Dive reccomendations for SE Asia

[tibbs2]

Going on vacation with wife, in-laws and brother in law this new years and I'm looking for a good place to dive. The only requirement is it has to be a direct flight from tokyo (wife's family live in Japan). They suggested Bali, Indonesia. Bali doesn't sound bad, but there have been terrorist attacks in Indonesia as recently as July 09.

Can anyone recommend other good spots in that area that are good for divers and non divers alike and are maybe a bit safer?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[coral diver]

Philippines
http://www.boracaybeachclub.com/promos.html?gclid=CN-ct_vW6pwCFQ_xDAodg3KwjA

http://www.balai-resort.com/

http://www.palawan.com/

that's a few from the Philippines you can also try western side of Thailand

http://www.divetheworldthailand.com/thailand-diving-packages.php

 

[Jojoyojimbi]

wouldn't you be able to get to lembah man?

 

[96gts]

My friend owns this dive shop in Singapore. You might want to email them to get some info.

Deep Blue Scuba

 

[Rossini]

North sulawesi. Bunaken national park and Lembeh awesome.

 

[snorvich]

North Sulawesi is superb (been there 9 times) but I think you have to take a local flight from Singapore rather than direct from Japan. Excellent diving is available in the Philippines as well. Depending on the kind of diving, where you would go. New Years is not optimal in this location however.

 

[AMW]

Definitely dive Indonesia! Skip Thailand if you can make it to Indonesia.
Wakatobi is a must. (SE Sulawesi)
Raja Ampat is also a must. (Eastern Indonesia near West Papua)
Lembeh straights if you like super-macro subjects.
Borneo (eg, Sipaden Island) but probably not a direct flight from Tokyo.
Komodo Island (via Bali). Dragons and rip-roaring currents, though.

 

[AMW]

OOOOOOOPS! Just noticed the post was for divers AND non-divers alike. This being the case, there is good diving off of Bali which also has a lot to see for non-divers. Mola Mola (sunfish) congregate bi-yearly off of Bali...