March 23, 2023
There are many reasons why people travel. Human started travelling since ages ago. We used to live as a nomad for a very long time. Back then the nomads travel to escape the weather, in search for food, etc. Travelling is not new to humankind.
Nowadays, people travel to escape the reality, to eat, to learn new cultures, finding humility and the reason is endless.
But as a SCUBA Diver, why do we travel?
For me, diving is not the only reason why I travel. Besides discovering new dive sites and its attractions, I travel to experience
the cultures, the people,the food and etc. Going somewhere new for the first time always give me some excitements.
Don't just go for the diving, absorb the local cultures, try the street food, visit the places of attraction, learn the history of the place. You will be surprised how little you know about that place.
Below are some examples of dive destinations/locations that can give you more than just diving :-
1. Bali,Indonesia
Bali is one of the few places in Indonesia where the majority citizens are not Muslim. Aside from diving the world's famous Liberty Wreck at Tulamben,abundance macro marine life at Amed and Padang Bai, you have the opportunities to try popular local dishes/restaurant such as "Babi Guling", Naughty Nuri's restaurant,"Ayam/Bebek Betutu" and so on. Besides food, you will definitely experience first hand the way of Hinduism practices of Balinese people.
2. Phuket,Thailand
I have travelled to Phuket for countless times, almost uncountable. It is one of the most complete destinations for divers.
Phuket (and nearby islands) offers reasonable to good diving. From Leopard Shark to reef full of anemones to one of the best shore dive in Thailand. When you have accumulated enough Nitrogen in your body and would like to chill a little, Phuket has a lot to offer. Huge shopping mall with good quality cinema, elephant sanctuary, go-karting, water parks, red-light district (Bangla-road), chic cafes, huge night markets,gourmet food, affordable street food (THAI FOOD !!!), you name it. My second home when I am away from Malaysia.
3. Semporna/Tawau, Malaysia
A small town in the state of Sabah, East Malaysia is the gateway to world's famous dive location, the Sipadan Island.
If you do not wish to stay on Mabul island(some divers prefer cause it's nearer to Sipadan Island), Semporna is doable.
There are plenty of dive operators in Semporna doing day trips to Sipadan on a daily basis. Almost 365 days/year.
From a small fishing village, Semporna now (2023) offers plenty of options for accommodation and food. Since Malaysia is a multi-race, multi-cultural country, you will definitely experience more than what some countries can offer.
Sabah state, part of the "BORNEO ISLAND" is rich with flora and fauna species. When you are planning a dive trip to Semporna,
try to squeeze in a half-day trip to see the Proboscis Monkey for example. If you are a seafood lover, do not miss out the
fresh,abundance and "affordable" seafood in Tawau/Semporna. Try also the delicious Sabahan/Indonesian/Philippines cuisines when you are there.
What is your reason to travel as a SCUBA diver?