Want to become a PADI Divemaster but not sure where?
Think Malaysia! You’re at the start of an amazing underwater adventure by the end of which you will become a fully qualified professional PADI Divemaster. But where should you spend this exciting portion of your underwater life?
If you’ve started doing any research you’ve probably got a list as long as your arm of places you would like to do it. The bad news is that if you haven’t already considered Malaysia, reading this is probably likely to add another one to your list!
Amazing Dive Sites: Malaysian Borneo & Peninsular Malaysia
The South China Sea is host to amazing dive sites. The world famous Sipadan Islands have been voted to have some of the best diving in the world – while sites such around the islands of Lankayan, Layang-Layang, Mataking, Pom and Sibuan are commonly mentioned as trip highlights throughout the diving community. These world-renowned sites just mentioned would be classed as Malaysian Borneo, although perhaps more well-known for great value PADI courses are the islands around Peninsular Malaysia: Redang, Lang Tengah, Tenggol, Tioman & Perhentian.
During your PADI Divemaster training you will get to know some of these dive sites like the back of your hand – something most divers can only dream of!
Great Dive Shops, Great Fun and Great Quality Training
With approximately 50 PADI 5 Star operators throughout Malaysia, you are guaranteed to not only have the best time of your life but also top quality training while learning the ropes as a PADI Divemaster.
With positive growth in PADI certifications within Malaysia over the previous 5 years it’s no wonder so many people go there to do their Divemaster. Opportunities to work as a Divemaster or continue on to instructor level are aplenty. Many love the diving in Malaysia so much that they stay there many years afterwards – will this be your story in years to come?
Beautiful People – the Malaysian Way
Although you will eat, sleep and scuba dive during your PADI Divemaster training, Malaysia will immerse you in its culture whether it’s via the Malaysian culinary delights, attending a rainbow coloured festival or substituting the beach for a green lush rainforest trek. The Divemaster course is definitely enhanced by enjoying what the else the country has to offer and Malaysia is no exception when it comes to this.
Recommended research:
• Dragon Boat Festival (June)
• Kinabalu National Park (Sabah)
• Kuala Lumpur (City Metropolis)
Accommodation – a Malay “tiang” Perhaps?
The traditional Malay house built around a pillar is known as a “tiang” however now-a-days a range of conventional accommodation is available. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget and need a basic but comfortable bamboo bungalow, or you’re looking for some luxury while becoming a PADI professional, Malaysia has an amazing range of accommodation options for any budget or requirements.
Most dive shops have accommodation to offer or close links to nearby options so it is usually best to enquire with them first. As you are likely staying for more than just a few days, remember to ask about any weekly or monthly discounts that may be available.
Malaysian Weather and Seasons – When’s the Perfect Time?
Although Malaysia generally gets sunshine most of the year, it is common for November through March to be wetter, so whether you’ve got the next 6 months to cruise through your PADI Divemaster or can only afford the next couple of months (although you’ll be wishing you had longer!), this is the best time of year to do it.
The Next Step
For those of you who haven’t got a specific dive shop in mind already, you can use the PADI Dive Shop Locator to find the perfect dive shop. For those who want more information regarding pre-requisites and what to expect check out our more detailed PADI Divemaster information.
We’d love to hear your comments if you became a PADI Divemaster somewhere in Malaysia – what was your favourite dive site? Did you do anything that isn’t necessarily in the guide books that you could recommend to someone thinking of staying in Malaysia for a period of time?
