Just wanted to pick the collective brain about where to go diving in Sept. Based in Japan, willing to go as far as SEA, only one of me so looking for a friendly place, i.e. no package resorts. I've been to the Perhentians, Ko Tao, Bohol, Moalboal, Guam, and am looking for someplace new that would be September-weather appropriate, and somewhere self-contained like the first four (I don't want to have to drive to get to the dive shop). It doesn't need to be world-class diving; I'm not a world-class diver. But a nice little place to relax, read if it's rainy, socialize a little in the evenings. I'm considering Bali, Tioman, Leyte, but I'm wondering if anyone has other ideas. Thanks for any thoughts.
1
wershwie
Puerto Galera would be an option for you. Sabang is more of the red light district of the area, but there are other parts where it's more quiet. However, Puerto Galera has the beaches for your laid back lounging, other travelers for mingling, and of course, really nice diving :) Do make sure to dive San Agapito point in Verde Island.
2
timordiver
How about East Timor? Its dry season about 28 degrees water temperature in Sept and absolute pristine coral. Scuba diving has only really happened here in the last 8 years and we are small scale, max 50 divers diving in the country at the weekend
Based in the capital city Dili, we have a great beach front bar above us for socialising and loads of bars and resturants. Its also a bit quirky with the UN presence, occasionally you get a black hawk helicopter overhead when you are about to go down.
Hotels are close by and we can pick you up for diving. Check out our website www.divetimor.com or email me with any questions on marianne@divetimor.com
As for Puerto Galera, the diving is nice especially Verdi Island drop off, but I found the sex trade thing in the evenings a bit of a turn off. Each to thier own!
By the way I spent 15 minutes being a dugongs plaything today, absolutely awesome.
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Lonely Planet
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