Singapore Expats

I'm probably in the wrong forum sorry but does anyone know where we can dive when my brother visits in mid-March. He wants to go to Tioman but I've been told that this is a bad idea ? He doesn't want anywhere too expensive cos I mentioned Maldives and he wasn't rapt...Grateful for advice...

I'll move this to where it belongs. There are a few divers who frequent this forum.

pulau redang, kuala terengganu.

Unfortunately mid-March is still a bit too early for east coast Malaysia. Try eg. Phi Phi/Similans in Thailand, reachable from Phuket/Krabi. You can also try your luck in eg. Sipadan (Borneo) or Manado (Indonesia), but it will still be the tail end of the rainy season and visibility may be lower than usual.

I dived Tioman mid to end of March last year and it wasn't too bad. The monsoon this year hasn't been nearly as bad as it was last year so you might be in luck. You might want to try the Philippines as it's quite cheap and still diveable. Of course Sipadan is fantastic but possibly a bit more expensive. But, as the other have already mentioned, this time of year you'd be best to head over to Thailand for more guaranteed calmer weather.

I agree- have heard march isnt too bad in Tioman, in fact the dive co I use did say that March can be good as start of the season etc. I cant wait!

Thanks for all this guys ! Will print out and do quick search !
Oz

welshlass wrote:I agree- have heard march isnt too bad in Tioman, in fact the dive co I use did say that March can be good as start of the season etc. I cant wait!

The problem with off-season diving in Tioman and the rest of the east coast is that most ferries are not running, many resorts are closed, etc. It's still doable, you'll just need to do your homework instead of showing up and hoping for the best.

Most Resorts start to open again end Feb / early march.... of course it all depends on the waether, which will change from year to year, but diving can be good around Tioman or Aur in mid march and Dive Trips will be arranged from Singapore as from early march by many Dive Shops.
I can pm some links....

welshlass wrote:I agree- have heard march isnt too bad in Tioman, in fact the dive co I use did say that March can be good as start of the season etc. I cant wait!

It's true, you have more chances to see whale sharks or manta's as they will come through this area due to change of the monsoon....