The best of Asia

[Bubble Junky]

Just remember you need some cash for your visa on arrival and airport tax on exit.

If you're booking up in advance, I'd get a visa before travelling from the embassy in your home country - better than queueing at Bali airport for a visa on arrival ...

 

[Centrals]

If you're booking up in advance, I'd get a visa before travelling from the embassy in your home country - better than queueing at Bali airport for a visa on arrival ...

That queue is nothing when compare with the proper immigration control. Nearly 2 hrs to get through it!!!!

 

[Bubble Junky]

That queue is nothing when compare with the proper immigration control. Nearly 2 hrs to get through it!!!!

But for VOA, you need to go to both queues - VOA & Immigration. If already have a visa, just the one queue.

 

[Freewillow]

Maldives is very very nice, but 50% of the dives will be in passes where there will be, at times, significant current. I have never been to a Komodo cruise, but what I have been told is pretty similar to the Maldives: current and at times "washing machines". I would advise Rajah Ampat, little cureent, very rich corals

 

[Hintermann]

Another vote for Bali in late May-June. Tulamben, Padangbai and Nusa Penida are all great dive sites. The only drawback is that it is a but early for the Ocean Sunfish.

Sipadan is also worthy of consideration in May-June.

May-June is also a great tine to visit several dive sites in the Philippines, includng Tubbutaha.

 

[Centrals]

But for VOA, you need to go to both queues - VOA & Immigration. If already have a visa, just the one queue.

The queue for VOA was pretty quick and painless but the one for immigration was a joke.

 

[Bubble Junky]

The queue for VOA was pretty quick and painless but the one for immigration was a joke.

Last time I flew in, it was about 10 mins for each queue (late night landing). Luck of the draw, I guess, but it can be a loooong wait...

 

[opheliafae]

I second the Philippines in May-June. Puerto Galera has a lot of nice spots to explore, although not so rich in culture. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit though - Tamaraw Falls and Hidden Paradise are a couple of my favorites. There are plenty of dive resorts to choose from; I recommend Scandi Divers (sister resort is Campbell's Beach) in Big La Laguna. It's tucked outside of the hustle and bustle of Sabang and the instructors are A+. If you go to Dumaguete, I've heard that Island's Leisure Boutique Hotel & Spa is excellent.