Where in SEA to go in August?

[dumpsterpurrs]

I'm in a bit of a pickle and have a conflicting priorities situation. I have to find a place in Southeast Asia for a group of divers this August. The tricky part is: half of the group consists of extremely jaded, experienced, muck-hating divers, and the second half is kids taking their OWC. The adult group refuses to go somewhere with mediocre diving, especially considering they're traveling from North America. The kids need somewhere with easy conditions and excellent teachers experienced with kids.

- The Philippines is out of the question because of the monsoon season.
- Most of Indonesia is too remote and have strong currents. One of the adults really disliked Tulamben & Amed. Penida is too rough for kids. Bunaken & Bangka are a bit too far, and we don't know any trustworthy instructors there. Is August a good time for Bangka? Are they suitable for OWCourse?
- Malaysia: initially planned to go to Perhentian but I've heard reports of recent bleaching in the Redang-Perhentian area. Perhentian was barely good enough after recovery during the pandemic, is it worse now?
- Thailand: either Koh Tao or Koh Lipe. Found a great instructor we love for Lipe, but timing (due to moon phases) is suboptimal for us, and conditions seem a bit too much for kids. Koh Tao is borrrrrrrrrrring but extremely convenient travel wise, and the adults can go to Sail Rock/Chumphon every day...

Thoughts? Advice? Recommendations? TIA!!!

 

[chillyinCanada]

Padang Bai, Bali?

 

[diveUAE]

Padang Bai could be a good choice - or Nusa Lembongan? (Our kids dives there at 11 and 13 years old). Maybe Gili islands?

But I would also have a look at Komodo - yes, I know it’s famous for strong currents, but there are dive sites with less current, that could be ok for the kids doing OW. And experienced divers will have a blast!

Perhentian all corals were white when we visited last year, so if you want to go there make sure to enquire about how it is now.

I do think some places in Philippines are less affected by the monsoon?

 

[Centrals]

@dumpsterpurrs
Aug is the low season in Koh Lipe so perhaps your preferred instructor might be persuaded to travel to Koh Tao if there is good enough incentive.
Aug is the typhoon season in Philippines and travelling could be seriously affected no matter where you are. Deep south eg Davao and General Santos should be less affected but there is an additional flight to catch from eg Cebu or Manila and these two places are right on the usual typhoon path. I have no trouble to travel to the county any time of the year but I do not have others to worry about.

Happy trip.

 

[dumpsterpurrs]

@dumpsterpurrs
Aug is the low season in Koh Lipe so perhaps your preferred instructor might be persuaded to travel to Koh Tao if there is good enough incentive.

He did!!! He will be headed for BKK after anyway, so Koh Tao is on his drive and he can make a stop. Our group is very pleased.

Btw, I'm living in Phuket now, and the local dive groups arrange Lipe trips in the green season. They say it's better than the dry season.

 

[Centrals]

It is a long long way from Phuket to Pak Bara Pier. Is it possible to travel from Koh Phuket to Koh Lipe on the same day?

 

[dumpsterpurrs]

It is a long long way from Phuket to Pak Bara Pier. Is it possible to travel from Koh Phuket to Koh Lipe on the same day?

There's a direct speedboat between Phuket and Lipe I think? You can also go via Lanta.

The bus looks like you can leave in the morning and arrive in the afternoon.

Sometimes LOBs to Lipe departs from Chalong.

 

[Centrals]

Not during the low season from Lanta to Lipe because the sea is too rough. So only through Pak Bara.
The speed boat from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Koh Lipe usually departs in the morning and takes at least 5hrs. The boat is much bigger but I have no idea if the service is running during the low season.
You are in better position to find out the boat schedule from Phuket to Lipe.