Out of Season in Malaysia and Indonesia

[Suzana]

I want to go to Indonesia and Malaysia during my travels, unfortunately it's going to have to be during the monsoon season.

I will be in SE Asia between December and March. I'd like to know if there is any period during these months when it would be slightly better or worse to visit these countries (and what areas might be better or worse).

Does anybody have any experience of diving out of season here?

 

[David B]

I spent 3 weeks in Malaysia in February/March this year. I spent 1 week in Sabah at the Sepilok Orang Utang Rehabilitation Centre, 4 nights on a liveaboard in the Celebes Sea and the rest of the time at Sipadan. Weather was fantastic. The sand was too hot to walk on. Visability wasn't great but the turtles, sharks, barracuda etc were plentiful. Contact me if you want any more info.

David

 

[Sgt.Hudson]

the last time i was in malaysia was 3 years ago

 

[JONATHAN A]

Can't comment on Indonesia (though friends who dived Bali at Christmas said it was good), but Borneo in March should be fine as should the Perhentian islands/Redang - if you have the opportunity try travelling a little further North to South West Thailand which is really in season over winter
Jonathan

 

[japan-diver]

Southern Japan has great diving at that time of year, including schooling hammerheads and humpback whales.

 

[frogfish]

East coast Malaysia is definitely a no go during that period. Sabah and most of Indonesia can have great diving without the crowds - but can also be miserable if you are unlucky...

 

[ssra30]

December-Feb, you would be better off diving around Thailand (Andaman Sea, not the Gulf of Thailand) or the Philippines as far as SE Asia go but March should be OK for Sipadan, Sangalaki etc.

 

[Suzana]

Thanks a lot for all the responses!

Decided that I could just about survive another month trapped in this boring old job for the sake of a bit better weather prospects. So booked the ticket a month later then planned, meaning that I will now stop in SE Asia between mid January to end of April. So will probably end up diving Thailand - Philippines - Indonesia - Malaysia in that order to make the most of it.

 

[tboxcar]

I spent 3 weeks in Malaysia in February/March this year. I spent 1 week in Sabah at the Sepilok Orang Utang Rehabilitation Centre, 4 nights on a liveaboard in the Celebes Sea and the rest of the time at Sipadan. Weather was fantastic. The sand was too hot to walk on. Visability wasn't great but the turtles, sharks, barracuda etc were plentiful. Contact me if you want any more info.

David

Hi David
If you have a moment can you tell me a little about Sipadan, where you stayed, or should I say who you booked with? And the cost? I know diving there is $$$$$, we will be there in July and I heard by just showing up in KK, you can get agood deal usually? Any info. on the whole scene would be great.
Thanks for your time

Tom or email me at <<tboxcar@aol.com>>