opinions please , Where to dive in Asia

[lynnemari]

We have been diving since 2003, and have been all over the Caribbean, Mexico, and the bay islands in Honduras. Our dream though is to dive in Asia, or Australia, this will probably be a once in lifetime thing for us though. I have been researching different areas for best time of the year to go, and find that when the water is warm the seas are choppy, and when it is calm the water is a bit cold ( less than 80 possibly). I was looking at Fiji, Thailand, Bali, Australia. I like shore diving too, and nothing too advanced. Any opinions on this once in a life time dive vacation, and when to go.
Thanks:blinking:

 

[Freewillow]

too vague a question.

 

[stevenl]

Sounds like Bali could be a good place for you.

 

[Centrals]

If it is once a life time trip than make sure you treat yourself to a long holiday. Because you need it.
Philippines(Jan to May).

 

[DiveExploreIndonesia]

Why not consider a multiple destination trip? If it's once in a life time trip, there are "few" places that shouldn't be missed!!

 

[jamesdiving]

If this is a once in a lifetime trip you need to make it count.

Indonesia has the best reefs and fishlife in the world. Bali, Lembeh, Ambon, Komodo, Raja Ampat are all world class destinations in their own ways and a combination of 2-3 of them would make for a phenomenal trip. There are Liveaboard or resort options to suit all budgets.

Thailand is nice enough, particularly the Similan Islands, but only Richeliu Rock compares with Komodo, Lembeh or a Raja Ampat. Australia is exceptionally expensive - both for diving and generally. The Barrier Reef, while large, is not that spectacular diving unless you go way offshore into the Coral Sea, which really costs.

 

[Zippsy]

What James said!


I will add though that I don't understand the cold water = calm seas, warm water = choppy seas thing. All areas of Asia have seasons for diving but it is also easy to find rough cold water and calm warm water.

 

[Mucksavage]

Philippines: Malapascua, Coron, Anilao, Puerta Galera, Dauin, Moalboal, Tubbataha Reef, Apo Reef (best months are March to May)

Indonesia - Lembeh, Bunaken, Raja Ampat, Ambon, Nusa Penida and Lembongan, Komodo

Malaysia - Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Layang Layang

Palau

Truk Lagoon

 

[Hintermann]

Indonesia as a country is your best bet not only because of more dive sites than any other country on the planet (almost certainly a lot of undiscovered ones too) but because there are so many options in terms of Dive Centres and liveaboards. Also the optimal diving season occurs somewhere in Indonesia throughout the year.

The Philippines are not far behind with Thailand probably third followed by Malaysia. Fiji is not in Asia (part of Oceania) and with its changing and unpredictable weather pattern, might be an expensive and tricky choice for a once in a lifetime trip.

Furthermore, Indonesia and the Philippines offer the best choice of varied diving on extended trips (Bali & Komodo, Anilao & Dumaguete etc). Further advice on planning will require more info on the time of the year you are planning to go, your approximate budget, length of stay and the sort of things you want to see.

 

[fred3798]

No one suggesting Borneo?