Diving atClement Reef (Malaysia)
A vibrant underwater tapestry unfolds at Clement Reef, featuring a picturesque coral garden on the western side of Pulau Gaya. This site showcases a diverse sloping reef, providing an almost circular patch of coral life. It's an accessible boat dive within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, inviting exploration of its detailed structures and colorful formations. Divers will discover an expansive environment here, rich in different coral types.
Evening condition tracking at Clement Reef features an air temperature of 28.8°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.48m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
6.0818, 116.0817
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Prepare to explore Clement Reef's expansive marine ecosystem, a popular dive site within Sabah, Malaysia, known for its vibrant underwater landscape. This coral garden offers a compelling experience for certified divers of all levels, featuring gentle slopes and scattered rocky outcrops that create varied habitats.
Maximum depths reach around 30 m (100 ft), presenting opportunities to explore the periphery where the reef meets the sandy seabed. The site’s topography, from its abundant sponges like barrel and organ pipes to stunning fan corals, forms a visually rich environment. You'll observe numerous species, from the smaller inhabitants like nudibranchs and coral shrimp hidden in crevices, to larger residents such as pufferfish, lizard fish, and barracuda.
Occasional sightings of turtles resting on the surrounding sand plains further enhance the dive experience. Access is exclusively by boat, typically a short 15-minute journey from nearby charters.
Best Time to Dive
The optimal window for diving Clement Reef typically spans from March to October, aligning with periods of excellent and good dive scores. During April, conditions are often at their best, characterized by lower average wave heights around 0.44 m and moderate wind speeds near 11.95 km/h, making for calmer seas. Air temperatures during these prime months generally hover between 26.8-27.3°C (80-81°F), contributing to comfortable surface conditions. Rainfall is relatively lower, averaging 9-13 mm during this peak season, though showers can still occur. Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 27-30°C (81-86°F) in summer and 25-28°C (77-82°F) in winter, allowing for enjoyable dives year-round, although visibility may vary outside the peak months.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Drifting through Clement Reef, divers encounter a landscape of gentle slopes and rocky outcrops, where the underwater topography offers a sense of easy navigation. Visibility here is generally good, often ranging between 10 to 20 meters (33-66 ft), with an average of 15 meters (49 ft), allowing clear views of the extensive coral garden. Current activity is typically mild or limited, making it suitable for a relaxed exploration, and significant surge is not consistently reported. The water remains comfortably warm, with temperatures generally between 25-30°C (77-86°F). This site's bottom composition includes both vibrant coral and sandy patches, inviting divers to spend an average of 45 minutes exploring its various features.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Clement Reef involves an awareness of surrounding activities to ensure a safe dive. Pleasure boats operate in the vicinity, so deploying a dive buoy is recommended when ascending to surface to enhance visibility for boat traffic. As Clement Reef lies within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, obtaining the necessary diving permits is a mandatory step before entry. Adhering to responsible diving practices is crucial; avoid touching corals or marine life, and maintain proper buoyancy to protect the delicate ecosystem. Divers should always follow their dive guide's instructions and conduct buddy checks.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Weather models currently point toward consistent diving conditions over the next several days.
Even in warm destinations, extended dives can gradually draw heat away from the body.
Exposure protection such as dive skin or rash guard is commonly used when diving in waters of this temperature. The latest environmental readings for Clement Reef suggest water temperatures around 29°C (84°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 29°C (84°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
MYR
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Clement Reef
The diverse topography of Clement Reef supports a rich array of inhabitants, making every dive a discovery. You'll encounter numerous pufferfish, from the larger map pufferfish to smaller black spotted varieties, alongside clear fin lizard fish resting on the sandy bottom. Looking closely into the nooks and crannies reveals banded coral shrimp and a notable presence of flabellina nudibranchs. Blackfin barracuda are often observed hanging motionless at the reef's edges, while turtles are sometimes found snoozing on the surrounding sandy sea bed. Seahorses are also reported residents, adding to the site's appeal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at Clement Reef?
The maximum reported depth at Clement Reef is 30 meters (100 feet). The site includes a varied topography with shallower coral garden areas and deeper sections where the reef meets the sand.
What kind of dive site is Clement Reef?
Clement Reef is primarily a coral garden and scenic reef dive site. It is characterized by extensive coral patches, sponges, and fan corals, surrounded by sandy plains.
Is Clement Reef suitable for all diver levels?
Yes, Clement Reef is generally considered suitable for divers of all experience levels. Its mild currents and manageable depths make it accessible for beginners, while its diverse marine life appeals to more experienced divers.
What is the typical water temperature at Clement Reef?
Water temperatures at Clement Reef are consistently warm throughout the year. They generally range from 27-30°C (81-86°F) during summer months and 25-28°C (77-82°F) in winter.
Are dive permits required for Clement Reef?
Yes, permits are required for entry into the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where Clement Reef is located. These permits are usually arranged through your chosen dive operator.
How is Clement Reef accessed?
Clement Reef is exclusively accessible by boat. Dive excursions typically depart from dive schools and charters, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes.
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