SEA beginner spot multiple requirements …

[Whikl001]

My family incl 17 and 19 year old newly qualified divers will be in south east Asia the first two weeks of July next year. They qualified in the Red Sea. We arrive and leave from Singapore. Parents both vacation divers. Looking to do some outdoor activities eg cycling hiking a cultural sight or two plus scuba diving. Somewhat luxury resort. My kids also like surfing. Have been looking at island off east coat Malaysia which seem difficult to reach and dodgy coral. Borneo. Mixed reviews. Sulawesi far good diving but maybe too advanced . Bali overrun. Obvs open to flying within reason (max 4 hrs) Help. Where would you recommend ? Thanks.

 

[diveUAE]

Bangka or Bunaken?
Otherwise with newish divers the islands of East coast Malaysia should be ok - especially if the corals recover from the bleaching.
Perhentian was lovely (except the coral bleaching) with little to no current.

 

[Centrals]

Tioman is very near to Singapore and getting there is NO challenge.
Start the trip early in the morning. Mersing terminal is closer to Singapore than Tanjung Gemok. But the ferry schedule is more consistent for the latter.