Golden Reef
Golden Reef is located mid-way between Tiger Reef and Sepoi Island, on the west of the northern end of Pulau Tioman. Considered a sister reef of Tiger Reef, Golden Reef is also a submerged reef on a smaller scale. The surface can kick up a little here and is often a bit choppy upon entry where the current also means a relatively speedy descent makes life a lot easier.
Upon descending down below the surface current, you will note that the large cliff-like rocks are covered with gorgonian sea fans in colours of white, blue and an unusual beige colour, as well as several sea whips. Competing for space here are also a great number of soft corals which means your first impressions of this site will be one of a proliferation of colouful benthic life forms.
On the top of the reef, you will find plenty of featherstars while among them, a kaleidoscope of fish swirl around. Schools of jacks, barracudas, humpheaded wrasses and golden snappers are also likely to be present in significant numbers. There are also likely to be a few large healthy coral groupers moseying around their territory. This is also one of the few sites where, thanks to the protection afforded to the local Pulau Tioman marine environment, you will see murex shells in their rightful place. These beautiful swirling shells sit on the seabed as nature intended rather than on someone's mantelpiece next to the carriage clock.
Watch out also for stingrays darting around on the seabed and some friendly batfish which may accompany you during your dive. It may be that fish feeding has made the batfish less fearful of these weird bubble-producing creatures and it can sometimes be difficult to shake them off.
Golden Reef Reef Basics: Submerged Reef
Depth: 10 - 20m
Visibility: 5 - 15m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Diving Season: March to mid-October
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for fish identification
Distance: 30 km (40 minutes) north west of Berjaya Tioman jetty
Access: Pulau Tioman resort boat dives
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