What`s the best quality of life, $,and diving in SE asia ???

[415Gem]

Hello... 415gem seeks to find the best area for diving. Quality of life.Best dives sites ( shore ??? ) nicest locals and afordable rentals. I would like to stay 2-3 months. Thanks for all the help :crafty:

[Mortlock]

You'll get a lot of differing opinions on this one!

I've travelled to every country in SE Asia and I think the Philippines would be your best bet. Fantastic diving, super friendly people who all speak English, really cheap diving and living costs and a vibrant culture make the Philippines though to beat!

Morty

[415Gem]

You'll get a lot of differing opinions on this one!

I've travelled to every country in SE Asia and I think the Philippines would be your best bet. Fantastic diving, super friendly people who all speak English, really cheap diving and living costs and a vibrant culture make the Philippines though to beat!

Morty
Morty Thanks for the reply. I thought of flying to Cebu and starting from there. Many folks I know are real leery about Phillipines. I am not so afraid but still don`t want any trouble. I understand the south of the Phillipines are the most pirate/ unstable area. Any must see spots? Have a great day, Kevin.

[415Gem]

I am going on a trip in a few months. I want to find a good operator,great diving and some fun ( women ) surface interval breaks. Where is the best diving/best quality for the $ Kevin

[travelem]

Fly to Cebu and dive around the Visayas area. Dive around Malapascua, Apo Island, Dumagette, Bohol and Moalboal...
http://www.starfish.ch/dive/Visayas.html

[jedidiver]

I am going on a trip in a few months. I want to find a good operator,great diving and some fun ( women ) surface interval breaks. Where is the best diving/best quality for the $ Kevin
I stayed at Aqua Tropical Sports in Anilao,30 bucks a night,all 3 meal included,buffet style.Had a great time! I would do net search to see local diving sites,there are many.Philippines highly under-rated for diving and the women are HOT!!!!!
Anilao is locted on Luzon,about 5 hours from Manila.Batangas province

[davidlkh]

Quality of living to some degree depends on $$$.

Do you plan to work and dive, or just dive dive dive?

For work and dive, many foreigners seem to enjoy Phuket and Koh Tao area.

If you have the $$$ and do not plan to work, then Bali is great. They have losmen lodging all the way to the 5X Star resorts. Generally great diving all year round but you need to know here to go. If you stay away from the main tourist crowd in the local villages, it is very safe. It has more than just diving to offer.

[ssra30]

Do a search for Sea Explorer. They have branches scattered around some of the best dive sites in the Philippines. They can shuttle you between various resorts/operators in their network so it should make your life a lot easier if you want to move around a bit. I used them in Dumaguette last year (El Dorado Resort) and find them very competent, friendly and reasonably priced.

[415Gem]

Quality of living to some degree depends on $$$.

Do you plan to work and dive, or just dive dive dive?

For work and dive, many foreigners seem to enjoy Phuket and Koh Tao area.

If you have the $$$ and do not plan to work, then Bali is great. They have losmen lodging all the way to the 5X Star resorts. Generally great diving all year round but you need to know here to go. If you stay away from the main tourist crowd in the local villages, it is very safe. It has more than just diving to offer.
Thanks Dave... I was in Bali and Thailand March and April. Tulamban,Gilli Aire,Lombok and Koh Tao , Koh Phi Phi. I want to go back to Phuket and explore Surin and Similian Islands for sure. I just like to find different excellent dive sites. In reading some posts it has become" increasingly sad " but true that some of our best areas are being ruined and stressed. Those who saw it are lucky. Anyone who sees it is lucky. I just want to meet like minded folk and explore our planet. Thanks for the input, Dave 415Gem

[415Gem]

I am such a spoonge for all the great tips available here. Thank you ,ScubaBoard!!!! Yahoo-oo-oo

[Mortlock]

Morty Thanks for the reply. I thought of flying to Cebu and starting from there. Many folks I know are real leery about Phillipines. I am not so afraid but still don`t want any trouble. I understand the south of the Phillipines are the most pirate/ unstable area. Any must see spots? Have a great day, Kevin.

I went there in March this year and I wouldn't be concerned at all. In fact, it's great having less tourists around there. Sure, there're some hairy areas in the south but steer clear of the hot spots and I can't see a problem. Flying into Cebu would be fantastic before heading west to Coron and Palawan. I stayed in a really nice place on Pandan island which was great for diving and for chilling. They can organise trips to the Coron wrecks and Apo reef too. http://www.pandan.com/index.html

[Mortlock]

*EDIT* Thread merged - no need for double post. Info removed.

[Scuba_Jenny]

Note to readers: Similar threads merged, thus the slight overlap of information.

[Nemo]

Not sure what your priorties are, the diving, the $, quality of dive operators/accomodatios, or a combination of the above! The best diving sites in Indonesia are Irian Jaya ($$$$), Wakatobi ($$$). Alor ($$$$), Komodo ($$-$$$), Manado/Lembeh ($$-$$$). You'll find good diving off Bali, incluiding Nusa Lembongan, Tulamben, Candi Dasa, etc., all are relatively inexpensive, have good dive operators and accomodations! The Philippines have some very good sites as well. They are easy to access from Cebu (big catamaran ferries), the living is really easy and the people friendly! They include Alona Beach, Apo Island, Dumuette, Malapascua, southern Leyte, etc.! I've been diving in the area the last 2 winters and have combines some of the best, more expensive diving with the more economical sites! It all depends what your priorities really are!

[davidlkh]

If you want to try some place different in Indonesia then how about:

Manado
Pulau Weh
Pulau Selayar
Togian Islands

[DORSETBOY]

Best diving - Similan Islands
Best quality of life - Koh Tao

That's just my opinion though about thailand, I havent dived outside of thailand in the rest of Asia. If you go thailand way, I'd personally avoid Pattaya (I think it's a sleaze pit!).

Im back myself tha way in a few months time and hope to get the best of both the west and east coasts.

[Calvin Tang]

Hey people, those are some really good tips, can anyone offer me more information as to conditions presently? I will be heading out to Taipei in a week and then a couple of days later starting my trip from there to any of the following: Cebu, Bali, Manado, or Manila. I'm still trying to figure out what the best route is, I have a month. I was thinking of doing a triangle, like Taipei to Cebu, then Manila to Bali and Bali back to Taipei in the end, making some shorter hops to Manado and such. Are there any of these locations you think I should avoid due to bad weather or vis? Is there anything you think could fit into these plans that I haven't realized? Should I book ahead or just wing it when I arrive?

[Calvin Tang]

Oh, I neglected to mention that I am mostly interested in healthy reefs and lots of fish and animals, not so interested in wrecks.

[bmag]

Hi There
I think Morty has it right. Phils is highly underrated diving and you can live there for a long time for a little money. Anyplace south of Manila(unless you like wrecks in Subic) and north of Mindanao(unless you want to get kidnapped) is a must see. The troubles you hear about are there. Most of the dive areas are small enough that the locals know everyone who should be there and tend to be self-policing and they will ferret out trouble-makers. Hugely pleasant place in general and very good diving too. Better than Thailand by far unless you do a liveaboard from Phuket and cheaper too. Enjoy
Bob

[415Gem]

Hi There
I think Morty has it right. Phils is highly underrated diving and you can live there for a long time for a little money. Anyplace south of Manila(unless you like wrecks in Subic) and north of Mindanao(unless you want to get kidnapped) is a must see. The troubles you hear about are there. Most of the dive areas are small enough that the locals know everyone who should be there and tend to be self-policing and they will ferret out trouble-makers. Hugely pleasant place in general and very good diving too. Better than Thailand by far unless you do a liveaboard from Phuket and cheaper too. Enjoy
Bob
Thanks Bob... I appreciate all the info I get from folks. I plan to go to to Se asia and Indonesia for 45 days. Have a great summer Kevin

[415Gem]

If you want to try some place different in Indonesia then how about:

Manado
Pulau Weh
Pulau Selayar
Togian Islands
I had 2 of 4 on the list. Thanks for the answer. I will be in Indonesia and SE Asia in Aug and Sept 04 Kevin

[IKA]

Hi, Try to go diving in Bunaken Island-Manado,the best island for diving. You can find many best spot area for diving.just visit www.twofishdivers.com.You've got many info about diving there.

IKA

[scubashooter]

The philippines is very nice diving around Tubattaha (liveaboard), Anilao and Bohol/Dumaguette area and Apo. There is also a lot of bombing damage around. PI is really just that it is not as exotic as say Thailand or Bali. But it has a wonderful culture and the rice terraces are more beautiful than Bali. And the best of all, almost everyone speaks english well, which is a boon to tourists.

[Calvin Tang]

IKA, have you gone diving with Two fish divers? They have the best prices on Bunaken, but no one can tell me if thier operation is good. Please let me know if you have stayed with them.

shooter, are you saying that the Visayas are bombed? Please tell me which areas to avoid that are heavily damaged!

[Hank49]

Morty Thanks for the reply. I thought of flying to Cebu and starting from there. Many folks I know are real leery about Phillipines. I am not so afraid but still don`t want any trouble. I understand the south of the Phillipines are the most pirate/ unstable area. Any must see spots? Have a great day, Kevin.

I lived in Iloilo, Phlippines for 10 years. Traveled thoughout most of the country. The only place to be really wary is Mindanao, in the south. Boracay, off the northwest tip of Panay is a great place. I lived there for a year. It's the "Paradise" desktop picture in Windows 2000. Some great dive spots too. You'll love Yapak 2. In 1999 dives were still only US$14 to $18. Bamboo and nipa roof bungalos could be rented for $25 per night. If you pass by Aquarius, or Fisheye Divers, tell Mi Young, Peter, Andi, and Carlos that Hank in Belize says hi. Hank

[415Gem]

I lived in Iloilo, Phlippines for 10 years. Traveled thoughout most of the country. The only place to be really wary is Mindanao, in the south. Boracay, off the northwest tip of Panay is a great place. I lived there for a year. It's the "Paradise" desktop picture in Windows 2000. Some great dive spots too. You'll love Yapak 2. In 1999 dives were still only US$14 to $18. Bamboo and nipa roof bungalos could be rented for $25 per night. If you pass by Aquarius, or Fisheye Divers, tell Mi Young, Peter, Andi, and Carlos that Hank in Belize says hi. Hank
Thanks for the Phillipines info. Hank when I go I will say hi. Where in Belize do you live ? I want to go to Placencia and Dandrega. I was in Key Caulker and that was fun, but I imagine that the South is much better. Always thiking about that next trip. Kevin PS I see that you live in Placencia lucky you !!!

[Calvin Tang]

the best diving is on Cozumel!

[jbb]

Fly to Cebu and dive around the Visayas area. Dive around Malapascua, Apo Island, Dumagette, Bohol and Moalboal...
http://www.starfish.ch/dive/Visayas.html
I just got back from a 3 week trip to Apo (Liberty Lodge and Paul's diving) and Malapascua (Wobbly Boot Resort-$16 per night incl. breakfast for fan room and Bubble07 dive shop - they have a web site). No problems, less hassling from taxi and tuk-tuk drivers as a big white guy compared to Thailand. If you e-mail places that you are going to in advance you can get discounts maybe from $20 per dive with own equipment down to $17-18. Apo is the best for undamaged corals and teaming fishes but I still love Malapascua for Gato Island where you can find anything from oodles of nudibranch, cuddle fish, reef shark and manta shrimp. Malapascua also has mandarin fish that you can spot on the Lighthouse dive site for a dusk-night dive. There are damaged corals at some dive sites but not enough to spoil it. You also can get a chance at diving for thresher shark in the morning.

Stay at the Kiwi Lodge in Cebu - a lot of expats stay there and you can get good info from fellow travelers and staying longer term in the Philippines.

I took along my digital camera and wp housing and looking at my photos I can't wait to get back.

Jason

[415Gem]

I just got back from a 3 week trip to Apo (Liberty Lodge and Paul's diving) and Malapascua (Wobbly Boot Resort-$16 per night incl. breakfast for fan room and Bubble07 dive shop - they have a web site). No problems, less hassling from taxi and tuk-tuk drivers as a big white guy compared to Thailand. If you e-mail places that you are going to in advance you can get discounts maybe from $20 per dive with own equipment down to $17-18. Apo is the best for undamaged corals and teaming fishes but I still love Malapascua for Gato Island where you can find anything from oodles of nudibranch, cuddle fish, reef shark and manta shrimp. Malapascua also has mandarin fish that you can spot on the Lighthouse dive site for a dusk-night dive. There are damaged corals at some dive sites but not enough to spoil it. You also can get a chance at diving for thresher shark in the morning.

Stay at the Kiwi Lodge in Cebu - a lot of expats stay there and you can get good info from fellow travelers and staying longer term in the Philippines.

I took along my digital camera and wp housing and looking at my photos I can't wait to get back.

Jason
Jason ... Thanks for the message. I love SB!!! I am gonna go on a trip soon. Was the weather good when you went there? Is there a best time of year to be in the Phillipines? Your tips are the stuff I live for. I have lots of friends go to Fiji or Manado and stay in $200 a night places, + everything . I know you can have a more real experience ( and a damn nice one ) for 25% of that $200 + . Having an awesome time . Fish dinners, beers...ahhh... Trying to get the most out of that hard earned dollar is mandatory. Cheers to you for your post. Kevin

[jbb]

Jason ... Thanks for the message. I love SB!!! I am gonna go on a trip soon. Was the weather good when you went there? Is there a best time of year to be in the Phillipines? Your tips are the stuff I live for. I have lots of friends go to Fiji or Manado and stay in $200 a night places, + everything . I know you can have a more real experience ( and a damn nice one ) for 25% of that $200 + . Having an awesome time . Fish dinners, beers...ahhh... Trying to get the most out of that hard earned dollar is mandatory. Cheers to you for your post. Kevin

Kevin,

Right now the rain\typhoon season is starting in the Philippines, it started a little early this year. It even affected my trip last month. March through May is usually the calm time of year to go when to can visit Tabutaha reef and Apo reef (diff. location than Apo island) aboard a charter live aboard (about $1000 for 5 days?) I usually go in november about thanksgiving time in the states to use the holidays and another advantage is that it's just on the cusp of the high season usually still low rates for lodging. December through April is the busy time of year and a lot of filipinos observe Holy week. There are a lot of festivals after Easter as well which makes lodging and travel expensive and difficult.

Both Liberty Lodge and Bubbles07 have web sites you should read on how to get to each location. I dived in Malapascua for the second time and am planning a third trip this November and I may try Bohol to see what it is like.


Jason

[jbb]

Jason ... Thanks for the message. I love SB!!! I am gonna go on a trip soon. Was the weather good when you went there? Is there a best time of year to be in the Phillipines? Your tips are the stuff I live for. I have lots of friends go to Fiji or Manado and stay in $200 a night places, + everything . I know you can have a more real experience ( and a damn nice one ) for 25% of that $200 + . Having an awesome time . Fish dinners, beers...ahhh... Trying to get the most out of that hard earned dollar is mandatory. Cheers to you for your post. Kevin

More on Malapascua and Apo
http://www.bubble07.com
http://www.apoisland.com

Malapascua - Wobbly boot resort(Kwan Ba) Bungalow inland with fan and own bath - 800 pesos if diving with bubbles07 in off season including breakfast. - thats less than $16/ day. Be sure to bring plenty of money to pay for stay, beer and diving to these islands as it is difficult to pay with a credit card. You usually pay for diving in $us or some places may accept travelers checks. It is really hard to cash and change travelers checks in the Philippines - they like $us cash and you will get the best rates with cash of course.

Malapascua has a good variety of restaurants to eat at - I would recommend La Dolce Vita - Italian, Sunsplash - german owned with a wide variety of food (chicken fahita -hmm) and La Isle Bonita - good asian variety. The seafood fare is limited in slow season - I was one of the few tourists there last month. Figure 35 pesos at restaurant for San Miguel.

Apo has only two places to stay or eat at and their menu is pretty limited. I stayed at Libery Lodge and the associated Paul's Diving shop.

Cebu - Kiwi Lodge - kiwilodge@pacific.net.ph for res.
1060 G. Tudtud str. Mabolo - Cebu City, PH 6000
ph/fax (06332) 232-9550 about 850-1200 pesos/night you may get discount if you mention bubble07 and a trip there.

airfare to direct to Cebu can be more expensive than to Manila from the states depending on your departure. Figure $125 for roundtrip ticket Mnl-cebu. Easy to buy at airline offices recommend Philippine Air or Cebu Pacific. Filipino Travel Center can get tickets for you (fast service) Manila office is in Ermita (02) 528-45-07. Euro owned and well trained staff. they may be able to get a package deal or something.

I travel alone and usually like to stay flexible depending on how I find accomodations and diving so I never sign up for package tours. I don't work for any of these places but have enjoyed staying and diving with them.

sorry for the long post. e-mail me if you want to get more info on how to get to each but it's pretty clear on their web sites or if you would like any more info. I have been to Phil 4 times now and have have very few problems with travel there.


Jason

[Damien]

I lived in Iloilo, Phlippines for 10 years. Traveled thoughout most of the country. The only place to be really wary is Mindanao, in the south. Boracay, off the northwest tip of Panay is a great place. I lived there for a year. It's the "Paradise" desktop picture in Windows 2000. Some great dive spots too. You'll love Yapak 2. In 1999 dives were still only US$14 to $18. Bamboo and nipa roof bungalos could be rented for $25 per night. If you pass by Aquarius, or Fisheye Divers, tell Mi Young, Peter, Andi, and Carlos that Hank in Belize says hi. Hank

Hey Hank!

Don't know if you remember me,I used to dive with
you,Torben,Max,and the fisheye crew some years ago!

Hope all is well with You.
I still go to Boracay once a year for diving
and quality hammock time,finished my DM last year!
I still tour with Torben!

...It's a small world for sure!

Timo Kauristo

[415Gem]

:crafty:
Thanks Bob... I appreciate all the info I get from folks. I plan to go to to Se asia and Indonesia for 45 days. Have a great summer Kevin
I appreciate all the helpful knowledge and advice. Nothing left to do but Dive,Dive,Dive :crafty: 415Gem