The oil town of Miri is Borneo's newest dive destination. The reefs were only discovered in the late 90's and have received glowing reports from the few divers that have dived them. Top underwater photographer Michael Aw rated Miri corals as "much like those of the luxurient reefs of PNG and the Maldives."

Although diving is possible year round the best time is March to August when the sea is calm and visibility is good, between 20-35m. In the off season visibility can drop to 10m.

Most dives are on shallow patch reefs down to 30m deep . Reef life is prolific with hard and soft corals, gorgonian seafans, sponges and featherstars. Schools of reef fish, rays and impressive macro critters can be seen. There are also a couple of wreck dives. More dive site and more species are sure to be discovered soon. Here is a selection of the dive sites:

Grouper Patch is, surprise surprise, a patch reef with large groupers in residence. The hard coral reef is also home to schools of snapper and fusilier among other reef fish.

Sunday Reef is a small reef with many anemones full of clownfish. Nudibranchs are numerous. Over 70 different species have been recorded in the area. Blue spotted stingrays can be found in the sand here, as they can on most Miri dive sites. Continued >>