Pulau Layang Layang must be the most civilised island among the archipelago of reefs and islands in the South China Sea. It actually has an airport where excited divers land on their way to its underwater paradise.

A diver's paradise, Pulau Layang-Layang is actually a new name for an oceanic atoll once called "Swallow Reefs". Situated approximately 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia is a tiny oceanic island surrounded by a coral atoll. It is among the famous Spratlys, which is a collection of about 600 islands, reefs, and atolls strategically located in the South China Sea. The island has been nicknamed "Big Fish" or the "Wall Diving Mecca of Southeast Asia".

Pulau Layang-Layang Malaysia covers only six hectares but an atoll over 7km long and 2km wide surrounds it. The atoll features a 2000m sheer drop around its rim, thus making it an excellent dive site. Located far from land and human encroachment, its waters are crystal clear with visibility averaging 50-60m. Divers will therefore get a clear view of the amazing underwater habitats. As it is bathed in tropical conditions of 7.5 degrees north to the equator and 114 degrees east of the meridian, its waters are warm with surface temperatures ranging between 21-32 degrees Celsius.

One of Pulau Layang-Layang's biggest attractions is the Hammerhead Shark. Manta rays with fin spans of over 10ft are also found here. Other pelagic species that are found regularly include tuna, barracuda, and reef sharks.

The eastern end of the atoll is home to thousands of migratory birds. Hence Pulau Layang-Layang is not only a diver's paradise but also a bird watchers' haven.