NeverEatAlone

In a few hours we're leaving to Tioman and I just confirmed that there is in fact internet on the island.

I was wondering if anyone had done a similar trip and/or had suggestions for us. How many days would you suggest we spend at each islands? Good diving spots for me and nice relaxing spas for my wife (she's not much into diving), nice hiking areas, best place to get PADI and perhaps budget accommodations.

Our current itinerary is roughly as following:
Singapore to Mersing by bus.
pick one or two of the islands in the cluster (Tioman / Rawa / Tinggi / Besan)

Bus to Taman Negara or Terengganu - possibly do some jungle hikes while in the area.
pick one of the islands in the cluster (Redang / Terengganu / Perhentian )

At this point we'd like to make our way to Ankor Wat with perhaps a stopover in Phuket, though I am not sure on the best way to accomplish that or if it's even worth visiting Phuket.

Thanks.

Kathie

Given the lovely beaches you will be visiting, I'm not sure why you would want to visit Phuket at this time of the year (heavy rains, rough seas). Phuket is much more developed than the other beaches you'll be visiting.

To get to Angkor a cheap and fast way to go is to fly Air Asia from KL.

simpsonc510

Phuket does have rough seas at this time of the year. The red flags would probably be lining the beaches... which is their warning of strong currents, encouraging you to stay ashore.

You might or might not get rain. I was just in Samui, and this is supposed to be the dry season, but we had clouds and a sprinkle or two (one deluge) every day but one, in our 4-day visit. So weather patterns are not so predictable... Phuket weather might be just fine!!!

rhkkmk

air asia also has some flights to phuket....check their website...

thursdaysd

I had a wonderful relaxing time on Perhentian Besar, but if you're thinking spa you have the wrong island. Diving and snorkeling, yes. Backpacker chalets, yes. Some more upmarket accommodation with AC and en-suite bathrooms, yes. Spas, no. ATMs, no. Alcohol, maybe.

crellston

We got our PADI AOW certification on Redang island at the Berjaya hotel http://www.berjayahotel.com/redang/index.asp It has a pretty good dive shop with decent instruction and reasonable dive sites (at least it did 12 years ago!). A number of the dive sites are close to the hotel beach and others just a short boat ride away. It also has the added advantage of a spa for your wife.

NeverEatAlone

Two days into my Padi, so far so good.

Any more insights into Redang ?