It was $250-350 per dive, and you need 4 dives to get the certificate. Maybe I read it wrong. I know my cousin took the course a few years back and it was $1200. It was all done in a large swimming pool, and not outside. If I can do it locally in Saskatoon for cheap like that I will, but I dunno about diving in the river at -30! :D

hey Mindy My close friend has a dive bussiness here in manitoba in Brandon he is a instructor. I try to get ahold of him for you ok .

I spent 3 weeks in Bali and I would go back tomorrow if I could. Out of all the places I've travelled, I think it is the ideal mix of beaches, culture and nightlife and shopping for native crafts. I think more people probably go there for the surf than the diving. I snorkeled of the eastern end of the island and although, I saw a stonefish, I thought the snorkeling was much better in Fiji.

Most of the cheap accomodation is around Kuta and the resorts are at the south end of the Island so your contact could probably inform you where the diving resorts are but I believe they are on the volcanic north end of the island which is quieter and a little out of the way.

Once you plan your trip, you may find that it changes from just a diving holiday because there is so much to do. If you are in the Kuta area, you can rent bikes and cycle past the rice paddies to the markets in Denpassar or to the temple at Uluwatu at the southern tip of the Island. There are scores of thousand year old temples all over the island. Some have bats living in them, others crawling monkeys and one is on a little rock island that you can walk to at low tide - watch out for the sea snakes nesting in the crevices.

The area around Kuta has gentle sloping sand beaches with no rocks that is perfect for body surfing or boogie boarding. Waves were about 6 - 10 feet when I was there.

The Balinese music, dancing and culture is very unique because Bali's religion is Hindu surrounded by the Muslim majority in the rest of Indonesia.

Because of this, there have been the terrorist attacks and I believe the Australian government still has a travel advisory for its citizens This also means it is very cheap. There is a travel agent here in Vancouver with a package for air, hotel and breakfasts for 2 weeks starting at $1299. Its a long way from Canada so plan an itinery that gives you a stop over in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore so you don't waste any time recovering from a long plane ride when you arrive.

this is just bad advise and poor judgment. But it is a great way to die

Ogden Point in Vic is offering Open Water for $400 right now http://www.divevictoria.com/

I got mine for $300 in Prince George by Blue H2O Sports. Considering how bad I was at maintaining my buoyancy, how fast I went through my air and how clumsy I was starting out I'd definitely recommend getting your certification before going so that you can spend more of your vacation vacationing rather than schooling.

I have been lucky enough to have traveled quite a bit in that area of the world because my father lives in Singapore and I would say Bali is quite disappointing for diving compared to some other areas close by. Other than the Liberty Shipwreck, Bali wasn't too impressive. It was however one of the best trips I have been on because of the nightlife. The clubs there are amazing! There really are not all that many non-touristy areas anymore.

Raja Ampat in Indonesia was by far my favorite spot so far in South East Asia. Some really good spots in Malaysia too but not as great for for the rest of the vacation.

Are you guys "stuck" for a month just in Bali? Or can you travel around a bit? I think a month in Bali is a waste of going all the way to South East Asia if you have the choice to travel around. Your so close to Thailand.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that Raja Ampat was also MUCH, MUCH more beautiful than Bali above water too. Just stunning. Doesn't have the nightlife of Bali but is much more relaxing and serene.

Thanx for that. That's 100 clams cheaper than "the other guys" in town.

Cheers,