Scuba Diving at Tenggol Island, Malaysia
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Why Tenggol Island is Worth the Trip
October 2025
Tenggol Island, or Pulau Tenggol, sits off the coast of Terengganu on Malaysia’s east coast. It’s only about three kilometres long but surrounded by some of the most impressive dive sites in the region. Known for clear water, steep coral walls and healthy reefs, it’s a favourite among divers who prefer quieter islands and uncrowded dives.
The underwater world here is full of life. You’ll find nudibranchs, turtles, reef fish, and sometimes bumphead parrotfish or mobula rays. Whale sharks also visit between September and October, when visibility is usually best.
With more than twenty dive sites around the island, there’s something for everyone. The shallower reefs offer calm conditions and colourful coral gardens, while deeper walls bring stronger currents and bigger marine life. Tenggol’s compact size, relaxed pace and clear water make it one of Malaysia’s hidden gems.
Getting to Tenggol Island
After visiting the MIDE Dive Expo in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, Tenggol quickly made it onto my must-dive list. I’d heard a lot about its reefs and whale shark sightings, and several people recommended early October for the best conditions. I took their advice and planned my trip for that time.
At first, I thought about staying on the mainland in Kuala Dungun and taking daily boats out, but that would have meant long transfers. Then I found an advert for The One Tenggol Island Resort, which included accommodation and four dives per day. Staying on the island made much more sense, with early starts and no long commutes.
From Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungun
To get there, I flew from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang) in Kuala Lumpur to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu. The short flight on an ATR 72 turboprop took just under an hour. I prefer Subang as it’s smaller and more relaxed than KLIA.
Since I arrived in the evening, I booked a night in Kuala Dungun, where the boats depart for Tenggol the next day. The journey south took about an hour and a half by Grab. Some drivers claim it’s hard to find taxis for the return trip, but I had no problem booking one later.
Overnight in Kuala Dungun
I stayed at Rajawali Riverside Retreat, a quiet little spot by the river. It was dark when I arrived, so stepping into a cool, air-conditioned room was a relief. Later, I walked ten minutes to the main road to find food, but only a Seven-Eleven was still open. Instant noodles and a Fanta did the job.
Opening the curtains the next morning was a pleasant surprise. The retreat was peaceful, surrounded by trees, with a small pool, BBQ area and river views. A flock of hornbills in the trees made the early start even better. I’d booked through Booking.com, and communication with the owner was quick and friendly over WhatsApp. Highly recommended if you need somewhere to stay before heading to Tenggol.
The Journey to Tenggol Island
I booked a Grab for the short five-minute ride to A’King Jetty, the departure point for The One Tenggol Island Resort. After checking in at the dockside reception, I dropped my bags and had an hour to spare. The staff were friendly and helpful, so I popped into town to pick up a crate of beer. The resort allows guests to bring drinks but charges a corkage fee of 50 MYR per crate, which is fair given there are only two resorts on the island.
I found a licensed shop called Chop Leong Thye, with good prices and helpful staff. After that, it was a quick ride back to the jetty. The team handled all my bags, including the crate, and helped everyone aboard. The 45-minute crossing was calm and comfortable.
The One Tenggol Island Resort
& Sea Angel Dive Club
Arriving at Tenggol felt special straight away. We were greeted on the beach by the friendly resort team and given a short welcome briefing in the open-air dining area. The island’s cheeky squirrels dashed around looking for snacks, setting the tone for three great days ahead.
We met our dive guide, Owen, who reviewed certification cards and sorted rental gear. Everything was well organised, and the equipment looked in great condition. Once checked in, I unpacked, assembled my camera, and headed to the dive centre for the afternoon dives.
My room was spacious, with a comfortable bed, air conditioning, fan and small fridge. Power runs on a schedule, but it’s more than enough for charging gear. Mobile signal was surprisingly good thanks to the new mast, so staying connected was easy when needed.
Resort Life and Dining
The resort sits beside the beach, surrounded by jungle and calm blue water. It has a laid-back atmosphere that fits perfectly with island diving. Lunch was served buffet-style with a mix of local dishes, followed by a short rest before the afternoon dives.
All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks between dives. The food was excellent, and if there was ever something you didn’t fancy, Eric and the team were happy to help. After a relaxed lunch, I checked my setup and joined the group for the first dives around the island.
The Dive Centre and Team
The Sea Angel Dive Club team are experienced, organised and full of enthusiasm. Everything from briefings to equipment setup runs smoothly. Eric, the resort’s main organiser, keeps things running perfectly and somehow manages it all with a constant smile.
Most divers do four dives a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, with optional night dives depending on conditions. Between the professional setup and the friendly team, it’s easy to see why many guests return year after year.
Scuba Diving Around Tenggol Island
I completed nine dives during my stay, and every one was worth it. The crew handle all your tanks and BCDs, loading and setting them up on the boat. You just bring your weight belt, fins and accessories like your camera. The same boat is used for the day, so your gear stays onboard.
We explored several incredible sites, including Tokong Timur, Lost World, Tanjung Api, Five Stars, Turtle Point and Rajawali Point. I did two dives on the first day, four on the second and three on the final day. Each site had its own highlights, from steep rocky slopes to coral gardens packed with life.
Whale Shark Hopes and Highlights
We dived Tokong Timur three times, hoping for whale sharks, but they didn’t appear. I’d delayed my trip by four days, and of course, they showed up every day while I was meant to be there. That’s diving for you. Still, I’d already seen whale sharks in the Philippines and Nusa Penida earlier this year, so I couldn’t complain.
Even without them, Tenggol delivered. The variety of marine life was fantastic, from schooling fish and rays to plenty of macro critters. The rare Pikachu nudibranch sometimes appears here. As I’ve become more focused on macro photography, I found myself enjoying the small details as much as the big encounters. Tenggol offered both.
After my final dives, I packed away my camera and enjoyed one last evening soaking up the island vibe. The next morning, the staff waved us off as the boat left for the 45-minute ride back to the mainland. The journey was calm with great views, giving me time to reflect on an amazing few days underwater.
Once back, I grabbed a ride to Kuala Terengganu Airport for my evening flight to Kuala Lumpur. I’d left more than 24 hours between my last dive and take-off, always a good practice.
Diving with Owen and the Team
Throughout the trip, Owen made every dive enjoyable. Most divers in the group were focused on whale sharks and larger life, but he knew I was also after macro shots. He made sure to point out small critters between the big moments, which really added to the experience.
Between dives there was always time for a laugh, and the whole team kept things light and friendly. Whether it was sorting gear, briefing dives or spotting marine life, everyone worked together seamlessly. It’s a great setup all round, and you can tell they love what they do.
Tenggol Island Diving Gallery
A selection of my favourite photos from dives with Owen and the team. I’ll definitely return to Tenggol one day. It’s one of those dive destinations that stays with you long after you’ve left.
