Asia in August 2010

[JasonG]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning a week of diving in August 2010 and am looking for a recommendation or two on destinations in Asia.

I live in Hong Kong and have been to a number of places in the region already, including Sipadan, Bunaken, Lembeh, Wakatobi, Palau, Truk, Sangalaki and Thailand. I am looking for a place where the conditions would be at their best or at least very good during the July-August timeframe and would prefer somewhere that I haven't been to before. In this regard, I am considering Pulau Weh or Komodo on a liveaboard. Any thoughts on either of these locations or ideas on other destinations that would be interesting?

In terms of experience and interest, I generally prefer macro, but am open to all types of diving and don't mind challenging conditions (600+ dives).

Thanks in advance for your help,

Jason

 

[gee13]

Jason you are lucky you have dived the holy grails of the coral triangle, yes prehaps Komodo or you should try Phillipines - Cebu, Anilao, Puerto Galera, Apo. Or plainly the Maldivian Atolls via Liveaboard. Well, thats where Im heading in 4 months!

 

[JasonG]

Gee13,

I will be the first to admit that I am very lucky to be able to dive so much in Asia. That said, there are still several important places that I have yet to visit in this region, including Raja Ampat and the Solomons, and some that I want to return to again. I will make an initial trip to RA next spring (on the Peter Hughes boat) and would happily go there again in July-August, but it is too time consuming to get there (even from Hong Kong) on a one week trip.

Your suggestion of the Philippines is a very good one. I have done a little bit of diving in Cebu, but that is it. I would like to go to Tabutaha in the Philippines, but my July-August timing is to late. There is certainly much more to explore though...I will do some research. Was there a place in the Philippines that you particularly liked?

Maldives would be good. Might want to save that for a longer trip. Which boat are going on?

 

[gee13]

Hi Jason, I actually havent been to the Phillipines but the sites listed are ones im planning to go to as im pretty much on the same goal as you - to dive the best Asia sites. Based on my research and my love of pelagics I am planning Malapuasca, Bohol and Moalboal. Im sure Apo Island would be on the cards as well. Im booked on the Eagle Ray for March. Can't wait for that, Im a fan of channel diving and I will topping that with some Shark and Manta diving off North Male via Eriyadu. :cool2:

 

[japan-diver]

July - August timeframe is great for some macro diving in Okinawa. Easy to get to from Hong Kong and great beach and boat diving.

 

[JasonG]

Gee,

I have done a bit of research on Pulau Weh and it seems as though July/August may not offer the best conditions. Honestly, in many parts of Asia, it seems like the best time to dive is March-May and then again late-September to end-November.

I have done my homework yet on the Philippines. Is it possible to dive Malapuasca, Bohol and Moalboal in a one week trip? Presume that you will do a land-based operation? Any suggestions based upon your research?

 

[JasonG]

japan-diver,

Thanks, I am interested; tell me more. Is it possible to do four dives/day? Water temp and vis during July/August? How about accommodations? Recommended dive operation?

Many thanks...Jason

 

[JasonG]

Japan-diver,

I just looked at your web-site....very good. Is there a chance to see mantas or hammerheads in the July/August period? Does the boat go out for three dives every day (weather permitting of course)?

 

[japan-diver]

Water temp in Jul-Aug is about 29-30C and viz averages 25m or more in Keramas a bit lower by the mainland. hammerheads are Jan-Mar but mantas are around throughout the year. Accommodations range from very basic to resort style depending on your budget.

 

[Tapas bali]

If you have Indonesia in your mind,

That's the best time to dive Komodo with Liveaboard, there are so many Liveaboard doing trip there now: Mermaid for sure, The Arenui, Sea Safari, Samata and many more.

Mermaid & Sea Safari do trips from Bali, so you do not need to fly to Labuan Bajo. I personally dive with Mermaid last year.

PM me if you need further assistance for your diving trip to Indonesia.