Whale Shark Season — May-Sep Best Sites in Malaysia

## Whale shark basics Whale shark (*Rhincodon typus*) is the world's largest fish, reaching 18m long. Despite the name, they're gentle filter feeders living on plankton and small fish. **Why they come to Malaysian waters**: May-September brings a plankton bloom in the South China Sea, and whale sharks migrate along the east coast. ## Top 5 observation sites (ranked by sighting rate) ### 1. Tioman Island, Pahang ★★★★★ - **Season**: mid-May to mid-September - **Sighting rate**: 65% - **Site**: North outer reef off Tulai Island - **Local tip**: Morning 7-9am + calm current + black plankton cloud visible at surface = highest chance ### 2. Lankayan Island, Sabah ★★★★ - **Season**: April-July - **Sighting rate**: 50% - **Site**: Resort outer reef, 8-25m depth - **Feature**: Often multiple individuals at once ### 3. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu ★★★ - **Season**: June-August - **Sighting rate**: 35% - **Site**: Around Pulau Susu Dara - **Feature**: Shallow water — also visible while snorkeling ### 4. Redang Island, Terengganu ★★★ - **Season**: June-August - **Sighting rate**: 30% - **Site**: Pasir Panjang outer reef ### 5. Mabul Island, Sabah ★★ - **Season**: April-June - **Sighting rate**: 20% (but very close encounters when seen) ## Whale shark interaction rules 🚫 **Do NOT**: - Touch them (damages their mucus protective layer) - Block their path - Use camera flash (distresses their eyes) - Ride them (illegal + unethical) ✅ **DO**: - Keep 3+ meters distance - Approach from the side, never head-on - Let them swim by, don't chase - Video instead of flash photography ## How to maximise sightings 1. **Morning dives**: Plankton is most abundant near the surface 2. **Watch seabirds**: White seabird flocks gathered = plankton at surface = whale sharks possibly below 3. **Book a larger boat**: DMs can cover wider search areas 4. **3-day itinerary**: Single-day sighting rate ~30%, cumulative over 3 days >80% ## Note Whale sharks are IUCN "Endangered". Malaysia listed them as fully protected wildlife since 2014 — any harassment can lead to RM 10,000 fine or imprisonment. Enjoy them when you see them, but be responsible.