Holidaying in SE Asia for non-diving family? Please help

[MickeyP2]

Hi all,

I figured this'd be the best place to post this question, I hope you can help.
I live in Singapore, and although I took a open water course in Bandos, Maldives 15 years ago, I should say I've not had any chance to dive since then, as my wife and kids don't dive, although they do enjoy snorkelling. Still, I love nature and the sea, and hope to do more diving when i have time.

My younger brother and his family are coming from Newcastle, UK, to visit me in May, so I plan that all of us will leave Singapore for a holiday somewhere in the region for about a week. The question is where should we go during that week? I'd love to bring them somewhere like the Maldives, but thats way beyond our budget for eight of us!

I'd like to find somewhere thats affordable, with picture postcard beaches, nice clear water, and coral at your doorstep, so we can just wade in and explore without having to charter a boat or anything. I know for my brother and his kids, snorkelling amongst live coral and lots of beautiful sea creatures would just blow their minds.

Tioman was like that 20 years ago, but when we went there recently the coral just offshore was mostly dead and the fish and critters had all but gone.

The first place that came to mind was Manado, as I've heard that diving is incredible. Its quite affordable to get to Manado from here, and there are places like Tomohon and Tangkoko we can explore too.

I've been told that the beaches there are not at all pretty, and that it would be disappointing for non-divers. Do you think this is true? A popular package from here includes 2 nites at Tasik Ria. Whats the beach there like?
I guess staying on Bunaken, beaches may be better, but that would be inconvenient if we want to explore Tomohon etc.

I'm sure many of you have holiday'd in Manado with non-diving friends or family. What were their impressions?

If not Manado, then where else might fit the bill?

Phuket, Samui etc have decent beaches, but you gotta go out by boat to reach any decent snorkelling spots.

I'd really appreciate your feedback on this subject. Thanks to everyone in advance for your help

Cheers
Mick

 

[Albion]

Tasik ria is a nice hotel although it doesnt have a beach (good pool) and im not sure the snorkelling is so good. there is a house reef but it a little way off the jetty and too deep to snorkel i think. If they are happy with a pool then its not a bad choice and there are a few day trips you can do (up a volcano etc). only draw back maybe that the boats go out most of the day for your two dives, leaves around 9 back about 3pm

Bali shouldnt be a bad choice either dont what flights are running at but accomodation should still be cheap. Lombok gilis maybe another choice, although i dont what the snorkelling was like. Went there a couple of years with some friends who;s wife was pregnant she lazed around and we went diving then came back between dives. not sure what it would like for children, there was a lot of magic mushroom restaurants around if you know what i mean.

One last thought is Phuket, although it is close to end of season in may.

 

[orangeBloke]

Around May time Koh Samui and Koh Tao will be back in season. Samui has a bit more to do on it, and the beaches are very nice, but Koh Tao is near to the dive sites and has handy snorkeling so you might be able to combine a few days in each site. I know you said you don't want to charter a boat but if you change your mind you can go from Koh Tao to Koh Koh Nanguyan, about a mile away, where there is good snorkeling and a little restaurant so you can swim and eat and take it easy for a day.

Phi Phi island will be nearing the end of its season by then so it might be iffy on the weather front but the diving and snorkeling from there is very good but pricier than staying in Phuket.

Bali's dive season starts around April though I was there last year in March and conditions were perfect so you should be fine in May. If you dive at Nusa Penida you can do two dives and still be back by early afternoon. You could also go to Tulamben and dive right off the beach but the beach itself is not for a family trip, there's little or no sand. Nusa Dua might be a good choice of a place to stay and get the snorkeling though the diving is not that great. Check out Bali Snorkeling for a better idea of what's there.

And Lonely Planet have some dive and snorkeling guides you might want to look out for. Two of the titles that might be of interest are "Diving & Snorkeling Thailand" and " Diving & Snorkeling Bali & Lombok" Lonely Plant Guides

 

[paolov]

I stay at the newest dive resort beside anilao bay, Batangas, Philippines. check out the web site and if you want to book let me know.

the non-divers can snorkell off the resort and if they catch the sea with good visibility they can see from above (snorkelling) the Giant clam down at 30ft. lots of fishes, corals right infront.

Its 3 hours from Manila, from the parking lot, a 15 min boat ride to the resort is all it takes. The resort has a sun/moon roof. very nice at night.



)

paolov

 

[DORSETBOY]

Around May time Koh Samui and Koh Tao will be back in season. Samui has a bit more to do on it, and the beaches are very nice, but Koh Tao is near to the dive sites and has handy snorkeling so you might be able to combine a few days in each site. I know you said you don't want to charter a boat but if you change your mind you can go from Koh Tao to Koh Koh Nanguyan, about a mile away, where there is good snorkeling and a little restaurant so you can swim and eat and take it easy for a day.

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I really would not recommend Koh Tao for non-divers, there is next to nothing to do during the day if you are not a diver. I spent most of last year dm/teaching there and it suited me to the tee but I was in the water every day. Nangyuan is a tiny island 'next door' and is ok for a couple of hours but after that YOU WILL BE VERY BORED!