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Scuba Diving in Perhentian, Malaysia
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Dive Site: Terumba Tiga (Three Coral Tigers or T3)
Location: Perhentian, Malaysia
Description: Reef reached by boat
Depth: 0 - 20 metres + (0 - 65 feet)
Visibility: 15 metres (50 feet)
Rating: ****
A long ride via the south of Perhentian Besar Island, taking a good 30minutes or more, and east of PIR. A cluster of 3 rocks just break the surface dropping to a depth of 20m, after which it slopes away into sand. This outcrop of rock attracts marine life like a magnet and lies some 75m offshore. The rock collection has formed an interesting landscape in which to swim through. On descent, the large smoothed columnar blocks tower immensely, and if lucky a large group of shoaling bumphead parrotfish gnaw at the surrounding coral vegetation in apparent oblivion to divers. These large creatures seem to be like underwater cattle grazing, moving on, grazing, and so on. At around 1.5m, they appear to be formidable with their large beaks.
the base of the leftmost rock (in this case), a swimthrough and small cave hole occurs. At its entrance are some superb specimens of harp fan corals. Care should be exercised here so as not to disturb or damage these. On the other side many large sea fans occur, their 'brassica' like texture in lilac is striking. These are mixed in with numerous colourful gorgonian and collections of sea whips. This latter variety is in places quite dense, making for some photogenic compositions. Over to the far right (from the sketch), and into a deep trench, is one of the largest green coloured anemones that you may see, and amongst the green weed covered rocks above are several holes containing some giant morays.
More was to come as yet another turtle grazed, angelfish bumbled, a Napoleon wrasse swam by, and a cluster of batfish fluttered effortlessly in 8m across the middle of the boulders. Smaller creatures are also present such as several nudibranch varieties and filefish, but certainly for the photographer it's wide-angle or fish portrait country. The boat usually drops a shot and should be above the rocks waiting for your return, in the 15-20m visibility.
Tony Gilbert
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