New Here from Singapore! Getting Certified in Thailand - Where to Go?

[gnojoey]

Thanks Scubadudee.
I'm not that worried about accommodation and flight. It isn't my first time to Thailand. Did some backpacking there before. I'm going alone actually, so yes, sometimes I missed out on some good deals for pairs, be it flight tickets or etc.
Well, I heard it's compulsory to get the manuals now. Guess I can dropped by some of the diving shops to get it or simply do a course with the diving schools which comes with it. Was thinking of doing it in Phi Phi, cos everyone is encouraging travellers to contribute there, but the accommodation there ain't that cheap and there's a good risk of fully-booked rooms during Songkran. That is why I chose to go with Phuket if possible. I can always dropped by Phi Phi later after I got certified.
I am budget conscious (call me cheap if any of you want to), but I don't mind paying a bit more to get good diving and coaching. Saying that, it doesn't mean I'm willing to be easy with my money and neither do I want to be overcharged for the unnecessaries.
Well, still leaving my options open though and I welcome any information all you divers out there can give me. Thanks.

 

[gnojoey]

Thanks dive_lover88 (Darren) for the offer. I'm okay with buying the manuals from the dive schools. Just hate to know that some of them are overcharging it, as suggested by some of the scubaboard members. And there are different versions to it - some said it's okay not to buy them, while the others said it's compulsory. Just want to check it out which is which.
For the gears, I'm unlikely to buy them now. It's hard enough to squeeze out time to take a break this time round, and I don't even know when will be my next. Will start to load on them when my time permits me to do more diving.
Thanks.

 

[Traminer]

As of this year, PADI requires all students to purchase their own manuals/dive tables/rescue masks. That adds another Bh 2k as "certification fee" to all courses. Very much ouch at the time but I'm grateful to have the textbooks for my bathroom reading/fantasising. I suspect its the same in Singapore too.

Not sure if the other agencies like NAUI or SSI will require the same. Problem is that PADI is everywhere in Patong and Kata/Karon. Walking in and exploring your options is good if you have an extra day before diving. It is coming to the end of the season in Phuket in April and I suspect there will be plenty of choices available.

 

[gnojoey]

Hah! That explains the OW Packs that they are pushing right now.
I would agreed with the looking around part and thank god most of them have their websites up. Makes it easier to 'look' around. But with so many diving schools in Phuket, it is really too much for a non-diver like me, which is why I asked for recommendations from you all. Narrowing down the choices makes it so much easier. Lucky me to have found this website. So, keep all that suggestions and information coming in!

 

[dive_lover88]

I think it shld be the same throughout the region. Manuals that you own are quite useful,esp when you are stuck on land,you can use it for refresher.I think some pro courses may need it, but not really sure about it. Yea..do your research throughly before signing on the line. All the best.

Darren

 

[Ringo]

Many PADI DC's on Phuket include the manuals in the courses. costs for an OW course around 10 000 - 12 000 baht depending on where you do your OW dives. Gnojoey you are wise not to opt for the cheapest - rather pay a fair price and get good quality diver education.

 

[gnojoey]

Hi Darren, the manuals will come in handy for me especially, cos it will be quite awhile to my next diving trip after this. Thanks for the blessing.

 

[scuba619]

Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, just south. Phuket is just a big city with a bunch of bar girls (so if you're into that head on over, just watch for the lady boys). Both places dive the bida islands, koh ha, hin daeng all great dive sites. the accomadations on lanta are cheaper than phi phi but phi phi deffienetly has the party atmosphere. all the shops on phi phi are good though i'd stay away from Visa Divers (problems with employees getting bent). Phi Phi Scuba is a good place to check out, its the largest shop on the island but they limit their class sizes to 4 students per instructor and the Dive Masters there are a great group of people (plus they have an English girl whose been living in Sngapore for the last 20 years working there, at least she was in february)

 

[gnojoey]

Thanks Ringo. I am trying my best to choose a diving school which offers good quality teaching, but it can be so darn intimidating trying to find one among so many. And all the flashy bling bling 5-stars diving schools don't necessarily provide the best education (no offense here), thus making it hard to decide on one.
That is where you divers come in, cos you all personally experienced the schools/centers and can tell me first hand how they are like. Er... and I don't mean to ask anybody to criticise the bad ones, just tell me which are the good dive schools/centers to seek out.

 

[gnojoey]

Thanks Scuba619, much appreciated.
I do like Phi Phi, just wondering if it will get difficult to get accommodation during Songkran. And not like I can afford the more expensive resorts.
How's the crowd when you were last at Phi Phi? Has the travellers come flocking back? Crowded?