Diving near Pinang, Malaysia

[Quero]

Thanks again for your input. I think it is too early to set anything up now. I am not sure of my work schedule yet. I will try and get in touch with Henry when I have a better idea of my free time.

Okay. I'm here if you need any help.

If it turns out you do want to dive over the Merdeka weekend and can't find any availability, consider coming to Phuket instead. It's not far, and as it's low season here there won't be a problem finding a place to stay or a dive boat to go out on.

 

[lanun]

I will be arriving on the 25th of August. I will be there for 3 weeks. What date is the Holiday? I was kind of hoping to try to get to the East side on the 26th. Is it easy enough to rent gear or should I bring my own?

hey Norm. i assume you'll stay in Penang ? to get to the east coast you can take a bus from Penang Island say friday and get to Kuala Besut (the jump-off to Perhentian Islands) either fri night late (you can get a room for 20 Ringgits ~ 5 bucks) or maybe saturday morning.

if you can spare a day or two extra, why not spend a day or two explaoring the mainland - there's hand made wooden boats about 100 miles or so south, with more islands to explore, the local sights and sound of fishing vllage, etc

or, you could go north to visit Quero . fyi i live in penang. this weekend, i drive down to Mersing, the jumpoff to Tioman Island. by the way, i think the Singapore school holidays is in the same week you arrive, so there could be additional crowds there.

 

[Norm Cover]

Lanun,
Thanks for the input. You are correct, I will be staying in Penang. I arrive in the evening on the 25th. I have to find out what my work schedule is before I make plans for recreation. I plan to see as much of Malaysia as possible when I am there. It looks like there are many interesting things to do and see. I will be renting a car. How long of a drive is it to Kuala Besut?
Regards, Norm

 

[lanun]

It's 360 kilometers from my place (~ 2 Kilometers from penang bridge) to the Kuala Besut bus stop/guarded parking/20 Ringgit chalet location. you can walk to the pier from there. Parking is 5 Ringgits a day.

The drive took me about 5 hours including a meal/pit stops. Driving at night could pose additional hazard to the elephants that occasionaly cross the highway. There are interstate-style hiways part of the way, dual carriageway (ala say US101) style in other bits and converted plantation roads (paved) in some bits. fun driving, in other words.

lt me know if you need more info. oh, here's some roadmaps ... http://www.jkr.gov.my/v2/english/ourServices/malaysiaRoadmaps.htm#