Hello all,
My girlfriend and I are beginning divers considering a dive trip to Southeast Asia (particularly Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, ect.). We are open water certified with 12 dives apiece, and feel very comfortable in the water. We are planning on going in early August, (monsoon season), where is the best diving for this time of year?
Thanks
You mention monsoon season in Southeast Asia in August. In fact, it's not actually monsoon season all over the region. August falls during the southwest monsoon season, which, in general terms affects the Philippines and Thailand's west coast, but not Malaysia nor Indonesia, which are more affected by the northeast monsoon the opposite time of year.
The best time of year to dive in Malaysia is from March to October, and in most areas of Indonesia the date range is similar (perhaps May to December in some areas).
Having said that, it is sometimes possible to dive even during monsoon season, if you are not going long distances on boats (such as on a liveaboard). This is certainly the case here Phuket, on Thailand's west coast.
The east coast islands of Malaysia has good diving.
Mainly Tioman, Perhentian and Redang Islands.
Great situation and good waters with little in the way of strong currents to worry about.
We go to Redang every year for 2 weeks and is our favourite. Superb beach and warm clear water.We always go towards the end of September just before the monsoon.
Of course Sipadan in Sabah is very famous and popular but have not been myself (thanks to a non diving wife)!
Philippines also has great diving but it is about 15 years since I last dived there. I like wreck diving and you are spoilt for choice there!
Hi Travcbr
There's some decent advice in the posts above, but in a nutshell...
August :-
1. Thailand west coast = no.
2. Maldives = no.
3. Sabah, Malaysia = yes.
4. Komodo, Indonesia = yes.
5. Raja Ampat, Indonesia = not ideal, but there are some trip available.
6. Philippines - considering the quality of the list above, it's difficult to recommend any month to go to the Philippines.
Hope that helps.