Question Diving destination recommendations for South East Asia? - interested in corals/reefs, looking for area with casual + sociable vibe (no fancy resorts)

[liekejane]

Many thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!! I'm gonna check out the suggested places, made a list based on the recommendations received just in case anyone else is looking for something similar and too lazy to read the whole thread

Philippines
- Puerto Galera / El Galleon (town)

Trip Report - Philippines: 3 weeks in Puerto Galera and Dumaguete

Well, it only took 4.5 years, but I finally made my way back to the Philippines and it will not take that long for a return visit. Since I had business to take care of in Los Angeles just before my planned trip, I opted to take the direct LAX to Manila flight on Philippine Airlines. It was a 1pm...

scubaboard.com

- Anilo
- Southern Leyte (quiet)
- Malapascua (more lively, but could be a bit more like Amed/too touristy)

Malaysia
- Sipidan / Borneo island

Tanzania
- Mafia Island (tip: Mafia Island Divers - very laid back, nice people, OK accomodation)
- Pemba

Seychelles
- Praslin (but Seychelles could be expensive)

Indonesia
- Bangka
- Raja Ampat (homestays)
- Alor (Alor Divers)
- Komodo (tip: Scubajunkie)

Malaysia
- Sipadan + Sangalaki combi (tip: Scubajunkie)

 

[John Trecker]

anilao / puerto galera.
lanta
bali with jhon wayan
one consideration is that a great dive guide can make a mediocre reef amazing.
and a bad dive guide can ruin an amazing reef
check my other postings for some amazing dive guides in the places above.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Pulao Tioman, Malaysia. You'll have a hard time finding alcohol, though.