10 Unbelievable Marine Encounters You Can Only Have in Southeast Asia
Introduction
A Pgymy Seahorse in Anilao, Philippines
There’s something wildly magical about diving in Southeast Asia. It's not just the turquoise waters, the thriving coral reefs, or the balmy tropical breezes—it's the jaw-dropping encounters you can have with marine life that exist nowhere else (or at least, nowhere near as reliably). From the tiny and elusive pygmy seahorse to the gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays, the biodiversity in this region is simply unmatched.
In this guide, we’re showcasing ten of the most awe-inspiring, surreal, and Instagram-worthy marine encounters you can experience diving in Southeast Asia. Whether you're a macro photography fanatic or a big-animal thrill-seeker, this list has something for you. So let’s dive in!
🐎 1. Pygmy Seahorse
Where to find them: Lembeh Strait (Indonesia), Anilao (Philippines), Wakatobi (Indonesia), and Raja Ampat (Indonesia)
Tiny, camouflaged, and nearly impossible to spot without a trained eye, the pygmy seahorse is a bucket-list species for many macro divers. These thumb-sized creatures cling to sea fans and mimic their color and texture so perfectly that even experienced divers often miss them.
Why it's unforgettable:
They're only about 2 cm in length!
Their camouflage is a marvel of evolutionary biology.
Spotting one requires patience and a great dive guide—making it incredibly rewarding.
Photography Tips:
Use a 100mm macro lens for crisp detail.
Stay patient—let your guide find it.
Use a focus light but avoid harsh strobe lighting.
Best time to go: Year-round, with best visibility between March and October
🦀 2. Orangutan Crab
Where to find them: Bali, Lembeh Strait, Anilao, and Mabul (Malaysia)
Looking like a tiny underwater Sasquatch, the orangutan crab is as funny as it is rare. Covered in reddish-brown hair that traps plankton, it blends in with bubble coral or anemones and usually doesn’t move much—unless disturbed.
Why it's unforgettable:
An Orangutan Crab in Mataking, Malaysia
They look like they belong in a Pixar movie.
Their behavior is quirky and fun to watch under magnification.
A macro photographer’s dream subject!
Photography Tips:
Get low and shoot upward to create separation from background.
Watch for particulate matter on their hair—focus stacking can help.
Use a snoot for dramatic lighting.
Best time to go: March–November for clearest water and macro critter abundance
🎨 3. Mandarinfish
Where to find them: Anilao, Lembeh, and Mabul (best seen during dusk dives)
These flamboyantly colored fish are best known for their mating rituals which occur like clockwork at sunset. The courtship “dance” is mesmerizing, and the fish’s psychedelic colors are like nothing else in the ocean.
Why it's unforgettable:
Their mating behavior is predictable and amazing to witness.
Their coloration looks painted on.
The dive itself is often slow-paced and relaxing.
Photography Tips:
Use red lighting or dim torch—bright lights will scare them.
Focus manually or use pre-focus on a fixed spot.
Frame early and wait for the action.
Best time to go: Sunset dives between March–October
🐟 4. Rhinopias Scorpionfish
Where to find them: Ambon, Lembeh, Anilao, Alor, Mabul (Malaysia)
Rhinopias are the holy grail of scorpionfish—and underwater photographers. Their frilly edges and textured skin give them a prehistoric, alien-like appearance. They barely move, which makes them excellent photo subjects.
Why it's unforgettable:
A Rhinopias Scorpionfish in Malaysia
Extremely rare and hard to find.
Each species (weedy, paddle-flap, lacy) looks wildly different.
Their cryptic behavior and camouflage add to the thrill.
Photography Tips:
Use side lighting to enhance their texture.
Capture from eye-level for impact.
Be patient and let them settle naturally.
Best time to go: September–November for best macro season
🐋 5. Whale Sharks
Where to find them: Donsol (Philippines), Oslob (Philippines), Thailand’s Similan Islands, Sangalaki (Indonesia), and occasionally in Malaysia
The largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks are gentle filter feeders that inspire awe wherever they go. While encounters are more reliable in some parts of the world, Southeast Asia is one of the few regions where they appear seasonally in multiple locations.
Why it's unforgettable:
They're MASSIVE (up to 12m long!)
Completely harmless and often curious
Swimming alongside one feels like drifting next to a bus
Photography Tips:
Use a wide-angle or fisheye lens.
Keep your distance to avoid disturbing them.
Try shooting upward for scale and sunlight rays.
Best time to go: February–May (varies by location)
🦈 6. Hammerhead Sharks
A Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Where to find them: Banda Sea (Indonesia), South Komodo
While less common than other marine megafauna, the thrill of seeing a school of hammerhead sharks materialize out of the blue is hard to match. These elusive predators prefer deep water and often travel in schools.
Why it's unforgettable:
Seeing a wall of hammerheads is pure adrenaline.
Usually found at remote sites = fewer divers.
Rare and seasonal = serious bragging rights.
Photography Tips:
Use a wide-angle lens and fast shutter speed.
Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid chasing.
Early morning light often helps silhouette shots.
Best time to go: October–November (Banda Sea)
An Oceanic Manta Ray
🌊 7. Manta Rays
Where to find them: Nusa Penida, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Sangalaki (Indonesia), and Hin Daeng (Thailand)
Graceful and ghost-like, mantas are some of the most intelligent and charismatic creatures you can see underwater. Whether cleaning, feeding, or just cruising in formation, they are a visual treat.
Why it's unforgettable:
Massive wingspans (up to 7m)
Often circle divers in curiosity
Can appear in groups of 10+ at cleaning stations
Photography Tips:
Shoot wide and low to frame mantas against the surface.
Use natural light where possible.
Position yourself near cleaning stations and wait.
Best time to go: April–October (varies by site)
🐙 8. Flamboyant Cuttlefish
Where to find them: Lembeh, Anilao, Dauin (Philippines)
This tiny but powerful cephalopod flashes electric colors when it moves—and even more so when threatened. Don’t let its size fool you; this cuttlefish has attitude.
Why it's unforgettable:
Constant color changes
Amazing camouflage and threat displays
Surprisingly venomous
Photography Tips:
Use a 60mm macro lens.
Capture color transitions with burst mode.
Avoid touching or crowding—it’s still a predator.
Best time to go: March–October
🐠 9. Bumphead Parrotfish
A school of bumped parrotfish, Sipadan, Malaysia
Where to find them: Sipadan (Malaysia), Komodo, Raja Ampat
These oversized reef munchers travel in schools and can be heard crunching coral from meters away. Their comical foreheads and size (up to 1.5 meters) make them unmissable.
Why it's unforgettable:
Travel in noisy schools of 20–30
Leave trails of coral dust behind them
Always a hit with snorkelers and divers alike
Photography Tips:
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire school.
Morning light often gives the best clarity.
Be ready—they move quickly!
Best time to go: Year-round at Sipadan, March–October elsewhere
🐢 10. Green & Hawksbill Turtles
A Turtle swims in the ocean in southeast asia
Where to find them: Sipadan, Gili Islands, Perhentian Islands, Derawan, Apo Island (Philippines)
These gentle reptiles are everywhere in Southeast Asia—and each encounter is special. Whether resting on coral heads or gliding through the blue, they add peace and beauty to any dive.
Why it's unforgettable:
Frequently spotted and very photogenic
Often feed or nap right in front of divers
A symbol of healthy reefs
Photography Tips:
Approach slowly to avoid startling.
Capture side or front profiles for emotion.
Respect their space—no flash if they're sleeping.
Best time to go: Year-round, but visibility best March–October
Final Thoughts: Dive into Biodiversity
From bizarre macro critters to megafauna magic, Southeast Asia offers marine experiences like nowhere else on Earth. What makes it special isn’t just the variety—it’s how accessible that variety is. Many of these species can be found within just a few dives at the same location, especially in hotspots like Lembeh, Anilao, and Raja Ampat.
Whether you’re planning your first dive trip or your fiftieth, Southeast Asia should be high on your underwater bucket list. Curious to learn more? Explore our guides to the best diving in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
👉 Got a favorite creature we missed? Tag us @southeastasiadiving on Instagram and share your encounter!