Hello, I am planning to push off to warmer water in november for a few months in south east asia. I am relatively new to diving and, apart from one dive in Sardinia where the vis was the worse the instructor had ever experienced (ha ha) have only dived in the UK, so I can’t wait to get out there! I was just wondering where people would recommend. I am definitley going to be in Borneo at some point and am also hoping to hammock it around indonesia, but it is all an open book. I would love to find out from more experienced divers where might be good places to go and if they have any tips on diving on a tight budget.

Hi Lauren

So how is the planning going for your trip to Asia have you worked yet a route yet and planned where you would like to dive????

Have you been getting some diving practice in here in the cold UK waters

Shaun

great to hear from someone!
Well, I am going to get the boat to indonesia from melaka and buy a bike to cycle through indonesia, so that is progress! vague plan to get to flores and Sulawesi before getting to Borneo. Will probably have to stop at borneo and then head back to KL to fly home (havent booked a return yet)
Have heard that diving in Sulawesi is amazing as is sipadan (i think) in borneo. I would love tips though. Obviously not taking any equipment with me (weight and also dont have much) so will hire as I go. Can’t wait!! Obviously top snorkelling opportunities too.
As you can see it is a bit adhoc, but then arent the best adventures?!
I am hoping I will meet people along the way who will point me in the right direction (literally!).
I would love to hear if there are any recommended books to have a look at. I would love to dive in mangroves after the latest dive mag, I have swum in mangroves, but never dived.... (i know it would be shallow, but hey!) I have also swum with waterbuffalos, cows, dead bodies (can you guess I got lost in india for a while!)
Anyway, maybe hear some tips from you (I am sports diver level, so nothing too techie!)
Lauren

Wow Lauren,

wish i was joining you. I have recently qualified and loving every minute of it. Can’t wait to explore the world and its oceans! Unfortunately money, work, family commitments and mainly time won’t allow me to start any big adventures yet. So envious!!!!!

Hi Lauren

I’m sorry it took me so long to reply.

It does sound like you have sorted out quite a bit already and have a really good idea of how and where to go. Are you travelling on your own or with others and have you been getting lots of bike riding practice in ready for your trip?

How long do you think it will take to cycle all that way at least you will be able to see a lot of wonderful sights along the way and get off the beaten track to see some of the things the tourists miss. I have seen dive reviews for some of those places and sites in the magazines and I am very envious, you will get to dive and experience some of the best locations in the world and have some great adventures during your travels around.

Do you have a time limit for the whole trip or do you have as long as you want? I do hope you remember to pack a camera to capture all those memories and sights it sounds like you have already swum with some interesting and unusual things.

Unfortunately I have not been over to that part of the world before but I certainly wish you well. If you get the chance to occasionally post a message here on the site during your wanderings to keep us all updated on your progress that would be great.

If there is anything I can do let me know.

Shaun

Hi Dawn

I’m sure that one day you will get the chance to travel to wonderful and exotic places and experience the wonders that exist under the worlds oceans whilst enjoying many great adventures along the way.

If you believe in it then it will happen

Or

You could just go to the beach and find that genie in the bottle

Shaun

Hi Lauren

How are you and hows the plans going do you have a route sorted out ?

In-fact are you already on it ?

In which case safe travels and best wishes. 

Shaun