Wetsuit Dilemma

[WaterDevil]

Hi all,

I am based Singapore and I will be doing a lot/most of my diving in the South East Asia region, waters off Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines etc. I am planning to dive in Bali around September. So here’s where I need a some advise:

1. I am planning on getting my own wetsuit instead of those dingy rental suits, do I get a 3mm or 5mm suit to start off?
2. Can I dive with a long sleeve rash guard or lycra top?
3. Besides fit & comfort (which I know I have to try to feel and its an important factor), which would you recommend? Scubapro’s line of wetsuits is rather appealing.
4. I don’t think I need all the bell’s and whistles unless you think otherwise.

I’m basing my decision on how often am I doing a certain kind of dive i.e tropical dive so if I ever need to do other kind of dives, I will probably get the necessary gear then.

I would appreciate any advise here because these stuff is expensive and I want to get the best bang out of my buck.

I’ve just gotten certified and I have all my basic stuff, hence getting my gears is part of all the diving excitement for me.

Thanks in advance