Getting my girlfriend certified during our upcoming trip to Indonesia

[Pacifico]

My girlfriend and I are going to Indonesia for a month in June. We are planning on visiting North Sulawesi (read Lembeh and Bunaken) as well as Komodo national park. She is very interested in getting certified and I think Indonesia would be an incredible place to start. I imagine it would be best to get certified in Manado as opposed to Komodo.

I am curious to know where the cheapest place to get certified would be. She is willing to pay around 350 $ for her certification. Would this be a possibility in Bali? Maybe with organizations other than PADI such as SSI etc...

Thanks for the information!

Jose

 

[Wingy]

Manado mainland there is Murex and Tasik Riah both who have pools for your pool sessions - on Bunaken island I dive with Froggies who do the sessions just out the front in the Ocean. It would be very wise to get certified and have a bit of experience in Bunaken and Lembeh before heading to Komodo. I cant speak for the other shops but I do know Froggies do PADI and CMAS. You will find most european operators will offer CMAS. I actually find CMAS more indepth. $350 should be about right on the money. Enjoy

 

[Zippsy]

$350??? Wow, that sounds low for an OW course.

 

[Wisnu]

it's not impossible to get OW course for USD 350 in Indonesia; but it will be better not use low cost $ as the criteria for selection OW course. In most case, you get what you paid.

since you mentioned Bunaken and Lembeh, I highly recommend two fish divers - they operate in Bunaken, Lembeh and Nusa Lembongan;

 

[instructorinasia]

For an Open Water Course I would look to contact Two Fish Divers as well - either get her certified first in Bunaken or Lembeh. Komodo is known for strong currents so it may not be the best idea for a brand new diver....

 

[divewench1]

it's not impossible to get OW course for USD 350 in Indonesia; but it will be better not use low cost $ as the criteria for selection OW course. In most case, you get what you paid;

It IS possible to get an Open water course for USD350 and from a reputable company. Scuba Course Prices | Bali Aqua Diving