Best snorkel / dive beach area in SE Asia

[kiwitripper64]

Hello
I am allowed to book our holiday overseas on the basis of NO SNOW. . Mrs KT has requirements of sun, beach and snorkeling in Feb 2020, so I am thinking Thailand ( maybe PhiPhi) and /or Vietnam (Maybe Ha Long Bay, Hoi An or Phu Quoc). I would love any tips, suggestions and advice. We are probably looking at 2 weeks, we dont mind a bit of moving but dont want to be travelling every day.
And it looks like QF are having another sale on
Thanks all

 

[AisleSeat]

Lombok and the Gili Islands are worth a look.

 

[Cinnabel]

Have you thought of Kota Kinabalu? Borneo has lots to offer.

 

[Andz]

Raja Ampat
Philippines
Bunaken Islands
Komodo

 

[Maisy33]

10 years ago I snorkelled at Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Very disappointing. I enjoyed Menjangan and around Amed in Bali, however I’ve also heard around Gili Islands it’s great with turtles (something I’ve yet to swim with)

 

[RisingPhoenix]

Do you have your heart set on SE Asia?

If yes, Andz has pretty much named all the spots I'd recommend too.

 

[andye]

We had very good snorkelling at Redang Island, Terrengannu in Malaysia though I think Feb may not be the best for East Coast
I'd agree with the Gili in Lombok

 

[jase05]

Lombok and the Gili islands are great.
Highly recommend the Philippines, Palawan is superb and you can island hop.
Agree with above regarding Kota Kinabalu also

 

[moa999]

Somewhat dependent if beach or snorkelling is more important

Some of the above (eg Ha long Bay) are beautiful spots but I'd recommend for neither.

Id add
Langkawi,
Batu Ferringhi near Penang
Ko Tao (even better for scuba diving, but decent for snorkelling)
Ko Samui (if resorts/beach are more important)

 

[Dalescott]

Palau and Chuuk Lagoon Micronesia ( formally know as Truk), but it depends on your ability. But the snorkelling is still good. I have been to both, and love to dive on wrecks. You would need to go with an experienced local operator, there are quite a few. The resorts are good, the beaches great, and it's not that crowded.
If you are into military history Chuuk Lagoon and the islands are fascinating.

 

[Denali]

For diving, Lembeh North Sulawesi but its muck diving.

Otherwise, Guam and then from there Palau, Yap ect? Will warn you, the water is bath warm (too warm for me).

 

[Melburnian1]

Jase05 suggestion of Philippines is good. TripAdvisor has an article in its forums about best snorkelling sites there.

Why travel with snooty Qantas? Philippine Airlines is better. Younger planes, friendlier attendants and connections to all domestic major destinations. Speak to a TA that has Phils as its main destination. There are some in all three majoe Oz east coast cities.

 

[Happy Dude]

I know you've specified SEA but other than a few aforementioned spots you'll be generally disappointed with snorkelling in SEA.

Perhaps consider Heron Is or Lady Elliot Is? The latter has some of the best snorkelling to be had on the planet, especially in February, straight off the beach. As do lots of places on the GBR of course.

 

[MickC32]

+1 vote for Kota Kinabalu