So I've been reading regional posts from other famous dive locations like the Red Sea and the Caribbeans, and I keep seeing people comparing them unfavorably with Southeast Asia. People who have been to both SEA and the Carib or Red Sea seem to strongly prefer SEA.
I understand the Caribbeans is famous because it's accessible to North American divers, like the Red Sea to Europeans. So for Southeast Asians like myself, does it mean we should just stick with our region? Flying to the Red Sea or Caribbeans are both expensive and time consuming, and there's also the visa issue.
Considering those costs and comparing them with the rewards, does it ever make sense to dive outside of Southeast Asia, especially if you're on a budget? The only other alternative I've found is last minute deals on liveaboards in the Maldives, and maybe cenote diving in Mexico if you happen to be in the region. Everywhere else is usually too expensive and inaccessible for Southeast Asia-based divers.
Diving at world class spots in Indonesia is like $18/tank equipment included. Flights with Air Asia are reasonably priced usually (their ASEAN Pass has taken me to a few less popular dive places), and we have tons of budget airlines. Really, where else can we dive?
(legit complaint )
I understand the Caribbeans is famous because it's accessible to North American divers, like the Red Sea to Europeans. So for Southeast Asians like myself, does it mean we should just stick with our region? Flying to the Red Sea or Caribbeans are both expensive and time consuming, and there's also the visa issue.
Considering those costs and comparing them with the rewards, does it ever make sense to dive outside of Southeast Asia, especially if you're on a budget? The only other alternative I've found is last minute deals on liveaboards in the Maldives, and maybe cenote diving in Mexico if you happen to be in the region. Everywhere else is usually too expensive and inaccessible for Southeast Asia-based divers.
Diving at world class spots in Indonesia is like $18/tank equipment included. Flights with Air Asia are reasonably priced usually (their ASEAN Pass has taken me to a few less popular dive places), and we have tons of budget airlines. Really, where else can we dive?
(legit complaint )