12 Lesser-Known Snorkelling Sites Near Singapore

Snorkelling in Southeast Asia

It’s exhausting being a mainland creature, with us having to contribute to the economy and all, which is why beach getaways remain a popular R&R activity. The feeling of calm from the sound of ocean waves and the weightlessness in water is what makes being in the sea a great escape from the daily grind. If a marine adventure is on your travel list, and you’ve already checked out SG’s Pulau Hantu, here are some lesser-known snorkelling sites near Singapore. So, put on your swimsuits and get ready to hang out with the fishies.

What you need to know before snorkelling in Southeast Asia

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be good at swimming to snorkel. In fact, you don’t even have to know how to swim. Snorkelling involves mostly floating on the water, and you’ll usually be equipped with a life vest to stay afloat. Of course, your guide can assist you whenever you need help too.

When you want to get a closer look at the coral reefs, remember to take a deep breath before going underwater. Practicing some breathing exercises beforehand can improve your lung capacity, so you can enjoy the sight of the coral reefs for as long as you want. It’s worth remembering that while they may be a sight to behold, you should avoid touching them at all. You might either damage them or contract any bacteria or fungus that might have been lingering there.

If you want to take it easy at first, start by conquering the nearby St. John’s and Lazarus Islands before venturing further away from Singapore waters.

When is the best time period to snorkel in Southeast Asia?

It varies from country to country – monsoons and water conditions determine if you’re able to snorkel. In general, it’s best to go during the dry season when there’s clear visibility and weaker currents. To make things easier, we’ve done the legwork for you and broken it down below:

Country	Best time to snorkel
Malaysia	March-October
Indonesia	April-October
Thailand	November-April
Vietnam	October-May
Philippines	November-May
Timor-Leste	May-November

High tide or low tide: which is best?

You may have heard these terms before, but what do they actually mean? Well, high tide is when the waves of the ocean are at its highest possible point. This means that you’re less likely to be exposed to potentially harmful elements like sea urchins and sharp rocks. You’ll also have better visibility underwater due to the longer distance from the ocean floor sediment.

Conversely, low tide is when the water is at its lowest point, meaning that you’re more exposed to those sea urchins and sharp rocks, in addition to poorer visibility.

In general, high tide is safer for snorkelling – even more so if you’re an experienced snorkeller planning to go on your own without a tour guide. You can stay up to date with the latest tides on Tide Forecast. First-timers, however, should definitely stick with a professional guide for their first few snorkelling adventures.

– Malaysia –

1. Mabul Island

Transparent kayaks & barracuda shoals

It’s like having your very own glass boat to admire the clear blue waters below you.
Image credit: @miss_suwen via Instagram

If you think you’ve just about heard of every place to visit in Malaysia, think again. You probably haven’t come across Mabul Island in Sabah, where you don’t have to go too deep to spot odd-looking sea creatures in the muck areas. Sea turtles are a common sight too.

Being slightly out of the way has its advantages – less crowds and more importantly, pristine waters. Most of the resorts around Mabul Island offer snorkelling tours to nearby sites as well as other water activities such as kayaking – in a transparent kayak, no less.

Image credit: @fairytalesc via Instagram

Those who can dive in deeper waters must not miss Barracuda Point at the nearby Sipadan Island, famous for barracuda sightings.

Book a Mabul Island snorkelling tour (S$58.25).

Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu, followed by a 55-minute domestic flight to Tawau Airport. Once at Tawau, drive 1.5 hours to Semporna Jetty, and finally, take a 1-hour free boat ride to Sipadan Island.

– Indonesia –

2. Bunaken Island

2km-long reef with shallow waters

Image credit: @risnayanabasri via Instagram

Although you may not have heard of Bunaken Island, there’s a direct flight from Singapore to Manado, the nearest city to this National Marine Park. The main draw of the island is a 2km-long reef fringing the island’s Southeastern shore, where you can feast your eyes on healthy corals and schools of fish.

Image credit: @ anteequedinantinanti via Instagram

The deepest part of the ocean here is about 1,360m. But don’t worry, you hardly have to go far from the shore to spot enormous sponges and anemones. There’s lots of marine life to observe in even 5m-deep waters, making this a great choice for first-timers dabbling in snorkelling.

Getting there: Take a 4-hour flight from Singapore to Manado, followed by a 1-hour boat ride to Bunaken Island.

3. Kepulauan Seribu

National park with 110 islands

Challenge yourself to find Nemo here.
Image credit: Tripoto

Another solid choice for snorkelling in Indonesia is the Kepulauan Seribu, a cluster of 110 islands grouped closely together. This means that you’ll have the flexibility to choose shallow beginner-friendly islands like Pulau Tidung, or more advanced, deeper ones like Pulau Pramuka.

Plus, it’s also close to the capital city of Jakarta, making it a convenient nature retreat away from the city life.

Book a Kepulauan Seribu snorkelling tour (S$80.95)

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight to Jakarta, followed by a 1-hour ferry ride to Pulau Tidung.

– Thailand –

4. Similan Islands

Turquoise waters with thriving marine life

Image credit: @thee_thitiwut_ via Instagram

With white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, the cluster of Similan Islands is paradise on Earth both above and under the sea. Teeming with colourful schools of fish and coral reefs, these waters are home to turtles and stingrays too.

Image credit: @pim.taechara via Instagram

Take a day trip from Phuket to get to the best snorkelling spots. Pick a speedboat tour to save time on travelling. Do note that the islands are only open to the public from November to April.

Book a Similan Islands day trip from Phuket (from S$109.25).

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight from Singapore to Phuket, followed by a 2-hour drive to Khao Lak. From there, take a 2-hour ferry ride to Similan Islands.

5. Koh Surin Islands

Less touristy than Phi Phi Islands

Image credit: @tao.chih via Instagram

The next time you’re in Phuket and want to go snorkelling, go to Koh Surin Islands – a lesser-known alternative to the popular Phi Phi Islands. Koh Surin Nuea and Koh Surin Tai are the main areas with shallow coral reefs, suitable for novices, even. For the more adventurous, head to Richelieu Rock, a coral-covered pinnacle known to attract whale sharks.

Price: ฿500/pax (~S$19.54) for entry to Mu Koh Surin National Park

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight from Singapore to Phuket, followed by a 1-hour speedboat to Koh Surin Islands.

6. Koh Tao

Variety of fish species amidst shallow coral reefs

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The best remedy for a wild night out partying in Koh Pangan is to board a ferry to the nearby Koh Tao and rejuvenate yourself in the serene ocean, where you’ll find many shipwrecks on the ocean floor. Most of these ships were actually decommissioned and deliberately sunk to create artificial reefs, which help enhance the existing ecosystem.

Once you’re done exploring, feel free to check out other underrated parks and islands in Thailand.

Book a Koh Tao snorkelling tour (S$37.05)

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight to Surat Thani or Chumphon, followed by a 1.5 hour ferry ride.

– Vietnam –

7. Phu Quoc

10 islands nearby for snorkelling

With 10 surrounding islands suitable for snorkelling, Phu Quoc offers you the most bang for your buck. On the southern side, An Thoi Archipelago is the most popular for bamboo shark sightings. Another highlight is Dragon Rock, where you can see house-sized boulders underwater.

Image credit: @bach.chung.303 via Instagram

Up north, Fingernail Island is famous for its nudibranchs – colourful sea slugs – while Turtle Island has shallow waters less than 10m, suitable for those who are weary of venturing out too deep into the sea. A Phu Quoc snorkelling day tour is an affordable choice for a small group to explore the islands by speedboat.

Book a Phu Quoc snorkelling day tour (S$68.05).

Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Phu Quoc.

– Philippines –

8. Oslob

Swim with whale sharks

Take a deep breath beforehand if you want to attempt this.
Image credit: @ linabeauu via Instagram

Getting up close to magnificent sea creatures such as the whale shark is definitely one for your bucket list, and you can check that off in Oslob. Just remember to purchase your tickets from ethical operators that act in accordance to animal welfare laws, and prioritise the wellbeing of these gentle giants over commercial gain.

Meanwhile, the coastal town has more to offer in the form of waterfalls and natural caves.

Book a whale shark watching experience (from S$85).

Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Manila, followed by a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Bohol. Then take a 90-minute ferry to Oslob.

9. Panglao Island

Witness the spectacular sardine run

Image credit: @dkbdatu via Instagram

Nature lovers who want to do more than just snorkelling can consider Panglao Island their one-stop destination for beaches, springs, waterfalls, and caves. To witness the spectacular natural phenomenon known as the sardine run, head to Cliff Dive where it occurs at snorkelling depth. At Napapling Reef, you’ll have to go slightly deeper to see the sardine run.

Image credit: @raysonlux via Instagram

While you’re at Panglao Island, drive 1.5 hours to these Chocolate Hills, a cluster of mounds that turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant Hershey’s Kisses. Within the vicinity, get a taste of the Tarzan life at the adventure park with zip lines, obstacle courses, and giant swings.

Buy Bohol Chocolate Hills Adventure Park tickets (from S$1.89).

Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Manila, followed by a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Bohol where Panglao Island lies.

10. Coron Bay

Avatar-like blue waters and limestone cliffs

Image credit: @dive.maria via Instagram

Probably the most well-known snorkelling site on this list, Coron Bay still has its fair share of secluded beaches such as San Jose Beach and Banol Beach. The crystal clear waters of lagoons like Kayangan Lake make it ideal to see underwater marine life and rock formations. Another highlight to add to your itinerary planner is Barracuda Lake, which is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Limestone cliffs at Barracuda Lake.
Image credit: @sometimeslei via Instagram

Here’s a piece of interesting history: Coron Bay is home to multiple shipwreck sites featuring a Japanese navy fleet from WWII. Hence, experienced divers often flock to the bay for wreck diving.

Buy Coron Bay Island Hopping Shipwreck route tickets (from $30.53)

Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Cebu, followed by a 1.5-hour flight to Busuanga, Palawan. From there, it’s an hour’s drive to Coron.

11. Moalboal

Swim with giant sea turtles

Image credit: @acangski via Instagram

Moalboal is one of the most underrated places in Cebu and definitely worth a visit for its vibrant marine life. Panagsama Beach is where the turtles hang, and Pescador Island is the place to be to catch Cebu’s incredible sardine runs. Partake in Moalboal island hopping to have an adventure-filled day including snorkelling, canyoneering, and cliff jumping.

Book a Moalboal island hopping tour (S$97.05).

Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Cebu, followed by a 3-hour drive to Moalboal.

– Timor-Leste –

12. Atauro Island

Little-known snorkelling site with dugong-spotting

The reefs here are some of the least explored on the planet and remain relatively untouched.
Image credit: @tom_quinney via Instagram

Rounding out this list is a true hidden gem that most people don’t know about, Atauro Island in Timor-Leste is home to hundreds of species and healthy coral reefs, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a spectacular underwater sight. Look out for tuna, mackerel, manta rays, and if you’re really lucky, the elusive dugongs.

You can also go dolphin and whale watching in Timor-Leste.
Image credit: @fizzyinthesea via Instagram

If you get inspired by the waters of Timor-Leste and want to take it up a notch, there are a number of diving resorts offering affordable PADI courses (from S$100) to get your open water diving licence.

Buy tickets to a boat and snorkelling tour at Akrema White Sand Beach in Atauro Island (from $59)

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight from Singapore to Bali, followed by another 2-hour flight to Dili, Timor-Leste. From Dili, take a 1-hour boat ride to Atauro Island.

Bonus: Raja Ampat

Over 1,300 kinds of marine life

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A post shared by Mr Marcus | Divemaster | Photographer | Videographer (@divingtipsstories)

Raja Ampat is a well known snorkelling spot that’s located right smack in the Coral Triangle, a region regarded as the most biodiverse tropical coral reef system on earth. It’s like an underwater rainforest in Raja Ampat, with more than 1,300 kinds of marine life on full display. You might even get the chance to sight unique marine species like the wobbegong shark. In fact, Raja Ampat is one of the only places in the world where you can spot these creatures outside of their native Australia.

Many resorts there, such as Cove Eco Resort, Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, and Raja Ampat Dive Resort, offer snorkelling excursions. If you’re in search of a more adrenaline-pumping activity, scuba diving trips are also available.

Book a place of accommodation at Raja Ampat.

Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight to Jakarta before hitching a connecting flight to Sorong (SOQ) Airport, followed by a 2-hour ferry ride to Waisai.

What to prepare & pack for a snorkelling trip?

As with any other sport, you’ll need to be fully geared up with the right equipment to have a fun and safe time. Of course, you can choose to rent them on the spot too.

Basic essentials:

Optional:

Waterproof camera

Check out these snorkelling sites in Southeast Asia

When you’re looking to escape civilisation, the last thing you want is to land in a crowded location and compete with other tourists for a serene spot to yourself. With this guide to lesser-known snorkelling spots in Southeast Asia, you can explore the underwater world and witness wildlife in its natural habitat.

More things to do in Southeast Asia:

A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. However, all opinions are our own.
Cover image adapted from: @ linabeauu, @sometimeslei, @ anteequedinantinanti via Instagram.
Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 4th March 2025.