In the outer corner on the west side of Teluk Dalam south of Perhentian Besar, there are a couple of coral lagoons with fringing reefs that reach into the sandy bottom. This area is called ˜Shark Point™ and was said to be the place to observe sharks in the past.
Today there are still a few sharks to be seen in the shallows, especially when one goes snorkeling there. The fringing reef begins at just 3 meters of water at the edge of the rocky headland that separates the two lagoons. The gentle reef slope widens out seaward to the reef crest that starts at 8 meters. Perhentian island
The reef crest is littered with coral rubble that fades out into a white sandy bottom. Patches of sea whips colonize the areas at the tip of the headland. Further and deeper into the bay is a submerged bank reef known as Karang Kapal, which means ˜Ship Reef™, where remains of a shipwreck are scattered just 50 meters north of the reef.
A dense cover of coral life, including branching, tabulate and foliaceous types can be seen on the reef top. Massive corals, like the porites, line the front reef edges. Reef fish are abundant. Slingjaw wrasse, parrotfish, damsels and even a school of striped sea pike make their home at this reef. Macro organisms can be found on the front reef. Demon stingers, shrimp gobies, many species of shellfish and the saddleback anemone fish inhabit the sandy bottom. Blue spotted stingrays seem to actively feed on shellfish and crustaceans on the rubble beds.
Shark Point is one of the easiest dive sites in Perhentian and Perhentian Besar in particular. Diving there is possible in all conditions. It is also one of the most frequented night diving spots. Tidal streams and longshore currents always drift towards the ocean. Diving begins in the inner lagoon inside the bay and proceeds with the stream into the outer lagoon. For the safety of divers and snorkelers, a string of safety floats is installed along the outer edges of the two lagoons. It is recommended that all divers who dive at this site enter and exit the water within the safety of the protective line.
Owing to the close proximity to most dive shops in the bay at Teluk Dalam, this site is regularly used as a training area. Ideal conditions throughout the season make Shark Point one of the most popular sites in Perhentian. A mooring line is also available at Karang Kapal to facilitate dive entry. Dives can also begin at this site and end inside the Shark Point safety zone. Black coral colonizes the bank reefs.
Anemone shrimps, Cleaner shrimps and pipefish can be found on the sandy areas around Karang Kapal. The combination of these two sites makes diving here interesting.
Visibility : 6 – 12 Meters
Depth : 5 -15 Meters
Current : Mild to Strong .
Bottom Composition : Fringing reef begins at just 3 meters of water at the edge of the rocky headland that separates the two lagoons. The gentle reef slope widens out seaward to the reef crest that starts at 8 meters.
Aquatic Highlights : Sea whips, Slingjaw wrasse, Parrotfish, Damsels, Striped sea pike, Demon stingers, Blue spotted stingray, Turtles, Anemone shrimps, Cleaner shrimps and Pipefish
Level : Beginners as well as experienced divers. Excellent site for dive training at Perhentian Besar.