Malaysia Diving Help - 3/25-27/2011

[timyang]

Yes, the video on the Kaleebso site is a poor choice and has been censored.

Here is another one I found on Youtube. It works.

YouTube - Tioman Island on the Kaleebso

On 25 March, Kaleebso will be headed to Jarak on the west coast. It otherwise normally goes to Tioman, but the monsoon has been rough.

The drive to the Jarak dock will take about 2-3 hours, about half the time it takes to get to the Tioman dock.

Kaleebso has good food, professional crew, knowledgeable and friendly captain. A lovely local couple run the boat.

I myself will probably be onboard on 25 March.

 

[krempert]

Zippsy, thank you for suggesting a Dive shop in KL and a weekend dive trip to Tioman or Aur! I like the idea of taking a bus and boat to the other side of the Malay pennisula to go diving and I don't mind experiencing the rustic charm...my best experience is a rustic dive trip in Bonaire!

Can you recommend any dive shops in KL?

 

[Zippsy]

Sorry, I know all the Singapore shops but none from KL. I googled though and found this as an example. It says "self drive" to Mersing but I am sure if you talk to them, they'll find you a ride fir a little gas money. Atlantis Bay Resort, Aur - 2D/2N ex Mersing

 

[krempert]

Thanks again Zippsy! Have you been to Tioman Salang?

I found a dive trip to Tioman Salang from Welcome to Discover Scuba Sdn Bhd. First Dive Center and retailer of dive equipments and services in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. for only RM699, so I've asked them for more information about this trip. That's only $230 for a weekend trip! I realize that it may not be the best dive location in Malaysia, but it's a good option since I will be with other divers and hopefully it's inclusive of my transportations, lodging, food and boat dives.

 

[Zippsy]

I've often been to Salang. Again, expect rustic and you will enjoy yourself. The diving around there is nice. I prefer it to the Carribean but it's different. More and more varied marine life but in less viz. The price should include everything except gear rental ( which should be a bit more) and maybe transport to Mersing. As noted though, I bet they can arrange for you for a little gas money if it is not included. Have a good trip.

 

[jh_MacLeod]

Zippsy, thank you for suggesting a Dive shop in KL and a weekend dive trip to Tioman or Aur! I like the idea of taking a bus and boat to the other side of the Malay pennisula to go diving and I don't mind experiencing the rustic charm...my best experience is a rustic dive trip in Bonaire!

Can you recommend any dive shops in KL?

Sorry for the delayed response Krempert; I was gone diving for the weekend .

You've probably booked your trip by now, but I wouldn't have suggested a KL shop anyway. Doing the trip "freelance" is my preference. That way if you don't like the shop, personel, equipment, or accomodations, you can easily change. You also get to see more of the island, meet more local people, and have more choice about dive sites. If conditions allow, your best dives will be the outlying sites: Chebeh, Labas, Tiger Reef, & Golden Reef. Renggis is the standard night dive.

So, don't be afraid to go out on your own; it's not that difficult. The Transnasional bus KL to Mersing is 29.80 RM. The ferry to Tioman is 45 RM. I prefer ABC or Tekek as a base, but you can figure @70 RM per night anywhere. Tank/boat fees average around 80 RM each for multiple dives, plus a bit more for equipment rental, since I guess you're not carrying your own. Have fun; dive safe.

John

 

[jh_MacLeod]

It otherwise normally goes to Tioman, but the monsoon has been rough.

Maybe rough on boats :-^), but my island friends report, and I quote, "gud moonsoon this year, not so bad and so strong". But I notice the island has been consistently getting moderate thunderstorms recently. Which is why I'm giving it a few more weeks to settle down.

 

[krempert]

John, thanks for your post and I'm still waiting to hear back from Discover Scuba regarding the dive trip to Tioman this weekend 3/25-27, so I welcome your suggestion to 'freelance'! I brought all of my dive equipment, so I can go anywhere.

Question, what is 'ABC or Terek as base' the name of a hotel in Tioman?
Question, what dive sites do you recommend in Aur? Is is close to Tioman?

So, don't be afraid to go out on your own; it's not that difficult. The Transnasional bus KL to Mersing is 29.80 RM. The ferry to Tioman is 45 RM. I prefer ABC or Tekek as a base, but you can figure @70 RM per night anywhere. Tank/boat fees average around 80 RM each for multiple dives, plus a bit more for equipment rental, since I guess you're not carrying your own. Have fun; dive safe.

 

[Zippsy]

ABC and Tekek are villages on Tioman, south of Salang. While Tioman and Aur are close, only live-aboards can do dive sites at both although I think the White Manta boats (sailing out of Singapore so not good for you) would include both in the same trip. While "DIY'ing" (freelancing???) your own trip is possible, for someone just arrived, it is not worth the effort, IMHO. John list of websites is a good one.

 

[krempert]

ABC and Tekek are villages on Tioman, south of Salang. While Tioman and Aur are close, only live-aboards can do dive sites at both although I think the White Manta boats (sailing out of Singapore so not good for you) would include both in the same trip. While "DIY'ing" (freelancing???) your own trip is possible, for someone just arrived, it is not worth the effort, IMHO. John list of websites is a good one.

Zippsy, thank you for clarifying ABC and Tekek are villages in Tioman..can you recommend a resort in the ABC area? Have you stayed at the Nazri resort and do you recommend it? At this point, I'm waiting to hear back from Discover Scuba per your recommendation or will 'freelance' my dive trip to Tioman.

Just to put this in perspective, I'm a 53 yr old diver that's on business travel to KL and want to have the best diving experience this weekend! I brought all of my dive equipment and willing to take a bus across Malaysia and ferry to Tioman to experience the diving there! What hotels/resorts do you recommend?