Question Dream Dive Trip in Feb, 2wks- where to?

[kagejumper]

I can't compare it to Fiji but I did Sipidan many years ago.

Maldives delivers and the boats are large and comfortable. Diving from the dhonis is blissful. The water is generally very clear. Fish everywhere and there are a number of supercharged dives due to current.

I've been 4 times.

That's a strong rec, thanks. Any specific outfits you go back to?

 

[kagejumper]

I'd say Indonesia definitely has enough to offer apart from Raja to take another swing at it. It's so huge and so good price/quality that you cannot really see it as one tick off the destination list. Banda Sea, Borneo, Bangka, Lembeh.. If you really enjoyed Komodo, I can tell you there is lots of similar areas in Indo that aren't frequented that much and affordable. Send me a DM if you'd like some help in configuring your trip. Cheers

It looks like Borneo might be the winner for next year ( dive buddy making a strong case).
I def want to spent more time diving in Indonesia, and by no means do I think I'm done there. It's such a hassle to get to from the US, but I think I just need to suck it up. I also owe the Philippines another visit or two.

 

[chillyinCanada]

It looks like Borneo might be the winner for next year ( dive buddy making a strong case).
I def want to spent more time diving in Indonesia, and by no means do I think I'm done there. It's such a hassle to get to from the US, but I think I just need to suck it up. I also owe the Philippines another visit or two.

What is the strong case that your buddy is making? I've been a couple of decades ago and was able to stay on Sipadan, shortly before it was closed to overnights. I don't have any desire to return when it's significantly easier to get to other Indo locations.

But I'm led to understand that it is easier to get to nowadays than it was then, so that's a plus. A negative is the Sipadan lottery.

 

[kagejumper]

She's been before and loved the diving. The region has some of the highest biodiversity in the world, on land and in the ocean. I'm usually not bothered by land based anything, but Borneo is remarkable. Getting a Sipadan ticket seems pretty straight forward if you stay for a few days. Not like it was where you were there, but I respect protecting resources. And seemingly there's plenty of solid diving thru the region.
Getting there is no worse than many places in SE, and faster/ easier than most diving in Indonesia.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I flew into KK, had to overnight, then flight to Tawua, then 2+ hour van drive to Semporna, with 1+ hour wait at dock for our boat to the island.

As I said, I think it is different nowadays.

 

[danzn16]

South route Maldives in February is amazing! All the sharks!! We did Blue Force 3 in Feb 2024 and definitely recommend it (We're returning in Dec 2024 for central route - same ship as we LOVED our divemaster). Would consider Blue Force 1 for nicer rooms. Scubaspa if you'd like to spend some money and I can only imagine a great experience. Maldives is perfect for a 2 week trip as well. Can also do a week land based for some R&R and continue diving if wanted.