Langkawi or other place in Malaysia or somewhere close to Singapore

[hogge]

We are planing to travel to Thailand or Malaysia in 20th December 2012 - 4th Jan 2013 (preliminary dates).
We have the possibility of cheap flights into Singapore and Bangkok, so therefor we are open for several destinations in this area.

We are thinking of Langkawi or any other place in Malaysia. Any recommendations? We are a party of 5 (only 2 divers).
Is the diving ok in Langkawi or is it not the right season?

Are there any other alternatives during this dates which we can reach from either Bangkok or Singapore?

We are also looking into the alternative of Thailand (Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta)

Best regards
Hogge

 

[Zippsy]

The diving around Langkawi is okay but not that exciting. At least there are some things for others to do while some are diving and it is the right time of year. The diving around Krabi, Phuket and Khao Lak is much better, IMHO. Day trips are certainly possible. Anything from Singapore is still a flight away from a decent dive.

 

[MALAYSIANNARCO]

Hello hogge, Im agreeing to Zippsy. Diving near Langkawi is ok but not exciting. Viz is often so and so (15m - if you are lucky, often less). To be exact it is diving in Pulau Payar which at about an hour journey by boat from Langkawi. Lots of fish though. The water is greenish. There are a few good places like Redang, Perhentian,Tioman and a few other places located on the east coast of Penisular Malaysia. But in December, most are likely to be closed due to monsoon. Another option is to visit a few islands in Sabah which offer good diving and that will include sipadan as well.

Otherwise, you can do your dive in Thailand. There are many places to choose. Apart from the suggested earlier in Zippsy's post, you can also consider Koh Lipe. Maybe Quero (if she's reading this post) can advise you more on diving in Thailand.

 

[Bexny]

If you wind up on Langkawi it's easy to pop over to Ko Lipe via a 50-min speedboat ride. Ko Lipe is a much smaller island with a very different feel, so you can see two islands (and two countries) on the same trip.

It's a good destination for a party like yours that includes non-divers. One thing to note, regarding the dates you are looking at. If you do decide on Ko Lipe, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. That time of year is peak season on the island and literally everything is fully booked.

For more info:Welcome to Koh Lipe Thailand