Malaysian dive resort reccomendation?

[jphealy]

I'm going on a trip around the world next year and Malaysia is one place where we hope to spend a couple of weeks. We'll be taking in the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix, which is near Kuala Lumpur and then we'd like to spend the rest of the time somewhere with beautiful beaches and good diving. I have the PADI AOW but haven't actually dived in a couple of years, so I'll be using Malaysia to do a refresher course and a few relatively easy but good dives. I'm looking for somewhere maybe not too far from KL, so peninsular Malaysia rather than Borneo. Any reccomendations?Thanks!John

 

[the_cat_keeper]

Pulau Redang would be nice. I've learnt a lot from the instructors at the Redang Kalong resort and thought it may be a good place for a refresher. They have a website www.redangkalong.com and you can contact them for more info.

Have fun...

 

[goodeatsfan]

Yup, redang Kalong is a great place. Another I would mention would be Pulau Perhentian. Right next to redang. also another world class dive site on the cheap. I usually stay at flora bay resort, but there's a slightly nicer setup, HOTEL STYLE just a couple hundred metres down the beach, Arwana Resort. Stayed once, has a pool and airconditioned ensuite rooms. Crappy food by my standards, but still not too bad.

 

[jphealy]

What's the transport like in Malaysia? How would I likely travel from KL to Pulau Redang? I'll also have to consider on my travels that I won't be able to fly soon after diving. How long are you supposed to wait after diving to fly?

 

[halcyon]

Transportation's ok - safe and pretty well developed. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu (which is the nearest aiport to Pehentian/Redang) in an hour, and then take a 1hr cab and then 45min boat ride there:

www.perhentianisland.com/
www.pulauperhentian.com.my/

No-fly time is 24hrs but you can take bus/train back to KL on the return leg to maximise your d time.

I'd highly recommend Rick Diver's at Perhentian. Dive with them at least twice a year and they are legends. Terrific fun hanging out at their shop at night too. email Ricky at rickdiver76@yahoo.com (but he takes ages to reply cos of the internet connection there) or sms Ricky at +60 133649628 or Pang at +60 133933133.

Redang is nice but Perhentian's the better diving. Arwana Resort's the best there but if you don't mind lower end Flora Bay's not bad.

Happy travels and diving!

 

[jphealy]

Great info. Thanks everyone. Are all the nice beach and diving resorts along the east coast then? Any more reccomendations, keep 'em coming!

 

[goodeatsfan]

nope,for peninsular malaysia, perhentian is probably the best, followed by redang, unless u want to do LOBs for wrecks and such. I agree that Arwana's WAYYYYY more comfortable to stay in. the food just isn't that great (repetitive), but there's a pool for your down time / in-between dives. Flora bay is just much cheaper, and a little rough, but nice cosy and friendly. If you go redang, Kalong is really nice.

 

[Zippsy]

The other good option for more than a weekend is Tioman (http://tioman.com.my/). Yes, all the decent diving off Peninsular Malaysia is off the east coast. As noted, there are LOBs leaving from Mersing and Kuantan too. A better option than flying is bus or taxi to the coast and speed boat/ bum boat ferry over to the islands.

 

[bubblemonkey]

IMO there is only one place and thats Flora Bay on Perhentian, we will be there for 6 monthsish from next year doing out IDC.

cant comment on the new palce thats there with a pool as that was only being built when I was there last. Also as for flora bay being a bit rough!!!!! man you have high exspectations LOL.

check it out: http://www.florabayresort.com/

 

[goodeatsfan]

check out arwana when you're there. You'll get what I mean. but I like the people at florabay tonnes more. not real friendly at the pool place