For the world’s best freediving spots, look no further than Asia-Pacific
It can be difficult to convey the experience of a stellar free dive to someone that has never gone freediving before. Similar to explaining a mountain hike to someone who has never seen the mountains, no explanation does freediving proper justice. You must live the experience to understand why it becomes a passion for many people. What makes freediving so great?
- It creates a greater sense of appreciation for the natural world by putting you directly in beautiful and pristine locations with amazing wildlife.
- It stretches your mental and physical capacity by learning how to control your breathing and maintain your calm while freediving.
- It trains your body and is a great physical workout.
- It is relatively inexpensive.
You can understand why those who go freediving as a “hobby” turn fanatical in their dedication to the craft. Once you take your first dive, there is no turning back. So, the question then becomes, “Where are the best freediving spots in the world?” Look no further than the Asia-Pacific region. There you will find some of the best freediving experiences to be had anywhere in the world. If you are going to be diving in, check out these spots. You won’t be disappointed.
1. Tranwagan, The Gili Islands, Indonesia
Freediving Season: May - November
What to see: Sea turtles and abundance of wildlife
The Gili Islands are a must-see if you are freediving in Indonesia. Tranwagan is a trip that you shouldn’t miss if you are in the area. Just off the coast of Lombok, this 3-island chain provides great freediving with an abundance of wildlife to see. Go from May to November to maximize your dive time and don’t forget to go swimming with the sea turtles!
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective October 14, 2021, the Indonesian government has re-opened Indonesia for international tourists. Only citizens of the following 19 countries are able to enter Indonesia on tourist/limited stay visas, including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway. Read more here for all updated information. Entry is only available by flying into Denpasar (Bali) Airport.
2. Sipadan Islands, Malaysia
Freediving Season: April - December (best April - June)
What to see: Hammerhead sharks and lots of other megafauna
There is a reason that the Malaysian government had to restrict the amount of freediving in this area. The freediving at Sipadan is so good that the number of divers in the area were taking a toll on the marine life. Anyone wanting to dive in the area now needs a permit to dive but it is worth it! Huge cliffs that descend 100’s of metres into the water, schools of barracudas, giant sea turtles and more await you in the waters at the Sipadan Islands. The dive season is from April to December with the best diving between April and June.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective on November 1st, 2021 Malaysia is officially open to visitors again, however, there are requirements that apply. Mainland Malaysia is opening to more people than the island of Borneo (Sabbah), which includes Sipadan. Read more on entry requirements here.
3. SS Yondola Wreck, Australia
Freediving Season: All year (best visibility June - August)
What to see: Ship Wreck, barracudas, sea turtles
This dive area proves you can hold the title of one of the best free dive spots and yet still be a challenging dive and potentially low visibility. So, why is this considered one of the best? The SS Yondola sunk there in 1911 and is now home to many beautiful creatures that you can swim with, including barracudas and sea turtles. This dive is not for the inexperienced. There are strong currents and troublesome visibility down near the wreck.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Australia’s borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. A VTL has been opened with Singapore recently, however, make sure you're eligible before booking your flight. Read more here for all up to date information.
4. Pos Dua, Menjengan Islands, Bali
Freediving Season: All yea (best visibility June - August)
What to see: Coral Reefs, Angelfish, Crabs, Nudibranches
Pos Dua is a stunning dive spot. The coral in the area is second to none and it is home to all sorts of living creatures. As you dive, you will see sand corridors and underwater cliffs that are teaming with life. Crabs, Nudibranchs and others live in the coral while Angelfish mingle with Parrotfish and the occasional Manta Ray in the sand corridors. The best freediving happens from May to November so be sure to plan your dive trip at that time.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective October 14, 2021, the Indonesian government has re-opened Indonesia for international tourists. Only citizens of the following 19 countries are able to enter Indonesia on tourist/limited stay visas, including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway. Read more here for all updated information. Entry is only available by flying into Denpasar (Bali) Airport.
5. Tioman Islands, Malaysia
Freediving Season: March - October
What to see: Coral Reefs, reef sharks, sea turtles
If you are going for a trip between the months of March to October, consider Tioman Islands as your destination, especially if you want to satisfy that craving for an incredible dive. The dive season is long here and the views are breathtaking. Expect to be freediving with some of the most spectacular coral in the world.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective on November 1st, 2021 Malaysia is officially open to visitors again, however, there are requirements that apply. Mainland Malaysia is opening to more people than the island of Borneo (Sabbah), which includes Sipadan. Read more on entry requirements here.
6. Koh Tao, Thailand
Freediving Season: December - October
What to see: Coral Reefs, anemones, barracudas, small reef sharks
Welcome to the best freediving on the western shores of Thailand. If this is your next dive spot, be sure to come between the end of December and the end of October (or maybe you could stay the whole time! Christmas to Halloween diving has a nice ring to it.) Here you will experience great local free dive spots and see all sorts of divers from around the world. It is a great place to hone your skills and see plenty of anemones, barracudas and more.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Fully vaccinated travelers from the listed Low Risk Countries are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. Please check here for more up to date information.
7. Nusa Penida and Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia
Freediving Season: July - November
What to see: Manta Ray, Ocean Sunfish
Who wants to get up close and personal with Manta Rays and giant Ocean Sunfish? Everyone, of course! Southeast of Bali, you will find some of the best freediving spots in the world. What makes them the best? You can swim with the Mola Mola’s (which you can catch in between July and November) and the Mantas, which is an experience worth traveling for. The freediving can be challenging so this particular trip is for more experienced divers.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective October 14, 2021, the Indonesian government has re-opened Indonesia for international tourists. Only citizens of the following 19 countries are able to enter Indonesia on tourist/limited stay visas, including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway. Read more here for all updated information. Entry is only available by flying into Denpasar (Bali) Airport.
8. Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Freediving Season: September - June
What to see: Sunken Japanese ship wrecks
Are you going to the Philippines to go freediving? If so, go to Coron. This amazing spot is unique for many reasons but interestingly, it isn’t the wildlife. While there is definitely wildlife to see, the main attraction is a collection of sunken Japanese boats, as well as large underwater limestone cliffs. Diving here is best between September and June, after the rainy season has passed.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): All arriving travelers shall undergo fourteen (14) days of quarantine upon arrival. This doesn’t mean that everyone is able to enter the Philippines at this point. Please read more here on the most up to date information.
9. Amed, Bali, Indonesia
Freediving Season: April - November
What to see: U.S.A.T Liberty, Japanese Wreck
Anyone going to dive in Amed should head there between April and November for the best freediving conditions. While there, make sure to check out the wreck of the U.S.A.T Liberty, which rests between 15 and 90 feet (4.5 - 30m) underwater, making it an easy site to explore. Don’t forget to dive the Japanese Wreck is a sight to behold with a diverse array of wildlife for you to see up close and personal.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Effective October 14, 2021, the Indonesian government has re-opened Indonesia for international tourists. Only citizens of the following 19 countries are able to enter Indonesia on tourist/limited stay visas, including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway. Read more here for all updated information. Entry is only available by flying into Denpasar (Bali) Airport.
10. Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Freediving Season: mid May - mid October
What to see: Whale sharks, manta rays
For those that are willing to take the adventure out there, Richelieu Rock should be on your bucket list. An iconic dive site off the coast of Thailand (10km east of Surin), the freediving here is amazing. There is an extremely abundant and diverse number of marine species that frequent the area, including whale sharks, manta rays and more. The site is huge and takes more than one day to dive so be prepared for a few days of freediving. Go between mid-May and mid-October for the best experience.
Covid Travel recommendation to this location (as of November 2021): Fully vaccinated travelers from the listed Low Risk Countries are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. Please check here for more up to date information.
Knowing where to go is only part of the puzzle when making decisions for your next freediving trip. It is critical that you have the proper gear to protect you from the unpleasant realities of spending a lot of time in the water.
Choosing the right gear is important, and ensuring to use quality gear that will last you a long time and won’t leave you hanging whilst 60 feet (18m) deep is crucial. Rash guards are an important part of that, as they protect you from the chilly underwater world, the jellyfish and critters you might meet along the way, and also forfeits the need for sunscreen as it’s UPF 50+. At Parrotfish we have lots of great choices for rash guards while at the same time helping save the habitats you dive in by using recycled ocean plastic to make our products.
Check out our Parrotfish rash guards today to get the gear you need... and make a difference at the same time.
