Where to Dive during Christmas and New Year in Asia weather wise

[matkamees]

Hi diving fans and pros,
I'm planning a 2 week long trip to Asia with my family over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Unfortunately we are tied up by school holidays, so summer, April, October are not options for us.

I haven't set the destination as I'm heavily wondering where the weather might be best. While I'm into diving mostly my other family members would be happy with 5-6 diving days, not more, but also wonder on the beach or have some nature trips.

We have been in Bunaken, liked it enourmously, the best up to here sea-life and coral variety up to here. Not interested in wreck or cave diving. Could Sipadan be possibility?

So any good ideas of lively coral life with not too bad mansoon weather are much appreciated!

Thanks already ahead,
Liina

 

[OnTheSpot]

Sipadan would certainly be a possibility, you would be coming into the beginning of the rainy season in Dec/Jan but it doesn't generally get a great deal of rain. if you stay on Mabul then there are beaches and on the mainland plenty of options for nature trips. Khao Lak in Thailand would be another possibility, you would be coming in the middle of high season and there is easy access to the Similan Islands either by day trip or a short 4 night liveaboard and Khao Sok national park is very close for your nature trip. Staying on the bungalows on the lake is a great experience.