Darnold9999
Contributor
I would take Lembeh off the table. It is pretty much nothing but muck diving. As a three or four day precursor to a Raj Ampat stay it would work for you but as a destination for you and your friends I would pass.
Alor might be a bit of a challenge with only 20 dives. Depends on the divers. There is current, but mostly it can be avoided. I recall only one dive where I was struggling to get to where I wanted to be - and I carry a very large camera so most experienced divers would not have had an issue without a camera. You are on walls with no particular hard bottom at some sites. The resort I stayed at was very nice, but not even sure they will be open the dates you are looking for. That is the start of the rainy season. AFAIK there are only two other resorts on the island. Availability may make your choice for you.
The other issue is time. From SF you are looking at a VERY long trip to get there and back. SF to Jakarta probably an overnight stay in Jakarta, a flight to Kupang, definitely an overnight stay in Kupang and then a morning flight to Alor. The return trip is a bit shorter as you can skip the stay in Kupang and fly Alor - Kupang and then on to Jakarta the same day. An overnight at Jakarta and then back to SF by whatever route you choose. Four or five of your total vacation days just for travel.
Not been to Palawan so no real opinion. I did dive Coron Island a few years ago and it was pretty good. Not as good as RA but still a place worth diving.
Alor might be a bit of a challenge with only 20 dives. Depends on the divers. There is current, but mostly it can be avoided. I recall only one dive where I was struggling to get to where I wanted to be - and I carry a very large camera so most experienced divers would not have had an issue without a camera. You are on walls with no particular hard bottom at some sites. The resort I stayed at was very nice, but not even sure they will be open the dates you are looking for. That is the start of the rainy season. AFAIK there are only two other resorts on the island. Availability may make your choice for you.
The other issue is time. From SF you are looking at a VERY long trip to get there and back. SF to Jakarta probably an overnight stay in Jakarta, a flight to Kupang, definitely an overnight stay in Kupang and then a morning flight to Alor. The return trip is a bit shorter as you can skip the stay in Kupang and fly Alor - Kupang and then on to Jakarta the same day. An overnight at Jakarta and then back to SF by whatever route you choose. Four or five of your total vacation days just for travel.
Not been to Palawan so no real opinion. I did dive Coron Island a few years ago and it was pretty good. Not as good as RA but still a place worth diving.