- Location: an island in the South China Sea
In the South China Sea there is a small island of Liang-Liang . The length of the atoll does not exceed 7 km, and the width barely reaches 1.2 km. Let's find out what it's interesting.
general information
The island of Laayang-Laiang is also called the Swallow's Reef, since different migratory birds hibernate here. In the past, the neighboring states claimed the island lands. To protect the territory, the government of Malaysia deployed one of its naval bases off the coast. Scientists suggest that Laayang-Layang is the top of a sleeping volcano, and a lot of coral reefs surround it, forming a kind of ring.
Climatic conditions
The region is dominated by the tropical climate, the average annual temperature is + 30 ° C. The rainy season lasts from October to January, so it's better to plan your vacation for any other month.
Paradise divers
Rest on the island is specific. There are no beaches here, only diving remains for Laayang-Layang. Divers expect a beautiful underwater kingdom, deep-sea caves and their mysterious inhabitants. Objects for diving on the island are usually called dive sites, there are at least a dozen of them here. Each center offers services of experienced instructors, rental of special equipment. The most popular places for diving are:
- The forest of gorgonias originates at a depth of 5-10 m and ends with a sharp cliff. Here you can see a real coral forest inhabited by different animals.
- The wall "D" begins with a five-meter depth. The reef sharply goes down, "cutting off" the rays of sunlight. In this place grow black corals and dendro neft. In the thickets there are sponges, trout, imperial sea angels, perch and stingray manta.
- Nora "Dog's Tooth" is named in honor of the same species of tuna. The depth of the reef is 8 m. Divers will be able to admire the jambs of barracuda, fish-surgeons and even meet a hammerhead shark.
- Reef "Valley" is suitable for immersing novice athletes. This shallow slope, starting at a depth of 10 m, slopes down to a mark of 20 m. In the valley you will see petrified corals and many different fish: reef sharks, coral trout, tiny bulls, sea dogs, and crabs and shrimp.
- Shark caves await those who are not afraid to encounter dangerous marine life. At a depth of about 30 m, leopard and white-finned sharks live. This reef can be explored even at night, organizers have developed a special site Wreck Point.
Infrastructure
On the island of Layang-Layang there is a 3-star hotel Layang-Layang Resort. It has more than 80 rooms, including suites. The hotel offers spectacular views of the sea, during the season you can watch the dolphins and migratory birds. Layang-Layang Resort is an excellent restaurant offering European and Malaysian cuisine , a spa and an outdoor pool. If you want, you can rent a catamaran and do snorkeling.
How to get to Laiyang-Laayang Island?
On the island regular flights from Kota Kinabalu . The distance of 3 hundred kilometers you will overcome in an hour.