranch, Lobster, Crab

Hazard
Sea urchin and low visibility

Getting to the island
Option 1 : Travel by land for 50 minutes to Telaga Air where you take a chartered local village boat to the island which takes about 45 minutes. It is cheaper and along the way, you would be able to enjoy the country side.

Option2 : Travel towards Santubong for 45 minutes, charter a commercial boat to the island which only takes about 30 minutes.

Other important notes
There are no commercial facility on the island. A park fee of RM10 will be imposed upon landing on the island by Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

Colourful marine fish.	Corals of amazing size.
Clear waters.	A blue spotted ray.

TALANG ISLANDS

Heading southern Sarawak to the last town by road is Sematan. The coast house few sites which is great for reef diving.

Talang-Talang is made of two islands which is a National Park focusing on Turtle Conservation. Fringing reef surrounding the islands are filled with both soft and hard corals while marine fish feed on the them. The reefs fringing the islands are considered one of the best in Kuching area.

Between the islands and Sematan mainland is Batu Penyu, a submerge hill which is visible during low tide.

Facts : Talang

Activity
Diving and snorkeling require pre-arrangement.

Maximum Depth 14m

Interest
Coral : Boulder, Sea Fan, Acopora
Fish : Blue Ringed Anglefish, Grouper, Snapper, Mangrove Jack, Copper Banded Butterflyfish, Parrotfish and Pufferfish.
Others : Nudibranch, Lobster, Crab , Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle

Hazard
Current during change of tide.

Getting to the island
Travel by land for 1 hour 30 minutes to Sematan town where you take a chartered local village boat to the island which takes about 45 minutes. Scenery along the way from Kuching is fantastic, passing by villages, rivers and mountains. It is recommended to have dinner on the way back as you can savor fresh seafood at cheaper price.

Other important notes
Make sure your cameras have fresh batteries!