Pulau Layang Local Customs

The resort operates from the end of the monsoon season in the S. China Sea to the beginning of the next: roughly from early March to October. Sometimes it closes down earlier because of slow business. Recently this has occurred due to fears surrounding the spread of SARS and bird flu, and also because of worries over the safety of travel to the region. Book well in advance if you plan to go early in the season (it gets crowded during hammerhead migrations) or late in the season (to make sure the resort is open).

Before the dive:
All dive briefs take place inside the dive center building where divers suit up. BCDs stay on the boat and the dive staff change the tanks aboard the boat. Inside the dive center building there are big baskets on racks where divers can leave their personal belongings while out on a dive (towel, flip-flops...) or between dives (fins, mask...).

After the dive:
Outside the dive center you will find a fresh-water shower for rinsing off after a dive and big tanks for dunking gear. There is also an outdoor area for hanging wetsuits to dry along with bootie racks.

Other thiings to be aware of:
The atoll is a protected marine sanctuary. No gloves allowed.

The staff at Layang Layang are very strict about safety. If you dive below 40 meters, you'll be warned. If you do it again, your diving privelges will be suspended.

If you go into deco time and your comp locks up, you'll be ashore for 24 hours. No exceptions.