Diving in Philippines/Malaysia

[chocolate]

Originally I'm planning on a trip to Phuket at around End June/Early July. However, it seems to me that the diving season there is already over.

Heard about Malyasia too, but it seems to be more expensive than Phuket. So what about Philippines? Woulde season be over by then? Or would I be facing the same problem of "bad weather" as I would if I dive in Phuket?

Any inputs on the topic is appreciated.

 

[Kupu]

I think the Philippines will be on the wet side around then although diving should be ok at certain locations protected by mountains and landmass. Hopefully someone with first person knowledge can recomend good sites? As for Malaysia, I would recomend looking into the Perhentian Islands off the North East coast. The prices are not bad, seems around $15 per dive, and a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Especially on Perhentian Besar. It should be dry along the east coast which includes Ko Tao in Thailand but I think the diving is better at the Perhentian sites overall.

 

[tboxcar]

Originally I'm planning on a trip to Phuket at around End June/Early July. However, it seems to me that the diving season there is already over.

Heard about Malyasia too, but it seems to be more expensive than Phuket. So what about Philippines? Woulde season be over by then? Or would I be facing the same problem of "bad weather" as I would if I dive in Phuket?

Any inputs on the topic is appreciated.

Yes, I agree Phuket would be out of the question in July. Malaysia would be great on the east coast of the pennisula, Perhentians would be a good choice. Then there is Sabah, including Sipadan and Mabul!

About the Philippines, it just so happens my travels will take me there again this July. Palawan and Coron will be under the influence of the SW Monsoon, so yes they might be bad. But the Visayas, including Cebu, Moalboal, Malapascua, Bohol, and the surrounding areas experience a less well defined rainy season, just watch out for the occasional typhoon and you should have a great time, as I was there last June/July and managed to get alot of diving in!

 

[415Gem]

Yes, I agree Phuket would be out of the question in July. Malaysia would be great on the east coast of the pennisula, Perhentians would be a good choice. Then there is Sabah, including Sipadan and Mabul!

About the Philippines, it just so happens my travels will take me there again this July. Palawan and Coron will be under the influence of the SW Monsoon, so yes they might be bad. But the Visayas, including Cebu, Moalboal, Malapascua, Bohol, and the surrounding areas experience a less well defined rainy season, just watch out for the occasional typhoon and you should have a great time, as I was there last June/July and managed to get alot of diving in!

My name is Kevin and I live in marin. I will be going to Pi in Oct. Is that a good time to be there. Monsoon over. I want to do scuba safari and want some advice on your experiences. 415Gem

 

[paolov]

My name is Kevin and I live in marin. I will be going to Pi in Oct. Is that a good time to be there. Monsoon over. I want to do scuba safari and want some advice on your experiences. 415Gem

Monsoon is not over by october. though there are still several areas where you can dive.

Generally west side of Luzon would be moderate to rough sue to the SW winds. Luzon is high tension for typhoons.

Visayas would be influenced by sW winds but the east sides of the bigger islands would be diveable. as they are protected. VIsayas is medium tension from typhoons.

Mindanao, well it is low tension, but lets not talk about it for now. it would not be wise to venture there as there are still some 'operations' on going on that side. But be rest assured it is contained in southern mindanao a very far location from visayas.

Puerto Galera is ok except for the ferries to the mainland . So if you do dive at P. Galera during june to November. try not have have a hectic travel trip from P. Galera to the main land as the vessels are detained when winds pick up.

as for me and my group, well we do our dive trips on an on-call basis depending on the weather. on thursday and friday we monitor the weather and make plans on the current condition.

i would say you may chance Malapascua, northern part of cebu, but it is a long drive from cebu city.

Apo reef trips would be on by August. I would be taking this trip most probably.... on top of the weekend trips we do around anilao

 

[tangfish]

uck! I just gave you a novel sized answer about having just dove the past few weeks in PI and the darn board nixed my message!!!!!

 

[415Gem]

uck! I just gave you a novel sized answer about having just dove the past few weeks in PI and the darn board nixed my message!!!!!

Thanks for the effort. I know what you mean. Hope you had great time. Maybe brief spot highlight or best dive co. etc. thanks 415Gem

 

[415Gem]

Monsoon is not over by october. though there are still several areas where you can dive.

Generally west side of Luzon would be moderate to rough sue to the SW winds. Luzon is high tension for typhoons.

Visayas would be influenced by sW winds but the east sides of the bigger islands would be diveable. as they are protected. VIsayas is medium tension from typhoons.

Mindanao, well it is low tension, but lets not talk about it for now. it would not be wise to venture there as there are still some 'operations' on going on that side. But be rest assured it is contained in southern mindanao a very far location from visayas.

Puerto Galera is ok except for the ferries to the mainland . So if you do dive at P. Galera during june to November. try not have have a hectic travel trip from P. Galera to the main land as the vessels are detained when winds pick up.

as for me and my group, well we do our dive trips on an on-call basis depending on the weather. on thursday and friday we monitor the weather and make plans on the current condition.

i would say you may chance Malapascua, northern part of cebu, but it is a long drive from cebu city.

Apo reef trips would be on by August. I would be taking this trip most probably.... on top of the weekend trips we do around anilao

I would love to meet you when I get out there. Will try to stay in touch. Thanks for the sage advice. 415Gem