Hi
I will be on Kuala Lumpa on the 11th December and would like some suggestions for places to go diving around this time....
Preferably, I would like to do a liveaboard, maybe 4 - 7 nights ...
I don't mind taking a cheap flight to get somewhere close by ... I had been considering Thailand or maybe Bali...
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Michael
Phuket is close by, many flights, and excellent diving to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, maybe even the southern divesites like Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa.
In Thailand, you'll find the liveaboards in the Andaman sea, mostly leaving out of Khao Lak, but a few out of Phuket and very few out of other places. Most Similans trips are four nights, but a few longer trips are also available for five or six or more night. Six day trips can cover both the Similans in the Thai waters of the northern Andaman as well as the islands in the southern Andaman.
From Bali, most liveaboards are sailing around Komodo, which of course isn't Bali, but you do fly into Bali from Kuala Lumpur to get the domestic Indonesia flight to get to the jump off point.
Thanks guys, Bali actually sounds more appealing to me .... anyone know any good live aboards from here?
The liveaboards from Bali mostly go to Komodo. December is a bit off season for them but you might be able to find one - alternatively just fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo and get on a boat there. You'll find more liveaboards cruising around Raja Ampat in December, but they don't go from Bali. You would need to fly from Bali to Sorong.
As a contrast to a liveaboard you might want to take a look at Paradison Village on Cubadak Island off of Sumatra. They have a PADI centre and the place is isolated, only about 12 beach bungalows and outstanding food. We had a great week there in 2008. Fly into Padang, West Sumatra and Paradiso will arrange airport pick up and boat to island.
Another vote for Phuket and no to Bali. Phuket is ideal in December and there are regular flights from KL airport. Good choive for 4 to 7 day Liveaboard diving as well as a multitude of good dive centres. Sunrise Divers (contact Jamie Monk) are excellent and are right next to Karon Place Hotel, a nice family run place conveniently located.
Bali is definitely VERY off season in December and your entire trip could be washed out by the monsoons.