Help: Best Fit for DM Program in Asia

[phizly]

I am looking to do a DM program somewhere in the mid-July to end of September time frame. I have around 30 logged dives and have completed training through rescue diver. I have dove in calmer waters in the Caribbean (Ambergris Caye and Roatan) and in some more difficult waters in Galapagos and Manuel Antonio CR.

The MOST important thing to consider for the location of the DM program is that I absolutely need reliable internet connection in my room. Ideally a wired connection as to not have to worry about wireless issues such as router constantly resetting. I know this sounds ridiculous but without it the trip is not possible. I am fortunate enough to work from the computer but need to be able to remote into my work PC, not simply check email and skype home. I have had to cut visits to different locations short because I get assured that there is wired broadband before arrival only to find out I'm lucky to have wifi 30% of the time. I am willing to pay extra for the accommodations or the broadband itself.

Now for the fun stuff... In order of importance for the DM program and location:

1) Great Instructors / Shop / Course - I really want to learn the material and skills rather than enter into a program that will simply push you through to pass you.
2) Great Diving - Belize and Roatan were perfect diving conditions as far as I am concerned. Plenty of marine life, beautiful calm warm waters, and crystal clear visibility. Galapagos was great but the conditions do wear on you. Being in the water as often as with a DM program to me seems like it would add a lot more stress and exhaustion day to day.
3) People - I will be on my own for this program so being able to mingle with other people with similar interest is key. I am 27 and enjoy going out partying but it doesn't need to be huge night clubs (actually prefer pubs and beach bars) or the like.
4) Other Activities - Beginner surfing or kite boarding, land based tourism, etc for days when I am not diving.

I will be posting this to other areas of ScubaBoard as Europe is also a possibility. I would like to keep it somewhat opposite the US time zones schedule so that I can be diving in the mornings and then working mid afternoon to around midnight or so during the week if needed.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Bubble Junky]

Maybe look into Phuket... Check out All 4 Diving...

 

[supergaijin]

For a decent and reliable internet connection, it pretty much rules out the small islands of SE Asia. Anywhere coastal is a better bet, but even then internet connections can and do fail from time to time.

I found the Philippines internet to be pretty stable in the larger towns/cities. Have a look at Dumaguete, Negros. It is a university town in the southern Visayan region. I can't comment about the quality of DM courses as I don't know anyone working there anymore but the diving is pretty sweet and there are plenty of young people around so you can have a life away from diving.

Understand though that the DM course is nothing to do with 'nice diving'. It is a development course focusing on learning to control groups of divers.

 

[Kevrumbo]

Scuba diving - Philippines. El Galleon beach resort.

Divemaster Course @ Asia Divers

http://www.asiadivers.com/idap/

 

[sara!]

how about Bali?

internet connection is available in mid-high end accomodation. diving centres have wifi too, so do cafes and restaurants. might be slow sometime, but generally is ok.

i did my DM in Bali. i think the best thing about it was that i was exposed with various types of dive conditions: tidal current, up-down current, horizontal current, cold water (well, for tropics standard - 14'C) muck, wreck, good viz, low viz, shore, boat. as for after dive/work, you have surfing, food, culture, massage, volcano climbing, white water rafting, elephant riding, clubbing etc. to choose.

however, please bear in mind that i only considered Southeast Asia diving spots when i did my home work choosing the DM place. i've never dived in Roatan, Galapagos, Cocos etc., and they were not on the list either (i wish they were! ) so this is not directly compared to those spots outside Southeast Asia.

note that this post may be too late. in any case not, let me know if you want to know more.

have fun with your DM program, it's fun!