Where to dive in Malaysia and Indonesia?

[CJ Bill]

Not sure if I've mentioned this in the other couple of threads I've posted but I'm heading out to Malaysia and Indonesia in July for three months of diving including possibly a DM internship. Now money won't exactly be tight but I can't really afford to do too many expensive things (I've still got the mortgage to cover in the UK).

I've got a rough itinerary but I'm wondering if I'm missing anything out or heading to places I shouldn't really bother with.

For the first three weeks I'll have a friend with me so the idea is to fly into Singapore and from there head up to Tioman for a few days, on to Redang and thence to Perhentian (where a friend runs a centre, which might well be ideal for DM'ing). From there my friend returns to the UK and I head off to Sabah and Semporna for Sipidan.

After that, well I was thinking of heading to (via Balikpapan and Palu) to Sulawesi and the Togian Islands followed by the Bunaken islands and thereabouts (Manado, Lempeh).

Finally fly down to Bali and to be joined by my non-diving girlfriend to spend the last three weeks with her. Although I'm sure I can manage a few days in the water in that time!

So, if it's not too much trouble to ask, am I missing out on any good opportunities? Must see experiences in or out the water?

 

[Quero]

<snip>

So, if it's not too much trouble to ask, am I missing out on any good opportunities? Must see experiences in or out the water?

Try to get in some diving to see the molas (ocean sunfish) while you are in Bali, since your plans seem to have you there in September--prime mola season!

And while you are making your way up the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula, take time to dive Tenggol. It's my personal favorite in that marine park.

 

[Batfish]

You seem to have done your research! That just about covers all the best spots. DO be sure to squeeze in some diving in Bali. Best places for the big fish and mola mola are Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida off the SE coast of Bali:

Nusa Lembingana and Nusa Penida

About Sunfish (Mola Mola)

If you can, please do post some trip reports here!

 

[malaysia-islands]

I agree about trying to catch the glimpse of the elusive mola mola in Bali. I'd love to try it myself.

 

[dm_junkie]

Hi,

Not sure about Tioman...can try though for your DM there as they are in this region available to take you in for further education into instructorship.

I only know of the rough rates to takeup DM course in Sabah. If you are certified as a Rescue diver, go there for your medical exam in Tawau Town (reasonably cheap) and I think the course itself should not exceed RM1700 over a period of at least 2 weeks I think. Make your queries with North Borneo Divers and Scuba Junkie based over there. I think there is also another new diveshop there. But I sure know that the 2 mentioned have various DM intern. Accomodation wise, they can help you out for a cheaper rate. Even to help rent for a period of time from the locals there if it is available. But brace yourself, have to be reasonably fit as well. Any further queries feel free to ask.

Hope that helps.

 

[CJ Bill]

Thanks for the feedback: without it I'd never have considered Tenggol but now I can see it'll make a good stopover point whilst going up the peninsula!

And I'll be sure to go looking for mola in Bali: I figure I can diving every other day or thereabouts, whilst my g/f snorkels.

As to trip reports, I'll see what I can sort out as I go.