Can anyone recommend a place for getting my divemaster/IDC in Borneo or Malaysia

[Freeflyer]

Hi,

I'm moving to Brunei in March and looking at taking my Divemaster and IDC courses.

I've found a few places that advertise the courses, but would like to get some recomendations.

Borneo Divers on Sipadan looks good, anyone been there?

Thanks

J.

 

[Zippsy]

I hope you are planning to be there a few months. Any less time and I would not be wasting it on Sipadan by taking long courses. I don't believe they offer the DM/IDC courses in a week like they do in Utila or Thailand.

 

[Freeflyer]

Hi,

I'm going to be in Brunei for 3 years. I'd be open to going over to Thailand, what I'm really looking for are intensive courses so that I can do my divemaster course over a couple of weeks or so, then work as a DM for a while, then go back and do the IDC.

Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

J.

 

[wandernsoul]

Hey Freeflyer,

I'd suggest Flora Bay on Pulau Besar, in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia. Very professional, very accomodating. Sorry, I don't have a website, but I'm sure you can find it with a search.
Best wishes in your endeavours.
Beck

 

[Zippsy]

Now I get it. I understand that Phuket is the place in Thailand for good and cheap quick course. I also understand that it's possible to stay on there and find work fairly easily although don't expect to get rich. A search of dive shops there should give you a pretty decent choice. Several offer complete packages for the backpacker that includes meals and a place to stay. I can't recommend a specific shop because I took my course in Singapore and it took a few months. Good luck.

 

[Freeflyer]

Doing the courses in Thailand is certainly possible, but I wouldn't be able to stay on. Might be a little difficult if I tell my wife I'm just going to Thailand for a few months!

Hoping to find some work a little closer to Brunei, probably in Miri or Sabah. Miri would be best as it's only a 45 minute drive from where we'll be living. The only local diving is done to British BSAC qualifications, which I may get but would prefer padi for broader acceptance when we move again.

Thanks,

J.