Where in Asia should I go diving in May 2020?

[Skirnir314]

Hi Scubaboard,

Here's the challenge: help me (AOW, ~120 dives) and my girlfriend (OW, ~50 dives) pick where to go diving in Asia in May 2020.

We're from the US, but live in Singapore, and have already done: Sipadan, Komodo, Similans, Bali (only a little), and Northern Great Barrier Reef.

Personally, I would love to do something more toward the exciting/interesting/unusual end of the spectrum. But, I love the natural world and do mostly go diving to experience marine life.

Maybe some drift diving? Shark diving? Or, is there a cool natural phenomenon taking place that time of year? Or, somewhere to see cool wrecks*?

- Mike

* I've been thinking about Chuuk Lagoon, but I'm wondering if it's something you really need to be a tech diver and plan to do deco dives to get the most out of.

 

[drk5036]

How about taiwan? Off the beaten path but very good diving, and also a lot to see and do out of the water. Also cheap! Paging @Centrals

also there is nice diving in japan, but much more expensive than elsewhere in Asia.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Maldives lob, perhaps southern itinerary.

Or Fuvahmulah

A bit less intense but very beautiful, Bangka

 

[Luko]

Looking for the hammerheads in Alor?
Searching for an array of shark species (incl tigers if you're lucky) on a Tubbataha liveaboard?
Wanna try a really impressive wreck? Try the SS Coolidge in Vanuatu (the countryside is even better with a 7/24 spitting volcano, May is also time for the pentecost Gaul land divers), it's not Asia anymore but South Pacific.

 

[Skulmoski]

There is some nice diving in the Philippines.

Drift Diving
- Puerto Galeria, Philippines
The Canyons
Angelyn's Dive Resort - Sabang Beach Puerto Galera, Philippines

Sardine Run
- Moalboal, Philippines
Savedra Dive Center - Scuba Diving Training, PADI, TDI Dive Instructor & Open Water Courses in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippine
- Fly to Cebu to dive Moalbaol, then return to Cebu and dive Lapu Lapu

Have a nice trip

GJS

 

[chillyinCanada]

Maldives lob, perhaps southern itinerary.

Or Fuvahmulah

A bit less intense but very beautiful, Bangka

Forgot to say, Fuvahmulah for the tiger sharks

 

[joshua.d.vise]

I think that diving in Saipan would be worth your while. You can see tanks and airplanes in the water, along with other WWII era wrecks. The Grotto is one of the most beautiful dives I've ever experienced, hands down.

I dove with Fishguyz Scuba and Charter, and recommend them highly. Also met the guys from Axe Murderer Tours. We didn't book through them, but dove with some from their group, and they were super nice as well.

Fishguyz - Home
Axe Murderer - https://www.axemurderertours.com

 

[diveUAE]

Second Maldives.

We’re here right now and having a blast!

Mantas, sharks, whale sharks and lots of fish life. Current can be strong, but most dive sites can also cater for more inexperienced divers, by staying out of the current.

 

[joshua.d.vise]

Second Maldives.

We’re here right now and having a blast!

Mantas, sharks, whale sharks and lots of fish life. Current can be strong, but most dive sites can also cater for more inexperienced divers, by staying out of the current.

I also dived in the Maldives, and had great experiences drift diving with Maldives Passions on the island of Maafushi. They were fun, well equipped, and their prices were great. I recommend them highly as well.
Maldives Passions - HOME - Maldives Passions scuba diving school in Maafushi

 

[Dan]

There are some interesting dive sites in Maldives to see schooling nurse sharks, manta ray feeding night dive, schooling stingrays, sharks, whaleshark, all in one trip.

Maldives 9 - 16 December 2018 TripReport