Best diving in SE Asia for Feb 20-March 6 or 7, 2014

[judyvla]

Hi All,

I'm new on this board, and looking for suggestions for a dive trip. I have a concert tour that ends in Taipei on Feb. 20, and I can get a couple of weeks off, so thought I would run around SE Asia for awhile. The closest area is the Philippines, but don't know anything about the diving there, or how much the various areas were affected by Typhoon Haiyan. I've spent some time in Indonesia and Malaysia but never dived there. Thailand the same situation.

So, suggestions? I tend to prefer low-key, inexpensive areas--fancy resorts are not my style. I like snorkeling as much as diving, so places with shore access and some shallow reefs make for a nice balance. I don't think a live-aboard would work for me--I do like a little space and privacy once in awhile.

Any input is welcome--I've never had spare time in this area of the world, and am very excited about seeing new critters, corals, caves, etc!

thanks in advance,
Judy Nelson

 

[Tippytoes12]

Hi Judy and welcome

The diving in these countries is awesome. Overall I would recommend the Phillipines first , it has beautiful islands , wonderful people , is very safe and has great diving.

In two weeks you could do two destinations, around Maolboal in the southern part of Cebu and then the island of Malapascua. As you may know the latter is famous for extremely reliable near multiple sightings ok g thresher sharks very early in the morning. Malapascua was very badly hit by the typhoon , but is rebuilding fast. I stayed in Turtle Bay in Maolboal and in Ocean Vida in Malapascua. Turtle Bay actually does have lots and lots of big chills out turtles. Both are top mid range if you know what I mean. Going there at this time will also really help the local people , at least as much if not more than donating to a big charity.

In I indonesia we have dived and loved Gili Air and Nusa Lembongan ...the latter has reasonably reliable sightings of manta rays. Both are beautiful almost traffic free islands with great diving. However the weather in early February may not be as good as in the Philippines.

Another area we love was Sipadan, a little trickier to get to ...but the diving is amazing. This could easily be combined with a trip to Sepilok to see the orangutans.

I hope that this helps a bit.

Best fishes x

 

[Atlantis Dive Resorts]

Hi Judy,
With over 7000 islands in the Philippines, 99% of the areas were not affected by Typhoon Haiyan and offer outstanding diving, snorkeling and exploring.

Please note that Feb and March is prime season in the regions with the highest influx of tourists.
On a wonderful upside this coincides with predominantly dry conditions and cooler, less humid weather.
Water temperatures average between a warm 75 - 81F.

Here's a nice link I found from Padi that will give you a quick overview of the Philippines:
Philippines Scuba Diving

A great snorkeling adventure can also be found in Oslob, which is located on the southern end of the island of Cebu.
Here you can spend an outstanding morning snorkeling amongst the congregating whale sharks who venture into the area to feed.
The locals guarantee 100% that you will see the whale sharks :cool2:

No matter which of the myriad of islands you may visit within the Philippines archipelago, you will be amazed at the shear abundance of marine critters,
vibrant topography and friendly manner of the locals.

Hoping you have a wonderful adventure wherever you choose.

 

[judyvla]

Thanks so much, tippy toes! The Philippines look great; I'll probably stay near Manila because I will have traveled a lot already, and will be reluctant to spend more time on land/in air than necessary. Will prob go over to Puerto Galera and hang out. I usually preferred to spend more time in a small area and really get to know it, and PG looks great. Guess Malaysia will have to wait for another time.


Thanks again, and happy new year.

judy

PS: I like "best fishes"!:

 

[mlsantos]

Hi Judy,

Another option is Anilao right on luzon island…. there is a great new resort called Aiyanar… You can check it out here Dive Anilao with Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort
So much to see and discover only 2 hours away from manila.

hope to see you there...

bubbles up…