Panglima Reef

Panglima Reef is a natural reef located just south of Mabul's western fringing reef, sloping gently from a shallowest point of 5 m down to 21 m across a mix of rocky, sandy, and coral-covered terrain. At the northern corner the slope steepens noticeably, with large barrel sponges and bubble corals forming prominent features along the reef structure.

The reef's sponge clusters and coral formations shelter an array of small critters, with orangutan crabs and hairy squat lobsters found inside the barrel sponges and bubble corals specifically. Colourful nudibranchs of many varieties are common throughout the reef, and larger animals such as sea turtles are regularly encountered here as well.

Panglima Reef dives well year-round, with water temperature at 29°C, good visibility, and no significant current, making it a suitable site for beginner divers. The calm, shallow profile means air consumption is typically low and bottom time can be extended comfortably.