Discussion:
Koh Tao Diving
(too old to reply)
PrOnG
2003-11-17 22:30:43 UTC
Permalink
I am torn between two Diving companies on Koh Tao, 1) Buddha View 2) Big
Blue Diving

Both sound good.

Anyone any experience of either of these????

Any replies appreciated.

Fanks.
Vinnie
2003-11-18 06:05:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by PrOnG
I am torn between two Diving companies on Koh Tao, 1) Buddha View 2) Big
Blue Diving
Both sound good.
Anyone any experience of either of these????
Any replies appreciated.
Fanks.
Buddha View is excellent. I know their course directors, Guy
Corsellis and Mark Soworka, and a friend of mine just did his
divemaster internship/OW Instructor training there. Based on what he
describes, their teaching standards are top notch.

Big Blue also has a good reputation, although I dont have too much
first-hand info about them.

As for the diving, I was less than impressed with the diving in Koh
Tao. Good place to get certified for cheap, but the sites arent that
good, and I dont particularly like cattleboat diving. YMMV.
chilly
2003-11-18 06:15:47 UTC
Permalink
(snip)>
Post by Vinnie
As for the diving, I was less than impressed with the diving in Koh
Tao. Good place to get certified for cheap, but the sites arent that
good, and I dont particularly like cattleboat diving. YMMV.
I agree with this. However, Vinnie, where would you recommend this person
go for better sites, smaller boats and still achieve his objective?
Kit
2003-11-18 16:28:40 UTC
Permalink
I would avoid both these schools. Too big, horribly crowded boats, we
used to make sheep noises at their divers when we overtook their boat!
go for a smaller, friendlier school like Master Divers

Kit
Alfred Molon
2003-11-18 18:02:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Kit
we
used to make sheep noises at their divers when we overtook their boat!
What are sheep noises ?
--
Alfred Molon
------------------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus_405060/
Olympus 5050 resource - http://www.molon.de/5050.html
Olympus 5060 resource - http://www.molon.de/5060.html
Dillon Pyron
2003-11-18 20:35:26 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 18:02:30 GMT, Alfred Molon
Post by Alfred Molon
Post by Kit
we
used to make sheep noises at their divers when we overtook their boat!
What are sheep noises ?
They're really baaaaaaad. Personally, I just moo.
--
dillon

Life is always short, but only you can make it sweet
Thomas F. Unke
2003-11-18 20:38:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Kit
I would avoid both these schools. Too big, horribly crowded boats,
I never used them, but just saw the crowds going to and coming from
their dive shop - enough reason to choose another.
Montecore
2003-11-22 09:09:54 UTC
Permalink
chilly (***@shaw.canada) wrote:
: I agree with this. However, Vinnie, where would you recommend this person
: go for better sites, smaller boats and still achieve his objective?

Hey hey hey, Ms L! How goes? I didnt notice that this was x-posted on
rec.scuba. Have we figured out who won the battle between the forces of
God III and Team Stroke?

Anyhoo, I could *ahem* recommend a certain idyllic location not too far
away, but that'd violate Usenet charters about blatant commercial
self-promotion.

So instead, I'll suggest he try a day in Phuket and visit the King Cruiser
wreck, and then see if he can latch on to some boats visiting Rachna Leiu
(sp?) or Similans or even A******s. Or he could avoid that whole sordid
mess and go dive in Indonesia and Philippines.
--
Vandit Kalia
<this space for rent>
chilly
2003-11-22 19:49:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by Montecore
: I agree with this. However, Vinnie, where would you recommend this person
: go for better sites, smaller boats and still achieve his objective?
Hey hey hey, Ms L! How goes? I didnt notice that this was x-posted on
rec.scuba. Have we figured out who won the battle between the forces of
God III and Team Stroke?
Team Stroke remains undefeated.
Post by Montecore
Anyhoo, I could *ahem* recommend a certain idyllic location not too far
away, but that'd violate Usenet charters about blatant commercial
self-promotion.
Not if I ask you straight out, it doesn't. And by the way, I am asking you
straight out because I'll be in SE Asia in April and May. I will be
visiting sister in Singapore and father in Jakarta and am currently
searching for a dive component for my vacation. Something idyllic, with
great diving and a bit of nightlife. Know any place like that, relatively
easy to access from Singapore or Jakarta?
:^)
Post by Montecore
So instead, I'll suggest he try a day in Phuket and visit the King Cruiser
wreck, and then see if he can latch on to some boats visiting Rachna Leiu
(sp?) or Similans or even A******s. Or he could avoid that whole sordid
mess and go dive in Indonesia and Philippines.
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Alan Street
2003-12-03 04:28:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Montecore
: I agree with this. However, Vinnie, where would you recommend this
person
Post by Montecore
: go for better sites, smaller boats and still achieve his objective?
Hey hey hey, Ms L! How goes? I didnt notice that this was x-posted on
rec.scuba. Have we figured out who won the battle between the forces of
God III and Team Stroke?
Team Stroke remains undefeated.
Post by Montecore
Anyhoo, I could *ahem* recommend a certain idyllic location not too far
away, but that'd violate Usenet charters about blatant commercial
self-promotion.
Not if I ask you straight out, it doesn't. And by the way, I am asking you
straight out because I'll be in SE Asia in April and May. I will be
visiting sister in Singapore and father in Jakarta and am currently
searching for a dive component for my vacation. Something idyllic, with
great diving and a bit of nightlife. Know any place like that, relatively
easy to access from Singapore or Jakarta?
:^)
Post by Montecore
So instead, I'll suggest he try a day in Phuket and visit the King Cruiser
wreck, and then see if he can latch on to some boats visiting Rachna Leiu
(sp?) or Similans or even A******s. Or he could avoid that whole sordid
mess and go dive in Indonesia and Philippines.
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Enquiring minds, Vandit. We eagerly await your words of wisdom :-)
chilly
2003-12-03 04:49:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Enquiring minds, Vandit. We eagerly await your words of wisdom :-)
Looks like I'm going to have a bit of a wait. I think he's in the
Andaman's?

What about you, Alan? Any recommendations?

Right now I'm mulling over Manado and Sipadan.
Alan Street
2003-12-03 17:54:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Enquiring minds, Vandit. We eagerly await your words of wisdom :-)
Looks like I'm going to have a bit of a wait. I think he's in the
Andaman's?
What about you, Alan? Any recommendations?
Right now I'm mulling over Manado and Sipadan.
I don't think you can go wrong with the diving at Sipadan, but Sulawesi
might be a little more interesting for other activities. Sipidan is
pretty much off to itself. Steve Kramer would probably have some good
insight here.

Alan
Steve Kramer
2003-12-04 01:48:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Enquiring minds, Vandit. We eagerly await your words of wisdom :-)
Looks like I'm going to have a bit of a wait. I think he's in the
Andaman's?
What about you, Alan? Any recommendations?
Right now I'm mulling over Manado and Sipadan.
I don't think you can go wrong with the diving at Sipadan, but Sulawesi
might be a little more interesting for other activities. Sipidan is
pretty much off to itself. Steve Kramer would probably have some good
insight here.
I've posted reports of Sipadan several times, and of Sangalaki 200k
south of Sipadan which can be even more fascinating (see
http://www.seatraveler.com/Tripsang.htm for that report,) another on
diving in the Philippines ( http://seatraveler.com/coron.htm ) and
certainly about my years (not weeks,) spent diving all over this region.
A net search will bring them all up, and those wanting more detailed
info have always e-mailed me for more. No need to re-write it all again
here and start another debate.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
chilly
2003-12-04 10:53:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
I've posted reports of Sipadan several times, and of Sangalaki 200k
south of Sipadan which can be even more fascinating (see
http://www.seatraveler.com/Tripsang.htm for that report,) another on
diving in the Philippines ( http://seatraveler.com/coron.htm ) and
certainly about my years (not weeks,) spent diving all over this region.
A net search will bring them all up, and those wanting more detailed
info have always e-mailed me for more. No need to re-write it all again
here and start another debate.
Debate?? (confused look, if I only knew the . . . :^( nah, that's not it .
. um . ..

OK, I'm just trying to figure out where I should be diving ithis spring . .
. oh yeah . . and where to avoid you while I'm at it. heee hee

(if I'd stayed in Koh Tao two more days, I'd have met you last time . . .)
:^) :^)
Post by Steve Kramer
Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Steve Kramer
2003-12-05 02:52:11 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Steve Kramer
I've posted reports of Sipadan several times, and of Sangalaki 200k
south of Sipadan which can be even more fascinating (see
http://www.seatraveler.com/Tripsang.htm for that report,) another on
diving in the Philippines ( http://seatraveler.com/coron.htm ) and
certainly about my years (not weeks,) spent diving all over this region.
A net search will bring them all up, and those wanting more detailed
info have always e-mailed me for more. No need to re-write it all again
here and start another debate.
Debate?? (confused look, if I only knew the . . . :^( nah, that's not it .
*grin*
Post by chilly
OK, I'm just trying to figure out where I should be diving ithis spring . .
. oh yeah . . and where to avoid you while I'm at it. heee hee
It's easy. If you're going to be in the S'pore area, dive Layang Layang,
Sipadan, or Sangalaki. Layang Layang will give you the best vacation
plus the best diving. Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan. Sangalaki will
give you dozens of Giant Mantas on every dive, (without a DM forcing you
to sit in the sand and watch) a jelly fish lake, and a deep cavern dive
and only 9 bungalows so no crowds possible.

If you want wreck diving and are Nitrox certified (I believe you
are...) dive Coron Bay in the Philippines. Do NOT go to Cebu or Bohol.
You are too experienced a diver for those places.

If you don't want to travel that far from S'pore, dive Palau Tioman but
on the south end only! Dive Redang or the Perhentians. You can get to
any of these in less than an hour's flight from S'pore. The Perhentians
offer the best diving with the least development.

Do NOT go to Koh Tao. You need a more subtle Zen-like appreciation of
it's beauty to dive there... :o)
Post by chilly
(if I'd stayed in Koh Tao two more days, I'd have met you last time . . .)
:^) :^)
Be still, my heart! If I had only known... :o)

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Eric Edwards
2003-12-05 03:45:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
plus the best diving. Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan.
What's rough about Sipadan?
--
Use the From: header. Sending mail to ***@news8.exile.org
or ***@news7.exile.org will only result in frustration.
Markku Grönroos
2003-12-05 03:51:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Eric Edwards
What's rough about Sipadan?
Seas of pirates, throat cutters and hijackers?
Dan Bracuk, CTHD
2003-12-05 04:08:16 UTC
Permalink
***@news9.exile.org (Eric Edwards) pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:
:What's rough about Sipadan?

Pirates that kidnap tourists.

Dan Bracuk
If at first you don't succeed, you run the risk of failure.
The Best of rec.scuba http://www.pathcom.com/~bracuk/RecScuba/


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Steve Kramer
2003-12-05 08:08:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dan Bracuk, CTHD
:What's rough about Sipadan?
Pirates that kidnap tourists.
Don't you just hate it when that happens!

We were there exactly 6 days before the hostages were taken off the
island that year... There, but for fortune...


Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Steve Kramer
2003-12-05 08:06:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Eric Edwards
Post by Steve Kramer
plus the best diving. Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan.
What's rough about Sipadan?
The accommodations... but only when compared with those on Mabul or
Kappalai. This is NOT to imply that the accommodations on Sipadan itself
are bad. They aren't. They just are more 'rustic' and more packed
together when compared with those found on Mabul. You certainly can get
more beach dives done in one day when you stay on Sip itself, but you
can relax in the jacuzzi drinking a margarita at the end of the day's
diving when you stay on Mabul. Just a different sort of accommodations.
Same waters for diving.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Eric Edwards
2003-12-05 09:25:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by Eric Edwards
Post by Steve Kramer
plus the best diving. Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan.
What's rough about Sipadan?
The accommodations... but only when compared with those on Mabul or
Kappalai. This is NOT to imply that the accommodations on Sipadan itself
are bad. They aren't. They just are more 'rustic' and more packed
together when compared with those found on Mabul. You certainly can get
more beach dives done in one day when you stay on Sip itself, but you
can relax in the jacuzzi drinking a margarita at the end of the day's
diving when you stay on Mabul. Just a different sort of accommodations.
I suppose that's true. When I came through, my concern was more about
trying to fit the experience into a backpackers budget. I stayed at
Borneo Divers. Accommodation was significantly more posh than my usual
fare and priced accordingly. However, I still wouldn't call it luxury.
My impression is that the other resorts are more upscale.
--
Use the From: header. Sending mail to ***@news8.exile.org
or ***@news7.exile.org will only result in frustration.
Steve Kramer
2003-12-05 10:40:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Eric Edwards
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by Eric Edwards
Post by Steve Kramer
plus the best diving. Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan.
What's rough about Sipadan?
The accommodations... but only when compared with those on Mabul or
Kappalai. This is NOT to imply that the accommodations on Sipadan itself
are bad. They aren't. They just are more 'rustic' and more packed
together when compared with those found on Mabul. You certainly can get
more beach dives done in one day when you stay on Sip itself, but you
can relax in the jacuzzi drinking a margarita at the end of the day's
diving when you stay on Mabul. Just a different sort of accommodations.
I suppose that's true. When I came through, my concern was more about
trying to fit the experience into a backpackers budget. I stayed at
Borneo Divers. Accommodation was significantly more posh than my usual
fare and priced accordingly. However, I still wouldn't call it luxury.
My impression is that the other resorts are more upscale.
For the average maniac diver who will be more than happy to sleep under
a tarp on the beach if the diving is good, all the accommodations on
Sipadan are more than comfortable enough. Even for those wishing a bit
of comfort, it can be found there too.

But for a family with a couple of kids, or some of us 'chronologically
challenged' divers, we prefer a firmer bed, hot water showers, and
someone to carry our tanks for us (not that we 'can't, it's that we
don't 'want' to...) The 'SMART' (Sipadan-Mabul Resort) resort on Mabul
http://www.seatraveler.com/photos3.htm provides beach umbrellas, waiters
bringing cool drinks out to you, a jacuzzi and swimming pool for the
kids, lots of palm trees and yet is only an 8 minute boat ride from
Barracuda Point. Here is a view of Sipadan taken from Mabul
http://www.seatraveler.com/pages/sipadan.htm And remember, Sip is only
150 meters long... It's close!

The Sipadan Water Village Resort on the opposite side of Mabul island is
just as lovely, but built on stilts and lacks the palm trees. Everything
is linked via boardwalks, has a great restaurant, but the prices are
significantly higher so if budget is more of a concern, you are better
off staying on Sipadan. And, as I said, you can make 6-8 dives a day if
you stay on the island... and if you don't bend easily. *grin*


Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Eric Edwards
2003-12-05 20:54:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
But for a family with a couple of kids, or some of us 'chronologically
challenged' divers, we prefer a firmer bed, hot water showers, and
As I recall, the beds at Borneo Divers were quite nice. Not just better
than average for a backpacker but actually nice. Hot showers too. No
jacuzzi, beach waiters, or swimming pool, of course.

[snip]
Post by Steve Kramer
significantly higher so if budget is more of a concern, you are better
off staying on Sipadan. And, as I said, you can make 6-8 dives a day if
you stay on the island... and if you don't bend easily. *grin*
IMHO, trying to do 6-8 dives a day is just plain nuts. Most people only
do the 3 boat dives and maybe a night dive. As a backpacker, this is a
drawback to Sipadan. I would prefer to dive 2-3 times per day for maybe
2 days, take a day off, and repeat. But staying at Sipadan costs too
much if you are not diving.
--
Use the From: header. Sending mail to ***@news8.exile.org
or ***@news7.exile.org will only result in frustration.
Steve Kramer
2003-12-10 09:02:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Eric Edwards
IMHO, trying to do 6-8 dives a day is just plain nuts. Most people only
do the 3 boat dives and maybe a night dive. As a backpacker, this is a
drawback to Sipadan. I would prefer to dive 2-3 times per day for maybe
2 days, take a day off, and repeat.
Then you'd better be careful on some live-aboards. When we dive Palau
with a live-aboard, we make at least five dives a day. Six if we do a
night dive too. But in Palau it worth the effort! It's wake up, dive,
eat, dive, sleep, dive, eat, dive, sleep, dive, sleep, eat, night dive,
sleep. By the third day we have people literally scattered all over the
decks sound asleep between dives. At that point my wife usually skips
one or two of the next day's diving. I start skipping dives after the
fourth or fifth day. Once, when we were staying on Mabul, there was some
guy staying on Sipadan who made nine dives in one day. He started before
dawn and finished up around 11pm. We did three per day, or four if
doing a night dive as well. One of the nicest things about now living
closer to our favorite dive sites is that we can come back more often
and not feel the need to cram in so many dives each day simply to
justify the cost.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Dan Bracuk, CTHD
2003-12-05 04:02:25 UTC
Permalink
Steve Kramer <***@seatraveler.com> pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:
: If you want wreck diving and are Nitrox certified (I believe you
:are...) dive Coron Bay in the Philippines. Do NOT go to Cebu or Bohol.
:You are too experienced a diver for those places.

What does experience have to do with whether or not a site is nice
enough to dive?

Dan Bracuk
If at first you don't succeed, you run the risk of failure.
The Best of rec.scuba http://www.pathcom.com/~bracuk/RecScuba/


-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
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chilly
2003-12-05 06:55:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by chilly
. oh yeah . . and where to avoid you while I'm at it. heee hee
It's easy. If you're going to be in the S'pore area, dive Layang Layang,
Sipadan, or Sangalaki. Layang Layang will give you the best vacation
plus the best diving.
I've had friends tell me that I would be bored there.
Post by Steve Kramer
Sipadan will give you fantastic diving and rough
vacation unless you stay on Mabul while you dive Sipadan. Sangalaki will
give you dozens of Giant Mantas on every dive, (without a DM forcing you
to sit in the sand and watch) a jelly fish lake, and a deep cavern dive
and only 9 bungalows so no crowds possible.
As I understand it, if I'd be bored (diving aside that is) at Layang,
Layang, I'd also be bored at Sipadan.
Post by Steve Kramer
If you want wreck diving and are Nitrox certified (I believe you
are...) dive Coron Bay in the Philippines. Do NOT go to Cebu or Bohol.
You are too experienced a diver for those places.
I thought of that too, but it's too far off my route.
Post by Steve Kramer
If you don't want to travel that far from S'pore, dive Palau Tioman but
on the south end only! Dive Redang or the Perhentians. You can get to
any of these in less than an hour's flight from S'pore. The Perhentians
offer the best diving with the least development.
Thanks for that Steve. Have you been to Manado? I've had friends tell me
that the diving is amazing.
I'm also leaning that way because I can get a direct flight and upon
landing, it's not too much of a hassle to get to the dive op/resort area.
Post by Steve Kramer
Do NOT go to Koh Tao. You need a more subtle Zen-like appreciation of
it's beauty to dive there... :o)
I found Koh Tao a beautiful place and have always understood why you like to
go there to vacation. I did have one or two zennish dives, but it was not
enough to make me recommend that people travel halfway across the world to
dive there. However, if one is already in the vicinity, um, say on Koh
Samui, I'd recommend it. :^)
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by chilly
(if I'd stayed in Koh Tao two more days, I'd have met you last time . . .)
:^) :^)
Be still, my heart! If I had only known... :o)
LOL
Steve Kramer
2003-12-05 08:27:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by chilly
. oh yeah . . and where to avoid you while I'm at it. heee hee
It's easy. If you're going to be in the S'pore area, dive Layang Layang,
Sipadan, or Sangalaki. Layang Layang will give you the best vacation
plus the best diving.
I've had friends tell me that I would be bored there.
Well, there isn't any night life, that's true. But the diving is as good
or better than at Sipadan, less crowds, nicer land scenery, etc.
Post by chilly
As I understand it, if I'd be bored (diving aside that is) at Layang,
Layang, I'd also be bored at Sipadan.
If you are going for the diving, no. Period. If you are going for the
partying, probably. Unless you've dived in Palau or the Red Sea, you've
never had diving like you'll find off the coast of Borneo. But for night
life, you can watch the turtles lay eggs, watch other turtles lay eggs,
or perhaps watch some more turtles lay eggs. Personally, when I'm on
tropical paradise sort of islands, I prefer to watch turtles lay eggs
rather than listening to loud music and watching people getting drunk.
Post by chilly
Post by Steve Kramer
If you don't want to travel that far from S'pore, dive Palau Tioman but
on the south end only! Dive Redang or the Perhentians. You can get to
any of these in less than an hour's flight from S'pore. The Perhentians
offer the best diving with the least development.
Thanks for that Steve. Have you been to Manado? I've had friends tell me that the diving is amazing.
It is. But it depends on which area you dive. Do you want macro or
pelagic. It's tough to find both in the same section around Bunaken.
Some prefer Lembeh Straights for the macro. There are new species being
discovered on a weekly basis!
Post by chilly
I'm also leaning that way because I can get a direct flight and upon
landing, it's not too much of a hassle to get to the dive op/resort area.
Certainly more night life to be found there than on Sipadan, but I don't
think the diving is better. If you've never been to Sipadan, you are
missing out on some great diving. I'd say it was the third best dive
venue in the world as far as I know it.
Post by chilly
I found Koh Tao
[SNIP]
Post by chilly
However, if one is already in the vicinity, um, say on Koh
Samui, I'd recommend it. :^)
I'm surprised you said Koh Samui and not Koh Nang Yuan. That one is only
1.5k away. Samui is almost 30k. :o)

Where ever you chose, have a safe, enjoyable trip.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Salty
2003-12-07 12:36:06 UTC
Permalink
Steve Kramer <***@seatraveler.com> wrote in message news:<***@seatraveler.com>...
<snip>
Post by Steve Kramer
If you are going for the diving, no. Period. If you are going for the
partying, probably. Unless you've dived in Palau or the Red Sea, you've
never had diving like you'll find off the coast of Borneo. But for night
life, you can watch the turtles lay eggs, watch other turtles lay eggs,
or perhaps watch some more turtles lay eggs. Personally, when I'm on
tropical paradise sort of islands, I prefer to watch turtles lay eggs
rather than listening to loud music and watching people getting drunk.
Dang Steve. If that's all it takes to please ya, then you should
vacation on the southern NC beaches. They have a strict policy for
protecting the turtles there and every year, we see plenty of nests.
But the absolute finest is seeing a nest hatch. We all go out on the
beach watching the babies, who are each about 2 or 3 in long, make
their way across the sand into the ocean. That's pretty cool. It ranks
up there with watching the cuttlefish lay her eggs. Hmm. And maybe
seeing the Flashlight Fish. Ohh... the time we snorkeled with those
whales off the Baja. And wait...the time that........ <grin>
Alan Street
2003-12-04 19:01:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
Post by Alan Street
Post by chilly
So Vandit . . . where shall I go?
Enquiring minds, Vandit. We eagerly await your words of wisdom :-)
Looks like I'm going to have a bit of a wait. I think he's in the
Andaman's?
What about you, Alan? Any recommendations?
Right now I'm mulling over Manado and Sipadan.
I don't think you can go wrong with the diving at Sipadan, but Sulawesi
might be a little more interesting for other activities. Sipidan is
pretty much off to itself. Steve Kramer would probably have some good
insight here.
I've posted reports of Sipadan several times, and of Sangalaki 200k
south of Sipadan which can be even more fascinating (see
http://www.seatraveler.com/Tripsang.htm for that report,) another on
diving in the Philippines ( http://seatraveler.com/coron.htm ) and
certainly about my years (not weeks,) spent diving all over this region.
A net search will bring them all up, and those wanting more detailed
info have always e-mailed me for more. No need to re-write it all again
here and start another debate.
Thanks, Steve.
Salty
2003-12-07 12:24:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Not if I ask you straight out, it doesn't. And by the way, I am asking you
straight out because I'll be in SE Asia in April and May. I will be
visiting sister in Singapore and father in Jakarta and am currently
searching for a dive component for my vacation. Something idyllic, with
great diving and a bit of nightlife. Know any place like that, relatively
easy to access from Singapore or Jakarta?
chilly bean, my sources have this to say :

There are some really fabulous places that have both but that is their
monsoon season so that nixs them. If she really wants night life I
guess I'd have to say Bali or Caines, Australia would be the only
places I can think of.

Kuta Beach is Bali's hot spot, but that's where the bombing was too.
Bali's diving gets mixed reviews. From friends of ours dove there,
some loved it, some said it wasn't worth it. We do have a friend who
used to teach there if she ends up wanted recommended dive sites.

As for Caines, that would be late fall I think. When we were there in
July, on land was nice (like Florida in the winter) but the water is
freezing and we wore full wetsuits. Liveaboards from there will
obviously get her out seeing more of the Great Barrier Reef but there
were tons of day trips being run all over town. We really liked
Cairs, it was like a step back into the 70's in many ways. However,
there were no direct flights there from S'pore when we went and it
ended up taking us 10 hrs. to get there.

On the other hand, great diving who's night life would depend on who
else is around when you get there is all around here in May. Our
favorites for bang for the buck at that time of year were Manado and
Sipidan.

Sipidan of course everyone has heard of and I think you heard us rave
about the marine life we saw there (the reefs though are phaa). We
never felt unsafe, there was alot of military presence.

Manado's diving reminded us of Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman.
Since we were there last there is now a liveaboard which friends of
ours are loving 'cause it pulls in muck diving sites too.

There are also alot of places closer to S'pore at that time of year
that can be pretty great too, but some of their accommodations can get
(to American standards) rustic. Tioman for one has some great sites
and is cheap. We went several times but ultimately decided we
preferred to travel elsewhere (personal preference, we know many
people in S'pore who go every weekend). I can give you more if you
want.
-----------
Lemme know if you want more info. :)
Steve Kramer
2003-12-07 15:15:44 UTC
Permalink
Salty wrote:
[snip]
Post by Salty
(to American standards) rustic. Tioman for one has some great sites
and is cheap. We went several times but ultimately decided we
preferred to travel elsewhere (personal preference, we know many
people in S'pore who go every weekend).
I did my open water certification there as well as my Divemaster
certification years later. I love the diving when done from Kampang
Salang (only!) DiveAsia is a PADI 5-Star shop with great boats never
having more than 6-8 people on them, their DM's are friendly and know
the sites, and they let experienced divers using computers dive their
own profiles. By the way, this is where the "Bali Hai" sequence was
filmed for the movie 'South Pacific.' If THAT doesn't give you an idea
about the beauty of the place nothing will! But again, this is from the
village of Salang. The other villages on the island are not nearly as
idyllic.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Salty
2003-12-07 20:28:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
I did my open water certification there as well as my Divemaster
certification years later. I love the diving when done from Kampang
Salang (only!) DiveAsia is a PADI 5-Star shop with great boats never
having more than 6-8 people on them, their DM's are friendly and know
the sites, and they let experienced divers using computers dive their
own profiles. By the way, this is where the "Bali Hai" sequence was
filmed for the movie 'South Pacific.' If THAT doesn't give you an idea
about the beauty of the place nothing will! But again, this is from the
village of Salang. The other villages on the island are not nearly as
idyllic.
Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
Hey Steve, nice to see you. I hope that you, your wife and family are
doing well for this holiday season.
Steve Kramer
2003-12-08 01:23:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by Salty
Post by Steve Kramer
I did my open water certification there as well as my Divemaster
certification years later. I love the diving when done from Kampang
Salang (only!) DiveAsia is a PADI 5-Star shop with great boats never
having more than 6-8 people on them, their DM's are friendly and know
the sites, and they let experienced divers using computers dive their
own profiles. By the way, this is where the "Bali Hai" sequence was
filmed for the movie 'South Pacific.' If THAT doesn't give you an idea
about the beauty of the place nothing will! But again, this is from the
village of Salang. The other villages on the island are not nearly as
idyllic.
Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
Hey Steve, nice to see you. I hope that you, your wife and family are
doing well for this holiday season.
Very well, thank you! And to you and yours as well. I just wish I had
more time to spend in the water. I have assignment shoots and photo
safaris scheduled well into January. I wish another client would book
another beach shoot and some underwater photos! One client sent us down
last month for a week's fun in the sun, but I wouldn't mind another one
this month. Most are taking us north into the jungles along the Burmese
or Lao borders for landscape shooting with the acres of blooming
sunflowers that are just popping out now, and photographing Hill tribes.
Not much diving to be found in those mountains...

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Salty
2003-12-08 23:19:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
Very well, thank you! And to you and yours as well. I just wish I had
more time to spend in the water. I have assignment shoots and photo
safaris scheduled well into January. I wish another client would book
another beach shoot and some underwater photos! One client sent us down
last month for a week's fun in the sun, but I wouldn't mind another one
this month. Most are taking us north into the jungles along the Burmese
or Lao borders for landscape shooting with the acres of blooming
sunflowers that are just popping out now, and photographing Hill tribes.
Not much diving to be found in those mountains...
Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
Well, not much diving for you maybe... but from what I've seen of your
pics, the local shots that you do will be wonderful. You have a talent
Steve. I'm sure it will work out to be in your favor. So, here's to
2004... and hopes that it will be both of ours favor. :) Cheers.
chilly
2003-12-14 23:07:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Salty
Post by chilly
searching for a dive component for my vacation. Something idyllic, with
great diving and a bit of nightlife. Know any place like that, relatively
easy to access from Singapore or Jakarta?
Thanks for this Salty.
Post by Salty
There are some really fabulous places that have both but that is their
monsoon season so that nixs them. If she really wants night life I
guess I'd have to say Bali or Caines, Australia would be the only
places I can think of.
I've been to Bali and Caines is too far out of the way.
Post by Salty
Kuta Beach is Bali's hot spot, but that's where the bombing was too.
Yes, but New York is where the planes went into the towers. So should
people consider not going to New York? My last trip over to SE Asia was
within a few days of 9/11. I don't let things like that worry me. If it's
your time, it's your time.

I qualify those statements by saying, I don't travel into war torn countries
and wouldn't travel to Bali, if they'd continued to have followup bombings.
Post by Salty
Bali's diving gets mixed reviews. From friends of ours dove there,
some loved it, some said it wasn't worth it. We do have a friend who
used to teach there if she ends up wanted recommended dive sites.
The diving I did there was not all that, however, I have friends that dove
with Mola Mola. I'm sure my opinion would be quite different, had I had
that experience. I love Bali though for everything else that it offers. It
is one of the world's treasures and everyone should get there while they
can. It is already being ruined by tourism and it's not going to get any
better. Prices are probably not too bad right now either, with all the
tourists staying away because of the bombing.
Post by Salty
On the other hand, great diving who's night life would depend on who
else is around when you get there is all around here in May. Our
favorites for bang for the buck at that time of year were Manado and
Sipidan.
I looked at Manado quite seriously for this trip. But when I found the
airfare to be almost double that to Sipidan, my outlook changed a bit. :^)
Post by Salty
Sipidan of course everyone has heard of and I think you heard us rave
about the marine life we saw there (the reefs though are phaa). We
never felt unsafe, there was alot of military presence.
Right now it is between Sipidan and Layang Layang. I might have some
friends that will be in Sipidan while I'm over in the neighbourhood and so
that would certainly influence the decision.
Post by Salty
There are also alot of places closer to S'pore at that time of year
that can be pretty great too, but some of their accommodations can get
(to American standards) rustic. Tioman for one has some great sites
and is cheap. We went several times but ultimately decided we
preferred to travel elsewhere (personal preference, we know many
people in S'pore who go every weekend). I can give you more if you
want.
Actually, it had occurred to me that I might slide up to Tioman for a couple
of days and get some diving in there too.

Please thank your friend for all of her input. I appreciate it very much.
And thank you again for going to the trouble of asking her for me.
Greg Mossman
2003-12-14 23:56:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
The diving I did there was not all that, however, I have friends that dove
with Mola Mola. I'm sure my opinion would be quite different, had I had
that experience.
You can do that in California. Big deal.
chilly
2003-12-15 05:46:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by Greg Mossman
Post by chilly
The diving I did there was not all that, however, I have friends that dove
with Mola Mola. I'm sure my opinion would be quite different, had I had
that experience.
You can do that in California. Big deal.
Have you ever done it?
Greg Mossman
2003-12-15 06:29:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Greg Mossman
You can do that in California. Big deal.
Have you ever done it?
Of course. Hasn't everyone?

I've seen them a few times in the past years, most recently on an offshore
oil rig back in June. I wrote a trip report, which you seem to have
ignored; there are even links to pictures (not mine). Here it is again.
Read it and weep.

http://groups.google.ca/groups?safe=images&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&as_umsgid=***@corp.supernews.com&lr=&hl=en
chilly
2003-12-15 06:47:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Greg Mossman
Post by chilly
Post by Greg Mossman
You can do that in California. Big deal.
Have you ever done it?
Of course. Hasn't everyone?
I've seen them a few times in the past years, most recently on an offshore
oil rig back in June. I wrote a trip report, which you seem to have
ignored; there are even links to pictures (not mine). Here it is again.
Read it and weep.
http://groups.google.ca/groups?safe=images&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&as_umsgid=***@corp.supernews.com&lr=&hl=en

Hmm, now that you mention it, I do recall that being a pretty good trip
report.

And you said: "I saw one small one"

I know your photog buddy said he saw 15 or so, but you saw one small one and
from how far away?

I have seen the video of my friends diving with the Mola Mola in Bali. They
were up close and personal and there was no doubt that those were my buddies
diving with the fish. Now, my original point was: if that had happened to
me while I was diving in Bali, I'd probably feel differently about the
quality of the diving there.
Greg Mossman
2003-12-15 07:20:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
And you said: "I saw one small one"
I know your photog buddy said he saw 15 or so, but you saw one small one and
from how far away?
My small one was probably 18 inches around and I was within touching
distance. After all, they don't swim very fast.
chilly
2003-12-15 07:27:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Greg Mossman
Post by chilly
And you said: "I saw one small one"
I know your photog buddy said he saw 15 or so, but you saw one small one
and
Post by chilly
from how far away?
My small one was probably 18 inches around and I was within touching
distance. After all, they don't swim very fast.
OK, that's cool.
Diving Koh Tao
2010-12-08 06:51:55 UTC
Permalink
Looks like this thread got hijacked from about scuba diving in Koh Ta
to California
Any how, let's address the original message - though old, someone migh
come across this and welcome the advice
Both of those two shops are big, but are well run, professional an
have great facilities, so I'm sure you can have a great Koh Tao divin
experience with either
However, I'd add that there are many dive schools of all shapes an
sizes in Koh Tao. Best is to turn up, have a stroll round and chat t
the staff, then you can make an educated decision about which dive sho
suits you best. I wouldn't do it any other way.:cool

--
Diving Koh Ta
Message origin: TRAVEL.co

Salty
2003-12-15 05:13:01 UTC
Permalink
"chilly" <***@shaw.canada> wrote in message news:<U26Db.702474$***@pd7tw1no>...
<snipping some>
Post by chilly
I've been to Bali and Caines is too far out of the way.
That's probably my fault for not narrowing it down specifically to
places close to Bali / Sing.
Post by chilly
Post by Salty
Kuta Beach is Bali's hot spot, but that's where the bombing was too.
Yes, but New York is where the planes went into the towers. So should
people consider not going to New York? My last trip over to SE Asia was
within a few days of 9/11. I don't let things like that worry me. If it's
your time, it's your time.
I qualify those statements by saying, I don't travel into war torn countries
and wouldn't travel to Bali, if they'd continued to have followup bombings.
I understand perfectly. You see though, this is somewhat of a C&P of
what my sources had to say. They don't know you and they don't know
how you feel about the terrorism stuff. They were just trying to
'cover that base' by being certain to mention the Bali incident.
Post by chilly
Post by Salty
Bali's diving gets mixed reviews. From friends of ours dove there,
some loved it, some said it wasn't worth it. We do have a friend who
used to teach there if she ends up wanted recommended dive sites.
The diving I did there was not all that, however, I have friends that dove
with Mola Mola. I'm sure my opinion would be quite different, had I had
that experience. I love Bali though for everything else that it offers. It
is one of the world's treasures and everyone should get there while they
can. It is already being ruined by tourism and it's not going to get any
better. Prices are probably not too bad right now either, with all the
tourists staying away because of the bombing.
I'm told things are generally half-price now as to what they were when
I was there in 2001. I wish to go back and buy furniture there, then
have it shipped back via a crate. <g> If only I could.
Post by chilly
Post by Salty
On the other hand, great diving who's night life would depend on who
else is around when you get there is all around here in May. Our
favorites for bang for the buck at that time of year were Manado and
Sipidan.
I looked at Manado quite seriously for this trip. But when I found the
airfare to be almost double that to Sipidan, my outlook changed a bit. :^)
Ahhh. That isn't good. Where would your starting point be though ??
You might be able to be flexible on that, right ??
Post by chilly
Post by Salty
There are also alot of places closer to S'pore at that time of year
that can be pretty great too, but some of their accommodations can get
(to American standards) rustic. Tioman for one has some great sites
and is cheap. We went several times but ultimately decided we
preferred to travel elsewhere (personal preference, we know many
people in S'pore who go every weekend). I can give you more if you
want.
Actually, it had occurred to me that I might slide up to Tioman for a couple
of days and get some diving in there too.
Please thank your friend for all of her input. I appreciate it very much.
And thank you again for going to the trouble of asking her for me.
I'll thank both her, him and my other source too. :) Let me know if
you want me to ask about specific places to stay / dive ops in Tioman,
Spidan, Layang Layang.
chilly
2003-12-15 05:46:56 UTC
Permalink
(snip), this is somewhat of a C&P of
Post by Salty
what my sources had to say. They don't know you and they don't know
how you feel about the terrorism stuff. They were just trying to
'cover that base' by being certain to mention the Bali incident.
No worries. Under those circumstances, I'd likely have mentioned it too.
(snip)> > better. Prices are probably not too bad right now either, with
all the
Post by Salty
Post by chilly
tourists staying away because of the bombing.
I'm told things are generally half-price now as to what they were when
I was there in 2001. I wish to go back and buy furniture there, then
have it shipped back via a crate. <g> If only I could.
I have some furniture, carvings, etc. from Sing and Bali. They dry out
pretty fast up here, very hard to care for.
Post by Salty
Post by chilly
I looked at Manado quite seriously for this trip. But when I found the
airfare to be almost double that to Sipidan, my outlook changed a bit.
:^)
Post by Salty
Ahhh. That isn't good. Where would your starting point be though ??
You might be able to be flexible on that, right ??
I am flexible from the standpoint, that I could fly into Manado from either
Jakarta or Sing, but the price was virtually the same.
So it won't be this year. Maybe next time, when I save a bit more money
(ha).
Post by Salty
Post by chilly
Please thank your friend for all of her input. I appreciate it very much.
And thank you again for going to the trouble of asking her for me.
I'll thank both her, him and my other source too. :) Let me know if
you want me to ask about specific places to stay / dive ops in Tioman,
I might do that for Tioman. Thanks.
Post by Salty
Spidan, Layang Layang.
There is only one place to stay on Layang Layang. :^) Thanks again.
Steve Kramer
2003-12-15 08:53:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Salty
I'm told things are generally half-price now as to what they were when
I was there in 2001. I wish to go back and buy furniture there, then
have it shipped back via a crate. <g> If only I could.
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
Post by Salty
Post by chilly
Actually, it had occurred to me that I might slide up to Tioman for a couple
of days and get some diving in there too.
On Tioman, DiveAsia in Kampang Salang, and the Salang Beach Resort...
right next to each other, right on the water, and the owners of the dive
shop, Roger and Dianna Ng, also own the nightclub/bar that out at the
end of the jetty.

Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
chilly
2003-12-15 18:46:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
On Tioman, DiveAsia in Kampang Salang, and the Salang Beach Resort...
right next to each other, right on the water, and the owners of the dive
shop, Roger and Dianna Ng, also own the nightclub/bar that out at the
end of the jetty.
Thank you. I note that you kept all of my criteria in mind. (wg)
Crownfield
2003-12-15 19:48:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
what would happen if it were well waxed with a heavy paste wax,
that should form a moisture barrier?

Or keep it near the shower or the indoor pool?
Post by Steve Kramer
Steve Kramer
Chiang Mai, Thailand
http://www.photoenvisions.com
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Steve Kramer
2003-12-16 00:07:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Crownfield
Post by Steve Kramer
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
what would happen if it were well waxed with a heavy paste wax,
that should form a moisture barrier?
Or keep it near the shower or the indoor pool?
Perhaps if you sealed it in some sort of polyurethane you might have a
chance at keeping it together. But you lose the beautiful finish that
the carving comes with. Most of difficulty comes with the carvings that
are quite large; headboards for beds, dinning room tables, wall murals,
etc., and the shrinkage is huge as the wood dries. The small table top
carvings don't have that same percentage of size change.

As I said, I haven't even taken my elephant out of it's original
environment and it's beginning to crack already. You can't work wet wood
and expect to maintain great finished results when something that size
dries out.
--
"The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons,
but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Greg Mossman
2003-12-16 01:32:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
You can't work wet wood
and expect to maintain great finished results when something that size
dries out.
That's the whole point of Viagra, isn't it?
Salty
2003-12-18 03:22:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Steve Kramer
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
<snip>

I see that chilly commented on the wood cracking too. I guess I'll
find out more about it as time goes on since my friends who lived
there had a 14 piece dining room suite shipped in from Sing....table,
chairs, buffet, cabinet and server table. That would truly suck if
they had problems with it.

Regardless, I'd like to mention a few things :

- I brought home 6 pieces from our 2001 trip. Our friends brought home
stuff too. None of it has cracked.
- I have a kitchen set and a TV / stereo table that were custom made
for me...ie I went to the carpenter and said "Make me this" and he
did. Both were made from oak. The kitchen table cracked. I found a
someone to repair it. The TV table is fine even though it takes just
as much abuse since it is close to the fireplace in the winter. The
kitchen table gets abused by the sun.
- My sis in law's kitchen set just cracked too. She had it repaired
without a big deal. The differences were that mine was custom made and
cracked on table surface. Hers was store-bought and cracked on the
leg.
- I think that most ppl fail to realize that wood is fluid. It was cut
from a living thing and therefore, it moves. It expands and contracts
no matter how much drying or prep was done to it. Most ppl don't want
to take the time to oil their wooden pieces. (I sure as hell don't.)
By oil, I mean just that and using a wood oil, not by using a
furniture polish that claims to have oil in it. I oil my kitchen set
maybe once or twice a year. I never oil my TV stereo and the TV is so
heavy that 2 strong ppl need to lift it so that I can dust underneath.
No cracks...yet.
- If you doubt that wood will always expand and contract (and thereby
sometimes crack), then you don't live in my house. I have a house that
changes between seasons. Some of my 6 panel doors will not close
completely depending on the season and the amount of humidity. And if
you live in my climate and someone tells you to buy Anderson Windows,
a very popular brand, tell them they are nuts. Ask them to speak to
the fact that the inside casing is wood and, as such, not efficient
with temperature extremes that we have in PA.
- Many wooden pieces increase in value and become more desirable with
some cracking, just the same as many metal pieces increase in value
with their patene.

So, IMHO, I would opt to purchase the unique piece of furniture from
Asia / Indonesia and hope that it doesn't crack. After all, there are
many antique pieces out from Asia / Indonesia that have withstood the
test of time. If my piece cracked, I'll hire a finish carpenter to
repair it just like I did with my kitchen table surface and my sis in
law did with her table leg. It wasn't expensive, it was fairly quick
and you have the piece back without being able to tell the crack in
most cases.
chilly
2003-12-18 06:35:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Salty
Post by Steve Kramer
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
<snip>
I see that chilly commented on the wood cracking too.
Did I specifically mention wood cracking? Hmm, well, my cherrywood tea tray
is not cracking, however, the varnish has pulled away from the edges. My
engraved chest, had apparently already been restored and once it started to
dry out over here, all the filling fell out of the worm holes. Oh, yeah,
and the varnish has retracted in some places. Many of my beautiful carvings
just don't have the same finish that they used to have. My cousin's big
elephant cracked, and cracked and cracked despite being kept in the
bathroom. My other cousin's beautiful furniture has for the most part been
magnificently maintained. They have lost a few pieces however. Buyer
beware, that's all we are saying.

(snip)
Salty
2003-12-19 00:18:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by chilly
Post by Salty
Post by Steve Kramer
And then you would join the hundreds of others who buy exquisitely
carved furniture in SE Asia, ship it back to the States and to Europe
and watch it crack in a dozen places because the humidity level is so
different. Most of the furniture sold in SE Asia is made with wood that
isn't properly dried when it's being worked on. We bought a large
(300lbs) carved elephant two years ago, and even keeping it here in it's
original environment, it is beginning to show small cracks in the wood.
Not enough to ruin it's beauty, but if I brought it back to a US house
heated with a wood stove or electric heat, it would be little more than
dozens of pieces of carved kindling now.
<snip>
I see that chilly commented on the wood cracking too.
Did I specifically mention wood cracking? Hmm, well, my cherrywood tea tray
is not cracking, however, the varnish has pulled away from the edges. My
engraved chest, had apparently already been restored and once it started to
dry out over here, all the filling fell out of the worm holes. Oh, yeah,
and the varnish has retracted in some places. Many of my beautiful carvings
just don't have the same finish that they used to have. My cousin's big
elephant cracked, and cracked and cracked despite being kept in the
bathroom. My other cousin's beautiful furniture has for the most part been
magnificently maintained. They have lost a few pieces however. Buyer
beware, that's all we are saying.
Ohhh... correction. I see that you didn't say cracking, just drying.
Do your pieces look bad now ?? I'll bet they don't. I'll bet that
your guests don't even notice the things you've mentioned. You notice
it because you're looking more closely at them to clean them, etc. I
agree, buyer beware.
Davros
2003-12-04 14:42:07 UTC
Permalink
I know Guy personally as well, and I would recommend Asia Divers over Buddah
View. I know the majority of the instuctors there as well. I feel Asia
Divers are smaller so you get a more personal experience with them
Post by Vinnie
Post by PrOnG
I am torn between two Diving companies on Koh Tao, 1) Buddha View 2) Big
Blue Diving
Both sound good.
Anyone any experience of either of these????
Any replies appreciated.
Fanks.
Buddha View is excellent. I know their course directors, Guy
Corsellis and Mark Soworka, and a friend of mine just did his
divemaster internship/OW Instructor training there. Based on what he
describes, their teaching standards are top notch.
Big Blue also has a good reputation, although I dont have too much
first-hand info about them.
As for the diving, I was less than impressed with the diving in Koh
Tao. Good place to get certified for cheap, but the sites arent that
good, and I dont particularly like cattleboat diving. YMMV.
Rene R.F. Wildeman
2003-11-19 06:20:50 UTC
Permalink
Doesn't it depend on the period you are going? This year I arrived on
Koh Tao and saw crowded ships. Two days after many people left and we
were just a handful on the boat. Personally I always use Easydivers at
Mae Haad.

On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 22:30:43 GMT, "PrOnG"
Post by PrOnG
I am torn between two Diving companies on Koh Tao, 1) Buddha View 2) Big
Blue Diving
Both sound good.
Anyone any experience of either of these????
Any replies appreciated.
Fanks.
Jerome Meekings
2003-11-19 20:49:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by PrOnG
Anyone any experience of either of these????
Cris

I have certified with both. What are you going to do? as my advice will
change with the case.

http://meekings.net/diving/index.html

Has some Koh Tao photo's
--
Post by PrOnG
replace spamblock with my family name to e-mail me
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