The Best Places in Southeast Asia for Your First Diving Holiday
Written by Rebecca Allan - Eco-Tourism Specialist
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside sea turtles, drifting over vibrant coral reefs or discovering an entirely new world beneath the surface, your first diving holiday is something you’ll never forget.
For me, diving isn’t just about what you see underwater. It’s about those moments that stay with you long after you’ve come home. The first time you spot a tiny pygmy seahorse hiding amongst coral. The excitement of seeing a turtle glide effortlessly past. The feeling of realising you’ve just explored a world most people never get to experience.
The good news? You don’t need to be an experienced diver to enjoy it.
Southeast Asia is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive or build your confidence underwater. Warm tropical waters, incredible visibility, welcoming dive schools and some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet make it perfect for beginners and newly qualified divers alike.
If you’re wondering where to start, these are five destinations I love recommending.
Mabul, Malaysia
Just a short boat ride from the world-famous Sipadan, Mabul is one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular diving destinations.
What makes Mabul so special is the sheer variety of marine life. One dive might have you spotting turtles cruising above colourful reefs, while the next has you searching for some of the ocean’s tiniest and rarest creatures hidden amongst the coral.
It offers a brilliant mix of beginner-friendly dive sites and more advanced adventures, making it somewhere you can return to again and again as your confidence grows.
Why Visit Mabul?
• Great for both beginners and experienced divers
• Excellent range of dive resorts
• Incredible diversity of marine life
• The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation
Top Experiences
• Spot frogfish, pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish and turtles
• Explore vibrant coral reefs
• Dive the legendary Sipadan (permit and Advanced Open Water certification required)
Best For
Divers looking for an unforgettable first diving holiday with incredible marine life and plenty of opportunities to progress.
Best Time to Visit: April–December
Dauin, Philippines
If your dream holiday is all about discovering extraordinary marine life away from the crowds, Dauin is a destination that’s often overlooked…but absolutely shouldn’t be.
Known for its incredible biodiversity, Dauin combines world-class macro diving with easy access to the spectacular coral reefs of nearby Apo Island. It’s the sort of place where every dive feels like a wildlife safari beneath the waves.
Whether you’re fascinated by tiny underwater creatures or simply want peaceful dive sites with healthy coral reefs, Dauin is a fantastic choice.
Why Visit Dauin?
• Home to some of the Philippines’ healthiest coral reefs
• Exceptional marine biodiversity
• Fantastic for underwater photography
• Relaxed, authentic atmosphere
Top Experiences
• Search for mimic octopus, nudibranchs and seahorses
• Explore Apo Island’s beautiful coral reefs
• Swim alongside turtles
Best For
Travellers wanting an incredible first diving experience away from busy tourist hotspots.
Best Time to Visit: October–June
Gili Islands, Indonesia
If you’re learning to dive for the first time, it’s difficult to beat the Gili Islands.
Warm, calm waters, fantastic visibility and regular turtle sightings make this one of Southeast Asia’s most popular places to gain your confidence underwater. Even better, each island has its own personality, so you can easily combine Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno into one unforgettable trip.
After a day beneath the waves, you’ll swap wetsuits for sunsets, beach cafés and laid-back island life.
Why Visit the Gili Islands?
• Beginner-friendly dive sites
• Easy island hopping between Gili Trawangan, Air and Meno
• Perfect to combine with a Bali itinerary
• Relaxed tropical atmosphere
Top Experiences
• Swim with turtles
• Explore colourful coral reefs
• Watch unforgettable island sunsets after diving
Best For
First-time divers looking for a relaxed island escape.
Best Time to Visit: May–October
Amed, Bali
If you love the idea of combining incredible diving with culture, scenery and authentic local experiences, Amed is hard to beat.
Located on Bali’s quieter east coast, Amed offers calm conditions for beginners while also giving you access to the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck at nearby Tulamben. Above the water you’ll find volcanic landscapes, traditional fishing villages and stunning sunrises over Mount Agung.
It’s a destination that offers so much more than diving alone.
Why Visit Amed?
• Calm dive conditions
• Accessible wreck diving
• Authentic Balinese atmosphere
• Excellent value accommodation
Top Experiences
• Explore colourful coral reefs and volcanic underwater landscapes
• Watch sunrise over Mount Agung
• Snorkel in crystal-clear bays
Best For
New divers wanting to combine underwater adventures with culture and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: April–November
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Often described as the ‘Maldives of Thailand’, Koh Lipe is everything you’d imagine from a tropical island paradise.
Crystal-clear waters, colourful coral gardens and a peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy relaxed diving in beautiful surroundings. Located within Tarutao National Marine Park, it’s also home to healthy reefs and an abundance of tropical marine life.
If your perfect holiday includes equal amounts of diving, beach time and slowing down, Koh Lipe is well worth considering.
Why Visit Koh Lipe?
• Healthy coral reefs
• Protected marine park
• Beautiful white-sand beaches
• Peaceful atmosphere away from Thailand’s party scene
Top Experiences
• Dive colourful coral gardens
• Spot tropical reef fish
• Explore nearby islands by boat
Best For
Travellers looking for a tropical island escape with exceptional diving.
Best Time to Visit: November–April
Five Tips for Planning Your First Diving Holiday
• Choose destinations with calm, beginner-friendly dive sites.
• Book with a reputable dive centre that puts safety and training first.
• Travel during the best season for visibility and sea conditions.
• Leave plenty of time to enjoy your destination above the water as well as below it.
• Book early if you’re travelling to popular diving destinations, especially during peak season.
Which Destination Is Right for You?
Choose Mabul if seeing extraordinary marine life is at the top of your bucket list.
Choose Dauin if you love wildlife, photography and quieter dive destinations.
Choose the Gili Islands if you’re learning to dive for the first time.
Choose Amed if you want to combine diving with Balinese culture and sightseeing.
Choose Koh Lipe if you’re dreaming of a laid-back tropical island escape.
Let Me Help You Plan Your First Diving Holiday
One of the things I love most about planning diving holidays is that no two trips are ever the same. Some people are excited to gain their Open Water certification, others are dreaming of swimming alongside turtles, while some simply want to experience the underwater world for the very first time.
As Savi Escapes’ Southeast Asia and eco-tourism specialist, and a qualified diving instructor myself, I’ll help you choose the destination that’s right for you, recommend the best time to travel, and build an itinerary that’s completely tailored to your interests, confidence and travel style. Whether you’re planning your very first dive or your next underwater adventure, I’ll make sure every detail is taken care of, so all you need to do is enjoy the experience.
Ready to discover Southeast Asia from a whole new perspective? I’d love to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.
