learning PADI open water - malaysia or thailand?

Rich you are going to hear arguments pro and con for both countries. If you decide to learn in Malaysia, my recommendation would be Redang Island off the east coast. Diving is pleasant and the conditions should be getting better and better throughout the month of March.

The west coast of Thailand is still great through April, but the rains begin around May, typically. However, we still dive (the fish don't care if it's raining after all).

I guess I'd say learn in Malaysia and then come to Thailand to take advantage of your training for more diving!

Q.

I have decided to do my course in Malaysia so that I can go diving with my already qualified friend when I meet him in Thailand!

Tioman island may be an option, try Eco divers when there.

Have fun though, where ever you end up doing your course.

Or maybe Perhentian? Both islands have exellent divecenters. I have used Watercolores at Besar, but there are so many others. I found this a good choise both to price and safety.

Do the course as soon as you can on your trip, so you can enjoy the diving in different places later on. I think the Perhentians are a nice place to learn.

I am thinking of doing it with watercolours at Besar on the Perhentians as due to time constraints I would like to book a course in advance and not have to worry about sorting a dive course, accomodation and transfers when I am there. With them it will all be included, is approx 2000 MYR good value (considering booking before arrival) for a 5 day 4 night course with all dive costs, accom and meals?

Rich, I think you will find that that is their price for Perhentian Kecil, at Impiani Resort. Their op on Besar (Paradise) is slightly less expensive. The reason for this is that the bungalows at Impiani are air conditioned and the ones at Paradise have only fans.

Thailand might be cheaper, but Malaysia is maybe a little more spectacular.

http://www.pulau-pangkor.com/diving-in-langkawi.html (for diving ner Langkawi)

http://www.pulau-pangkor.com/diving-in-perhentian.html (for diving in Perhentian)

Another good option in Thailand is Koh Tao though many people consider it to be a soso destination. I enjoyed it there.

Peter

"Thailand might be cheaper, but Malaysia is maybe a little more spectacular."

Really depends on which part of Thailand you compare with which part of Malaysia, both regarding pricing and quality of diving.