Thailand or Malaysia?

[Fredi]

I've lived in Thailand and M'sia.I suggest you go to Phuket and you'll discover an array of dive choices and rates to Similan,Mergui Archipelago,Phi Phi and the surrounding island of Phuket itself.Dive season begins November to early May .Great viz and calmer seas.Now you can even do a 2 nites live aboard to the Similans.The US$ go a long way in Phuket too!Good luck.Fredi.

 

[Polpessa]

This might also be of some help--lots of diving reports for both countries

http://www.asiandiver.com/travel/overview.htm

 

[Zippsy]

I am pretty sure that bashdem has already made up his mind and booked his trip but for future readers of this thread.... ssra30 comes the closest to describing the choice IMHO. During the NE monsoon times from around mid Nov to Feb., Similans would be the better choice. During the other times, I would choose places in East Malaysia (or nearby parts of Indonesia) such as Sipadan/Mabul, Layang-Layang, Sangalaki, Manado, Lembeh. Thailand still has a lot to offer throughout the year but the diving near Borneo is just too good to pass up if you can only choose one.

Regarding diving of the east coast of penisular Malaysia around Perhentian, Redang, Tenggol, Tioman, etc.; let's just say it is a very good weekend getaway for those of us fortunate enough to live here or a good choice (at the moment) for some budget diving. Honestly, it's not in the same league as the Similans or Borneo and Sulawesi.

 

[DORSETBOY]

Cheers Jebong, will give it a go! Gotta catch some rays after all as Im now white as a gohst living up here in 'sunny' scotland

 

[Zippsy]

D-Boy, if you do go to alu-alu divers in perhentian, I bet you do run into jebong. From his enthusiam and one dimensional postings, I'm pretty sure he runs the shop! Perhentians may not be in the same league with the dive locations of Thailand or East Malaysia but it's definitely preferable to diving in Scotland!

 

[DORSETBOY]

Wont disagree with you there Zippsy! Cant wait to get back to warm waters, good viz and marine life that doesnt come from a sewage outflow!!!

 

[jebong]

Hi Zippsy. If you do stop by alu alu divers, you may likely see me there. I am always at Perhentian when time (and money) permits. Unfortunately, I don't own the shop (although I wish I have the money to start one). I am just a happy diver willing to help out those wanting to know more about Perhentian or diving. It is so happen that I know the folks at alu alu and enjoyed diving with them. So I thought I'd share my experience and not forcing anyone to stop by. If you do, then good. If not, it's all good too. Whatever you feel like. Like I said, I am just a happy diver waiting for the monsoon the be over so I can dive again . Don't be too suspicioius, ok

Life is good!