Planning a trip to Bali

[Van-rookie]

Here are a couple of links which might be helpfull.....(not sure what info you are looking for)
- http://www.indonesia.travel/
- http://www.baliguide.com/index.html

If you have time, you should check Bunaken Island in North Sulawesi. Its a great place to dive. http://www.north-sulawesi.org/bunaken.html

[lorenz0]

sounds like fun. But with your padi do everything here except your open water. Gives your more time to dive

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

sounds like fun. But with your padi do everything here except your open water. Gives your more time to dive

Was just going to post that, if you can do the open water in Canada I would suggest that also. You will find better prices here plus diving in 1 degree water is so... EXTREMELY REFRESHING (And appendage shrinking). Make sure when the two of you go that you snap as many underwater photos as possible for us.
Levi

[lorenz0]

i would rather wait till i get there than to do a dive here. I have only heard horror stories of how cold it is. Thats what i am doing this year, and i have over 20 dives completed including a 120 foot wall dive without my padi LOL

But your open water will only be a 30-40 foot dive which is super easy. just regulate your breathing so that your using less air as well

[Zoaelite]

Cold water diving isn't to bad, it's actually a nice change in pace. Head down to Waterton National Park if you want to try it out, there is an amazing wreck there and the waterfall has some sweet currents that throw you around.

Back on topic, Myka do you guys plan on flying there direct or are you planning on a few stops?
Levi

[Myka]

Thanks for the links Van-rookie!! I have heard North Sulawesi come up many times as a must see for diving.

Well, I have looked into PADI both here and in Bali. It seems like there are several reliable places to go in Bali, and the certification is only about $300, where here it is about $1200. we plan to be in Bali for a month, so taking the 4 days of certification shouldn't be an issue.

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks for the links Van-rookie!! I have heard North Sulawesi come up many times as a must see for diving.

Well, I have looked into PADI both here and in Bali. It seems like there are several reliable places to go in Bali, and the certification is only about $300, where here it is about $1200. we plan to be in Bali for a month, so taking the 4 days of certification shouldn't be an issue.

$1200!!! Who on earth quoted you that?

[Jason McK]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

i have over 20 dives completed including a 120 foot wall dive without my padi LOL

But your open water will only be a 30-40 foot dive which is super easy. just regulate your breathing so that your using less air as well

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

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

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.