Southeast Asia

Cambodia

Look, we’ll be straight with you, Cambodia isn’t going to rival Raja Ampat for coral health or the Philippines for sheer number of species, but it absolutely holds its own unique charm. Think of it as Southeast Asia’s quiet achiever. The Koh Rong Archipelago is your go-to for easily accessible diving, with healthy stretches of reef still recovering and plenty of macro life if you take your time. We’ve found cleaner wrasse diligently working, horseshoe crabs plodding along the sand, and those shy pink anemonefish tucked into their homes. For something a bit more adventurous, and where Cambodia truly shines, head out to Koh Tang and the more distant offshore islands. The boat ride can be a bit of a commitment, but the reward is often clearer water and bigger schools of fusiliers. We’ve spotted narrow-barred Spanish mackerel darting through, and the deeper sections can reveal sharptooth snappers. Visibility is generally best from November to May, before the heavier rains stir things up. It’s a developing dive destination, for sure, but that’s part of its appeal - you’re often sharing the sites with just a handful of other divers, which we always appreciate.

Indonesia

Indonesia is… a lot. If you’re a diver, it’s not just a country, it’s a commitment. We’re talking about the Coral Triangle’s absolute nucleus, a place where it feels like every single dive site on Earth wants to be. Forget just "a lot of fish," we mean a ridiculous, almost unbelievable amount of diversity - from the tiny, perfect Stobbs' Pygmygoby tucked into a coral head to the Gray Reef Sharks patrolling Komodo's famous currents. You could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface, but if we had to pick, Raja Ampat in the east for sheer, unadulterated reef health, or Komodo for the exhilarating, fast-paced drift dives alongside its famous dragons. Bali, of course, offers a brilliant mix, including some fantastic macro life if you're into the smaller stuff. The diving generally holds up year-round somewhere, but for the wider eastern areas, May to October often brings calmer seas. Just remember, strong currents are part of the deal in many of the best spots; it’s a small price for seeing so much life.

Malaysia

Malaysia, oh Malaysia. For a country that sometimes gets overshadowed by its neighbours, it consistently punches above its weight in the dive stakes. Most divers immediately think of Sipadan, and for good reason-that barracuda tornado and the sheer number of turtles are truly something else, a real bucket-lister. But we think it’s Layang-Layang that really captures the imagination with its hammerheads patrolling the deep walls, a completely different beast. Beyond these giants, there's a huge variety. Over on the Peninsular side, places like the Perhentians and Redang offer a more relaxed, accessible dive holiday, especially good for getting those initial fin kicks in. You’ll find a mix of macro life and some decent reef dives, a gentle introduction to Southeast Asian diving. The best window generally runs from March to October when the seas are calmer, particularly for the east coast islands, though Sabah’s diving can be more year-round. We’d suggest focusing on Sabah for the big stuff and Peninsular Malaysia for a laid-back, colourful reef experience.

Myanmar

Myanmar, or Burma, diving feels like stepping back in time, largely because much of the Mergui Archipelago has remained untouched. We’re talking over 800 islands, many still unmapped underwater, creating a genuine sense of exploration you just don't find elsewhere in Southeast Asia anymore. This isn't a quick trip; liveaboards are the way to go, especially if you want to hit the Burma Banks, famed for their schooling Argus grouper and the chance of seeing something really big pass through. Visibility can vary, but when it’s good, the sheer density of some of the fish schools, like fusiliers or bannerfish, can be astounding. We’ve seen Blue Panchax flitting between lettuce corals and honeycomb morays peeking from crevices that likely haven't seen many divers. Go between November and May for the best conditions. It's not for everyone - strong currents are a real possibility on some of the offshore banks - but for divers who truly seek adventure and pristine reefs, Myanmar delivers an experience that’s increasingly rare.

Philippines

The Philippines feels like a secret handshake among divers. You arrive expecting good diving, then discover just how varied it really is, island after island. We find ourselves drawn back to the Visayas for a classic liveaboard circuit, where you might spot thresher sharks in Malapascua one morning and be drifting over vibrant soft corals near Apo Island by afternoon. For a different vibe, Romblon’s muck diving delivers some truly bizarre critters, a macro photographer’s dream. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on a Tubbataha liveaboard, usually between March and June, you’ll experience some of the healthiest reefs we’ve ever seen, though it's a deep blue water trip, not for beginners. This isn’t a destination for one quick trip; it’s a country that rewards repeat visits.

Singapore

Singapore diving, it’s not what most people picture. Forget the usual suspects, because what you’ll find around the Southern Islands is a resilient, surprisingly busy ecosystem. We’re talking about Pulau Hantu and the Sisters' Islands Marine Park where, despite the city skyline in the distance, you can spot a Bowmouth Guitarfish cruising by or spend an entire dive looking for Blue-spot Blennies in the coral. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, often driven by currents and recent rainfall, but we’ve had some truly spectacular dives with 10-meter visibility, especially after a dry spell. It’s a macro playground; think nudibranchs, seahorses, and those tiny Whitespot Damsels darting through Lettuce Coral. We find the best diving is generally outside the monsoon season, from March to October, when conditions are a little more stable. It’s not about grand pelagic encounters, but rather the joy of discovery in an unexpected place.

Thailand

Thailand is where a lot of us first strapped on a tank, and for good reason. The diving here is wonderfully accessible, warm, and often ridiculously pretty, a perfect mix for divers new and old. If you’re after big pelagics and dramatic underwater topography, the Similan and Surin Islands from November to April are our top pick, with healthy chances of manta rays and even whale sharks. For learning or just a chilled-out week of easy reef dives, Koh Tao in the Gulf offers a friendly vibe and calm conditions. We’ve had some truly memorable encounters with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the sun in the Andaman, and finding a tiny, colourful Delicate Blenny hiding in a coral head is always a win. Just expect crowds at the really popular spots, particularly during peak season.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste still feels like a secret, even with its Coral Triangle address. We love it because it’s the real deal - reefs that genuinely see fewer divers in a year than some spots do in a day. You'll want to aim for Atauro Island, absolutely; its fish diversity is eye-popping, but the Dili coast offers surprising access to healthy shallow reef too. Think abundant, big schooling fish, often with nobody else around. The dry season, roughly May to November, usually brings the calmest seas and clearest water, ideal for exploring those vast staghorn fields.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s dive scene is still finding its feet, but that's precisely what makes it exciting. You won't find the big pelagic action of some other Southeast Asian spots, but what you will get is a chance to explore sites that feel genuinely new, often with just your group and the local dive guide. We’ve had some fantastic dives around the Con Dao Islands, where the protected waters have healthier coral and more regular sightings of creatures like the sneaky wrasse and the colourful Diana’s hogfish than you'd expect. Over on Whale Island and in Van Phong Bay, it's all about the macro - think blotchfin scorpionfish tucked into crevices and common dragonets dancing in the sand. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, especially during the rainy season, so we'd aim for May to September when the calmer seas give you the best chance to spot those black angelfish and golden-yellow cones. If you're looking for an honest, unpretentious dive trip with plenty of local flavour, Vietnam deserves a closer look.