Best Place to learn...

[markio]

Hello,

This is my first post I am looking to get certified while I am traveling in Malaysia, I was told it is much cheaper to do it here than in Australia which is my next destination.

I am heading to Penang from KL for a couple of days and then was thinking of heading over to the Perhentians or Tioman to learn to dive? I have looked at a few dive schools on Kecil as it is supposed to be a bigger backpacker place. Coral Bei Bay Dive Center offers Open water courses for R950.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I have to be back in Singapore on 18th May so looking to do it next week. I dunno whether to just get to Kecil and wonder around a few dive places or book before I go?

Thanks in Advance.

Mark

 

[The Wolf]

Hello,

This is my first post I am looking to get certified while I am traveling in Malaysia, I was told it is much cheaper to do it here than in Australia which is my next destination.

I am heading to Penang from KL for a couple of days and then was thinking of heading over to the Perhentians or Tioman to learn to dive? I have looked at a few dive schools on Kecil as it is supposed to be a bigger backpacker place. Coral Bei Bay Dive Center offers Open water courses for R950.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I have to be back in Singapore on 18th May so looking to do it next week. I dunno whether to just get to Kecil and wonder around a few dive places or book before I go?

Thanks in Advance.

Mark

MARK,

go out there and check out the prices for various dive companies. Also find out what the student ratio to instructor is (the lower the better obviously), how long the company has been opened and if they are PADI, SSI, etc...

RM950 seems pretty steep but do check out different companies before spending your cash on one.

 

[MickelB]

I quite agree with Hoot72. Especially since I heard bad things concerning this dive shop. They lost all their instructors in a month . Anyway, its always the same, new dive shop = lack of equipment, poor service, poor safety... Stop looking only at the price guys... dive safe !

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi Markio,

First of all let me mention that we run a dive centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). My feedback is based on being a Dive Professional.

With diving you typically get what you pay for. Going for the cheapest is not always the best option. The price you pay reflects to a large degree on the amount of investment the Dive Operator can make in their boat, dive gear including safety equipment, qualifications of their Diving Professionals and skippers, ratios per Instructor (the lower the better), quality of service etc. etc.

Check out web sites for PADI, SSI, SDI etc to find authorised Dive Operators in the area you want to go diving and contact them to find out about their Open Water course. The speed and quality of their response will help inform which Dive Centres you want to consider learning to dive with.

I'd support the advice provided by hoot72 and MickelB. Dive safely and enjoy yourself!

Enjoy learning to dive in the tropical water of Malaysia

 

[Gustavera]

Hi guys,

I know this is an older thread but it's the one who describes best my objectives.

I'm heading over to Malaysia and Indonesia from September through November and will be looking to improve my diving skills over there; would you be able to tell me what's best for a novice diver:

- Head to Malaysia first and do courses over there and then further training in Indonesia;

OR

- Head to Indonesia first and do courses there and then further training in Malaysia

I'm aware that some sites are more technical than others and you take the most of the dive once you have more experience; It's my first time in Asia and I'm lost between so many options to dive, so I'd appreciate any help/info/tips that you can provide!

Thanks in advance!!

Regards to all,

Gustavo