Suggestions for Asia in August 2016

[reign180]

Hey guys,

My girlfriend (OW) and myself (AOW) are hoping to stop over somewhere in Asia on our way to Turkey from Sydney next August. We're both keen to stop over somewhere for maybe a week and get as many dives in as possible. Not too fussed on nightlife or anything, as long as we can eat and dive we're happy. We're both reasonably new divers, me with 25, my girlfriend with only 6, but we're both really keen. Would love to see some big stuff (sharks, rays, whales, pelagics) or even a good wreck, but we both love the small critters like Nudibranchs too.

Was thinking possibly Philippines or PNG but not sure on the weather in August, and also the cost.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Any favourite spots in Asia?

Thanks in advance.

-- ST --

 

[Oldbear]

Two regions come to mind...

1) The Andaman Sea just west of Phuket Thailand

2) The Red Sea like Sharm el Sheikh

Both offer great diving and you should be able to make connections from Sydney to Turkey.

 

[Wingy]

PNG is not in Asia so it would mean you would need to return to Cairns then Sydney then Turkey but in Asia you have West Papua and Raja Ampat which is superb diving but a trek from any major hubs heading to Europe. I think the Philippines or Sipidan in Malaysia may be better good options. Bali has lots of options as does the Andaman Gulf.

 

[reign180]

Oldbear - We're definitely planning to dive in Egypt while we're over in Turkey. Probably take a week trip from there and check out the Red Sea.

Wingy - Yeah, maybe that's too much hassle. It's got to be somewhere that's reasonably easy to get to. Even if it means flying into Bangkok or somewhere and taking another flight from there. I've read that sipadan is quite difficult diving. Is that true?

 

[Wingy]

Sipidan has currents to bring in those big schools of baras and fish as do many areas where you will find schools of pelagics. What about flying into Bangkok and taking an hour flight to Krabi - you can dive all the phuket and phi phi sites from there in a much nicer area topside IMO. Bali you can find your wreck at Tulumben, Muck and if you have a good op on a good day maybe a chance to get out to Nusa Penida - but make sure your op knows your dive level. Phil's - fly into Manila, catch a bus to the ferry terminal and enjoy the easier sites at Sabang, Puerto Galera, again, be honest about your level and you will have a great time. Its great that you are getting up your dive count and looking at diving the Red Sea too.

 

[reign180]

Thanks Wingy. My girl and I have actually done all of our dives in Bali. Including a few at Tulamben. Damn cool wreck, and the op took us both down to 30m even though my girlfriend is only OW. Thankfully she didn't notice until we were back on the surface, she would've kicked his arse.

I'll start doing some research on the weather for August. Most places say it's monsoon / rainy / crap season but I think we'll give it a go anyway.

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[Centrals]

I'll start doing some research on the weather for August. Most places say it's monsoon / rainy / crap season but I think we'll give it a go anyway.
Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Turkish Airlines will link up Sydney, Manila and Istanbul.
However, Cebu Pacific flight between Sydney and Manila can be dirt cheap. Get yourself registered and receiving the promotion alert. The SYD to MNL flight arrives in late afternoon so U2 have to overnight in Manila.
As already suggested by Wingy, Puerto Galera is the place for any level of diving experiences. Reputable operators(budget) are Frontier, Sea Riders and South Sea. Some divers also praised Blue Ribbon.
Aug is the LOW season so rooms are plentiful.