Diving on a budget from Southern Thailand in August

[Ireland Eva]

Not much to ask!
I am volunteering in Thailand at the moment and I will be finished at the beginning of August. I would love to get some diving done and have brought some gear with me (dive computer, dive skin, camera housing, mask and snorkel). Unfortunately, since the original (cancelled!) volunteering project I was meant to be doing was diving, with all equipment included in my volunteer fee I find myself a bit short in the money department.
I am a BSAC Sports Diver who has never dived tropical waters before, and I am dying to get some good diving done. I have read some previous posts and am intrigued by those about Redang and Perhentian in Malaysia. If anyone has further info or advice about the region I'd be really grateful. I would be travelling alone.
Any other suggestions would also be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Eva

 

[Kupu]

My choice would be for the Perhentians. I spent 2 weeks on Pulau Besar thought the diving was good. Nice and relaxed, beautiful island. I hope I can go back sometime...

I think Pulau Redang is a bit more difficult to dive on a budget. More oriented towards package tours and not the best for a scuba oriented budget trip. But I could be missing something, since I've not been there.

Of course, Koh Tao would be an option. I spent a month there, staying in a cheap bugalow and diving lots, the dives were mostly good. Well worth the visit but I don't plan on going there again to dive. Kinda crowded, but still a nice island.

Have fun