Newbi question: got six weeks where to go ?

Hi,
I'v just got my padi OW in the uk.

Just after completing the OW my employer is asking if a few people will take a couple of extra weeks holiday. This means that i will have 6 weeks to take from june the 12th to july the 28th.

I figured i could get some diving in warm water's done.

I recon that in six weeks i could get up to MSD level, doing all the relevent cources and dives ect. Its just where to go.

I have been looking at several locations.

- Thailand ( its seems great value )

- Egypt ( been over there several times and loved it )

- Philippine's ( I have family there ( i could visit ) and it also seems good value)

I have been looking at intership type arangements where the accomadation is included.

If any of ya have recomendations as to any of the above i would be mighty thankfull.

Dave Westcombe

Do 5 days in Indonesia at a resort called Mimpi Indah on Bangka Island. We did a review of them here with photos so check out the Indonesia section. Then fly into Manilia, bus down to Batangas, ferry across and stay for 5 days at either Atlantis, Coco Beach or El Galleon in Puerto Galera, and look for reviews of them here also, then finish up with 5 days in Thailand -Quero here can hook you up.

Thailand and the Phillipines are great for places for continuing ed. Also the other living costs are relatively low. Phillipines may be a bit more affordable than Thailand (assuming you're going to Phuket), but that mainly depends on the type of traveller your are too ;)

Student lodging is best since you'll be able to meet other divers. But you can still do the program while waiting for space in the dormitories. There are a few guest houses I stay at in Phuket when i go there by myself that range from 300-600Baht/day. They are clean & safe but you share a bathroom and you may not get air conditioning. But when I'm there w/ my mom, we stay at the Marriot or the Holiday Inn resort :p

Not sure about the SE Asia part during the months of June & July though. It's typhoon season.

Philippines!:)
Best value for the money!
Plus you say you have relative there.
Luzon region I recomend Puerto Galera
http://www.puertogalera.net/
In 2005 I dove with action divers. http://www.actiondivers.com/ and stayed at Deep Blue Sea Inn.
If your relatives are in the Visayas, try Bohol or Cebu http://www.bohol.ph/
http://www.flowergarden-resort.com/M...me_english.htm I dove with Baywatch divers Alona beach with Vernon, baywatchdivers@yahoo.com
You can further your diving education in the Philippines, for less than elsewhere. course $$ about the same, but the accomidations less.

h2odragon1
some great info mate
My family are out side cubu city not sure how far.
I dont think i could lumber them with me for 6 weeks but if i was diving close I could go see them on the odd weekend.

The flower garden looks great and nice value 35 USD a night thats about a 1000 uk pounds for 60 nights that seems a great price.

Is the the same bay watch divers? see below

http://baywatch-divers.tripod.com/


Thanks

Hey Dave!

I think "The Pub's" suggestion is a good one. Come to SE Asia and spend some time in several places.

I'd be happy to work with you to set up your Thailand segment, and I'd be glad to help you reach your training goals if you come to Phuket. June and July are great months here--low season prices for accommodations, no masses of tourists, and other bonuses!

Go dive the Galapagos. It's not cheap, but worth the expense. Many companies are offering discounts now with the economy the way it is. We went with Quasar Expeditions on their schooner the M/S Alta and I was very impressed with the food, service, and tour. Depending on when you go, you can see whale sharks, galapagos sharks, giant manta rays, and hammerheads.