How to include some Diving activities with your kids on your next family vacation to Asia.
Here is A comprehensive guide for people who want to try something new and enjoy the beauty of the earth under-the-water style!
Why consider diving?
Diving is one of the best experiences that the earth struts. It supports the livelihood of the locals. At the same time, divers experience the hidden beauty of underwater wonders. Unbelievably, health benefits are associated with this exciting activity. In fact, studies resulted to a so-called Aquarium Therapy. It indicates that watching the fishes in a fish tank reduces the level of stress and anxiety. Imagine what could happen if you watch the fishes while actually being with them in a fish tank. After all, this is not impossible! All the thanks to the mother nature. She gave us an infinitely big fish tank with unfathomable beauty.
What to do before and while diving?
Safety is the number one priority. Before going under the water, you should pay attention to your dive-masters for tips and guides. Simple hand languages may be learned for communication because apparently, voices are of little use down there. Your mouth will be a little preoccupied for breathing. Make sure to double check your equipment before going; the tank and the tube are of highest importance. It has to be in a perfect condition. After safety is ensured, you are now down to the fun and best part. Enjoy the beauty. Experience the wonder.
How easy is diving?
Diving is not a hard skill to learn. A five-minute orientation just before going underwater is sufficient. Unlike in casual swimming, apparatus that will make the experience easier will be provided. Witnessing wondrous creatures and unbelievable things underwater will make it even easier. After all, if you enjoy something, the difficulty will not be a significant matter. Although there are diving spots that require training and experience, there are also a lot which doesn’t.
Where to go diving?
There are a lot of ultimate diving sites in the world. Few of these are coincidentally all found in the southeast Asia area. Hold on because I’ll be giving tips and guides for maximum experience of fun and enjoyment.
Upon going through the list, you will find 5 criteria in order to assess the diving spot in each aspect.
Criteria for Assessment:
Diving Expertise Needed – some diving spots are not recommended for first time divers; various areas may require training and experience before diving.
Travel Cost – the overall level of expenses incurred throughout the journey; from flying to swimming.
Underwater View – the overall assessment of the view; the presence of fishes, coral reefs, wrecks and other interesting stuff underwater.
Area Development Status – the level of development based on hotels, resorts, and other establishments for the service of tourists. Although, a low development status may indicate that the place’s nature is untouched, unpolluted, and less populated.
Overall Enjoyment Factor – the level of fun and excitement all throughout the experience.
#1 Sipadan, Malaysia
photo from Malaysia.travel
“An Untouched Piece of Art”, Jacques Cousteau
Sipadan is a small island which can be circled by walking in approximately 20 minutes. The island’s wildlife is amazing and the marine life is even more wonderful. It became a famous diving site because of its natural beauty with warm waters and an excellent diversity of marine animals and corals The diving experience is great. There are varieties of options that tourists can choose from. Kids may do snorkeling in the shallow waters while the adults may engage in more exciting underwater exploration. After diving, bird watching can also be done as this place is also wealthy of flying wonders.
Tips:
1. Best resorts to stay at are in Mabul or Kapalai Islands
2. Expect a lot of walks in a beautiful sandy place
3. Keep in mind that this place is mainly a diving destination
4. Barely a destination for the whole family because the facilities are lacking, but if the family are all grown-ups there shouldn’t be a problem
Ratings:
Diving Expertise Required: Medium
Travel Cost: Low
Underwater View: Medium
Area Development Status: Low
Overall Satisfaction Factor: Medium
Travel Route Series: Malaysia -> Kinabalu/Tawau -> Semporna Town -> Mabul -> Sipadan
photo from Wikitravel.org
photo from Wikitravel.org
#2 Similan Islands, Thailand
Similan Island, photo from sunrise-divers.com
A Top Diving Spot
Similan Islands are located in Thailand. They are well known for its crystal-clear water, diverse marine life, and rock formations. The island is also covered with a forest making it habitable for land wild-life. Going to the blue, one competitive edge of this area are the whale sharks who roam around the vicinity of the island during what they call Whale Sharks Season. During this time, the tourist may go diving and see the magnificently huge creatures face to face. When visiting Similan, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance of going to the Surin Islands. The place is also majestic and has a lot to offer. The route is short but can be very tricky. Asking for directions from the friendly locals can be a lot of help.
Tips:
1. Prioritize safety, locals can only provide basic first aid
2. There are no Wi-Fi connections
3. Bring enough cash for your travel, there are no ATM’s
4. Prepare for a very bumpy way, there are no roads
5. Cellular signals work on islands 4 and 8, the others are unreliable
Ratings:
Diving Expertise Required: Low
Travel Cost: Low
Underwater View: High
Area Development Status: Low
Overall Satisfaction Factor: High
Travel Route Series: Bangkok -> Ranong/Khao Lak -> Similan Islands
photo from remotelands.com
photo from remotelands.com
photo from remotelands.com
#3 Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
photo from scuba-diversion.com
Myeik Archipelago is more popularly known as Mergui which is its colonial name. The beauty and wonder of this archipelago are unfathomable. Travelers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers journey to this wonderful place to witness its beauty first hand. Tropical jungles, white sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs merged together giving birth to this paradise. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and nature walks are just some of the activities. The competitive edge of this archipelago is the wonderful underwater view and experience.
Tips:
1. The trip can be expensive, prepare cash on hand
2. Children accommodations are common and accepted
3. There are restrictions to city boundaries, be careful
4. Finding hotel accommodations can be challenging, make sure to book in advance.
5. Prepare for lots of boat rides
Ratings:
Minimum Diving Expertise Required: Very Low
Travel Cost: Very High
Underwater View: High
Area Development Status: Low
Overall Satisfaction Factor: Medium
Travel Route Series: Myanmar -> Yangon -> Myeik
photo from scuba-diversion.com
photo from MyanmarTravelAndTours.net
#4 Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
photo from TravelTriangle.com
A Rocky Paradise
Tulamben is a tiny fishing village. The place is mostly rocks covered with a wonderful grassland. In fact, the name is a mere contraction of the word ‘batulambih’ which literally means many stones. Different colors of the rock formations make it pleasing to the eyes. The waters are clean and very blue. Snorkeling in the shallow areas may be done but the rocks may make it harder or better depending on preference. Diving in this area is absolutely wonderful. The underwater life is as colorful as a rainbow. Diversity was never compromised and it paved the way to a paradise under the water.
Tips:
1. Expect more activities other than diving
2. Expect a lot of seafood since this is a fishing village
3. Don’t miss to view the sacred volcano of Mount Agung
4. Definitely, don’t miss the Liberty Ship Wreck
5. Book an hotel in advance to save time and money.
Ratings:
Minimum Diving Expertise Required: Very Low
Travel Cost: Low
Underwater View: High
Area Development Status: Medium
Overall Satisfaction Factor: High
Travel Route Series: Indonesia -> Candi Dasa/Kuta/Padang Bai/Sanur/Ubod -> Tulamben
photo from Yusmar Yahaya
photo from Marcel Ekkel
photo from CNN.com
#5 Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Philippines
photo from 1Planet.com
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tubbataha is a world heritage site. Being so, the features of this area far outperforms the others. Its underwater beauty is incomparable. If there is a more extreme word for diverse, it would be appropriate to describe Tubbataha. There are thousands of species living together in harmony in this reef. The corals are only getting stronger, more colorful, and more eye-catching as time passes by. The area is protected by the local and national administration as it is considered as one of the country’s crown jewels. The friendly locals make the experience even more wonderful. They are very accommodating, kind, and approachable. Kids and adults are very welcome to experience this paradise.
Tips:
1. Be mindful of your trashes, since this is a world heritage site, locals are strict about negative left-behinds
2. Bring enough cash, there are ATM’s but they occasionally undergo maintenance. You wouldn’t want to go short on money.
3. Bring an underwater camera, this is one of the cleanest reefs so you wouldn’t want to miss capturing it
4. The Philippines are prone to typhoons, make sure to check the weather forecast before traveling. Strong winds and currents may prohibit diving activities
5. There are a lot more to experience in the area other than diving, make sure not to miss those out.
Ratings:
Minimum Diving Expertise Required: Low
Travel Cost: Low
Underwater View: Very High
Area Development Status: High
Overall Satisfaction Factor: Very High
Travel Route Series: Philippines -> Manila -> Puerto Princesa -> Tubbataha
photo from NaturalisExpedtions.com
photo from OriginalDiving.com
photo from SailDiving.com
Should your family go diving?
Definitely yes! A 3 to 4-week stay in these destinations might make you forget all your problems in life. The experience is great and your family will be able to bond at the best places. The joy of experiencing something new will leave a mark in your hearts and minds forever.
What are you waiting for? Travel now and experience the beauty of the earth under-the-water style!