Malaysia Diving Help - 3/25-27/2011

[krempert]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a weekend dive trip from Kuala Lumper, Malaysia? Any suggestions for a dive travel agency?

I would prefer to stay on the Malay mainland, but I understand that Sipadan or Layang Layang are the best places in the area. Can I fly on Friday afternoon from KL to these places, dive on Saturday morning/afternoon and fly back 24 hours later?

I will be traveling on business to KL next week and will have a chance for the first time to dive in or near Malaysia. I'm a 50 year old PADI certified diver with 5 years experience in the Carribean including Cozumel, Belize, Honduras and multiple times in Bonaire.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[timyang]

Your best bet is the Kaleebso liveaboard.

It leaves dock on Friday midnight and gets you back to land on Sunday afternoon.

Dive with Kaleebso!

 

[Midget]

I doubt any Sipadan operators would get you a permit when you're only spending one day of diving with them. Plus you wouldn't even arrive to Mabul until late Saturday morning.

Layang Layang requires a flight from Kota Kinabalu, so I think it would be out of the question, too.

 

[krempert]

Timyang, thanks for recommending the Kaleebso liveaboard boat! I've never been on a liveaboard boat but have heard positive comments from other divers. I also like that I don't have to worry about flying to my dive destination. Unfortunately, the Kaleebso video was blocked and I couldn't see the pictures either....

If you have any other sources recommending this liveaboard boat, I would appreciate it!

 

[Searcaigh]

Tioman and Redang are closer with transport via road and boat

 

[jh_MacLeod]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a weekend dive trip from Kuala Lumper, Malaysia? Any suggestions for a dive travel agency?

I would prefer to stay on the Malay mainland, but I understand that Sipadan or Layang Layang are the best places in the area. Can I fly on Friday afternoon from KL to these places, dive on Saturday morning/afternoon and fly back 24 hours later?

I will be traveling on business to KL next week and will have a chance for the first time to dive in or near Malaysia. I'm a 50 year old PADI certified diver with 5 years experience in the Carribean including Cozumel, Belize, Honduras and multiple times in Bonaire.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Your best option is Pulau Tioman. Take a bus or drive from KL to Mersing (5-6 hours) Friday night; catch the first morning ferry to the island on Saturday and you should have time to do 2 day dives plus a night dive. Get up early on Sunday and do another two or three dives, before catching the last ferry back to the mainland. You can still be back in KL (via land transport) before Monday morning, with no worries with altitude. Other good options would be Redang or the Perhentians, but your dive time would be cut short by the flights.

 

[krempert]

JH Macleod, thanks for suggesting Pulau Tioman and do you know of a good travel agency to book this trip?

Have you ever been to Langkawi - Pulau Payar Marine Park? I understand that it would require a flight from KL, but curious how it compares to Pulau Tioman.

 

[Zippsy]

With 22 years experience diving from Singapore, I suggest you make your life very simple. Contact a dive shop in KL (not travel agency; sorry I can't recommend any). Almost all of them will offer weekend trips to Tioman or Aur. They will handle everything for you from and back to KL. Leave after work Friday evening, 4 dives Saturday, 2 Sunday. Transport, ferry, accommodation, food, dives included. Maybe M$800 all in. It might be a bit tiring but it's worth it. You can DIY for cheaper but it won't be worth it for you. Don't expect anything close to luxury but enjoy the rustic charm. I think there is a shop in KL that runs trips to Atlantis Bay on Pulau Aur. Google that.

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi Krempert,

Zippsy has provided you with some good weekend diving suggestions for Peninsular Malaysia.

If you fancy diving another part of Malaysia you could take a short flight to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) from KL. For a diving day trip from Kota Kinabalu (KK) you could go diving in Nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - a nice choice for a Saturday day trip). The diving conditions are very nice at this time of year as we move in to the Dry Season.

TARP is home to range of shallow coral reef dive sites - perfect for a relaxing day of diving and for seeing a nice variety of marine life.

I run a Dive business based in KK - you can find out more by clicking on the link in my signature. You can also find about the Dive Operators based in Kota Kinabalu by checking out PADI's web site.

Whether you go diving from Peninsular Malaysia, or Sabah, enjoy your weekend diving trip!

DG

 

[Searcaigh]

JH Macleod, thanks for suggesting Pulau Tioman and do you know of a good travel agency to book this trip?

Have you ever been to Langkawi - Pulau Payar Marine Park? I understand that it would require a flight from KL, but curious how it compares to Pulau Tioman.

No comparison really, poor viz at Pulau Payer on the three times I have dived there, although I have not dived Tioman yet, I believe it has more to offer