The Great Malaysian Compromise! HELP

[Dadvocate]

Hello, SB cohorts!

I could use some good advice! My soon-to-be in-laws are going to meet my betrothed and I in Malaysia for a bit of winter wonder sun bathing in February-March. The tricky part is that I want to get as much diving in as possible with my girl while also doing the family thing at the same time. They are not divers and probably could only be counted on for one day excursion for snorkeling as we do the diving thing.

Most of the dive op options I have found are either live-a-boards or have shore options that take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get to. On top of this, the trips that go out that far leave at roughly 8:00 and return circa 17:00 after doing say two dives and a lunch. This is not doable given my family responsibilities.

What I need is a resort that has those landlubber bells and whistles and also has a dive operation nearby that will allow my fiancé and I (and sometimes only me) the flexibility to shoot over, hop in a boat, dive some lovely reef, and then get back for the family bonding (preferably one that does cool early morning dives).

For those of you in the know for Malaysia, what place offers the tourist trap wonders of a resort and also decent diving not too far afoot for the person looking to skip away a couple of times during the day?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Zippsy]

where in Malaysia will you be? It is a big place.

 

[Lj82]

where in Malaysia will you be? It is a big place.

Thats the first thing that came to my mind too.

 

[Dadvocate]

Sorry if I didn't clarify what I mean. We are flying into Malaysia during that time and can go wherever we like within the country. I've been charged with figuring out where we will go that is good for everyone involved. I'm not necessarily tied to one place at this point.

My hope is that some of you will have suggestions on particular dive ops and resorts in various places that work for what I am looking for. At the very least, maybe you could recommend regions in Malaysia that would be good places to start searching for what I need.

Cheers!

 

[MartianBeerPig]

Here's a link you may find useful - Islands of Malaysia - malaysia-islands.com

The Berjaya Resort on Tioman has a golf resort. I don't know about any of the others.

 

[Dadvocate]

Thanks... That is very useful.

Much appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[victor]

Dadvocate
There are spa's on a number of Islands which should keep the ladies happy. Jungle walks, great food, general layed back environment, should keep them happy for at least a week.
tioman is a great site for Tioman.
Perhentian is a more relaxed location and my personal favorite on the peninsula but there is less to do if yo don't dive.
Have a good look at Redang it might meet your requirements.

Mix up the Islands with a few days at the end of the Holiday in KL, or maybe Penang. KL is an international city with some fantastic shopping. The evening markets have some great bargins but you must haggle. They starting price is about twice what you should pay.

Another option would be a few days in the Cameron Highlands, great views, not as hot, no diving though.

Have a great time,it is a beautiful country.