2 weeks in March or April, where should I go

[jonnyz1245]

I will be in Thailand/Nepal for 12 weeks starting Feb 15. I have no firm plans other than a month trekking in Nepal and I want to get two week diving in. I will be using Bangkok as my base and don't mind travel. I don't want to "break the bank and don't mind jumping on a plane.

I have between 15-20 dives, all from 1997-99 when I got my basic padi cert. in Austrailia. I don't care about the party scene or any of that. I don't even drink anymore. I just want to make the most of my time/dives and get a nice variety. I am aware that I will have to and should take a refresher course. I then want to do as many dives as I can in 2 weeks or until my $$$ runs out for that part of the trip..

here is what I am considering:

Bali
Malaysia/Peruenthian(sp) islands
Gulf of Thailand islands

any other ideas you anybody may have? I would prefer not to have to travel too much while I am there and the more moderate priced the better. No Four Seasons for this guy!

thanks!

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Jonny,

If you are open to picking places in the South East Asian region as you seem to be with your Bali/Perhentian/Gulf of Thailand mention then you have an enormous choice.

Firstly the Gulf of Thailand is not remotely as interesting to dive in as the Andaman Sea coast Phuket => Similan islands. The Gulf is not in season and is a bit better known for the party scene than the west coast. I recommend you do a daytrip or two from Phuket (just to get your bearings and remember what you already know) and then do a Similans liveaboard.

Perhentians are OK. Backpackery and alright diving, but nothing on the world-class palces in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo like Sipadan.

Bali is good, Especially Lembongan and Tulamben. You dive from resorts here. Of course a Komodo liveaboard would be great but maybe a bit too much current if you havent dived for years.

If you want to stay in Thailand then the first recommendation is the best. here are some links for those: Phuket daytrips (http://www.dive-the-world.com/tp/dive-resorts-thailand-phuket-resort-diving.php) and Similans liveaboards (http://www.divetheworldliveaboards.com/liveaboard-thailand-nautica-main.php).

Hope that helps.