The 5 Best Dive Schools in Penang, Malaysia

Despite its name, Langkawi Coral is one of the few dive schools in Penang. The company has two branches: one in Langkawi and the other approximately five kilometres (3.1 miles) north of George Town. Langkawi Coral prides itself on promoting green and sustainable tourism, offering both PADI and SSI courses. Both cover scuba essentials, including the theory and plenty of practice, as well as safety and equipment familiarisation. PADI courses last four days, costing RM1900 ($476 USD), while an SSI Open Water Certification Course takes three days at RM1800 ($451 USD).

Based in George Town, Aqua Gems Dive School offers a variety of scuba courses from Open Water training and SSI Certification to shorter skill-based snorkelling classes. Instructors aim to teach students one-on-one, providing a much more personalised learning experience. But the biggest appeal of this dive school is the diversity of courses, refreshers and speciality training. Aqua Gems also takes special dive trips to certain parts of Malaysia’s East Coast, Thailand and the Philippines, but these need to be arranged in advance.