TRACC

Tucked into the waters off Semporna, Malaysia, TRACC — the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre — is a marine conservation centre on the Celebes Sea, devoted to protecting sea turtles and restoring coral reefs damaged by local fish-bombing. As a PADI Dive Center with its own house reef, it pairs everyday diving with hands-on conservation work alongside volunteers from around the world.

Diving and courses

Pom Pom Island is fringed by coral reef, with a sloping reef plus deep vertical walls at the Northern Tip, Eastern Plateau and Lobster Wall. Depending on the tide, currents can run strong, making for excellent drift dives among sea fans and pelagic fish. There's also a small wreck and many artificial reef structures where fish and invertebrates gather. Other dive sites include 2WIN House Reef, Mandarin House, Cliff Hanger, Pit Rock, Northern Valley, New Life and Bay Watch.

TRACC offers PADI Scuba Diving, PADI Snorkelling and PADI First Aid (EFR) courses, along with conservation activities, air fills and equipment rental. With English and Malay spoken, it suits divers who genuinely care about the ocean and want their time underwater to count.