Stop Whining & Dive Already...

I'm ranting, so be prepare to hear some harsh comments that may offend you...

All I hear lately is how the global economy crisis affecting every part of everyone daily activities. People are shelving their plans, postponing their lives just because apparently all of this current economic problems suddenly thrusted upon us without any warnings. Of course, the way some people carried on with their lifestyles in the last few years had nothing to do with this... NOT!
Don't believe me? I can name a few non-essential junks that many of you spent your good diving money on: Do you really need another iPhone? iPod? "Something" handheld devices supposedly will make your life better & work more effectively?

So, now suddenly even the friendliest of people in the world, you know... us, the scuba divers, also joining in on the "whining wagon." Yep, living in the center of Thailand's diving world, I get to see and hear loads of bitching and whining. We hear divers complaint that, "Diving is too expensive; it cost too much for a dive trip; we need discounts, give us more if you want us to go diving with you... blah blah blah! Geez, want more cheeze with your whines?" But, they had no problem plunking down cold hard cash for another "useless toy" that probably will be replaced with a newer, faster and more expensive model in a couple weeks.

The price of dive trips in Phuket hadn't change since Bill Clinton was the president of the United States. Really! it's still around 2,500 - 3,000 THB for a daytrip, not much has changed in boat diving price since the late 90s and early 2000s. However, Phuket's dive services today are much better than they were a few years ago, and back then, we were already pretty good. Today, Phuket is shuttling divers between their hotels & boats with newer minibuses and better equipped passengers trucks. Most operators have Breakfast & lunch on-board for guests, and even pan-cakes for the boat ride home. Tanks are filled during service interval, super attentive boat staff to care for your every needs, three chambers available to respond to any dive emergency, newer and larger boats etc. I can go on and on with the goods... And Phuket does all of this depsite year after year of challenges with natural disaster, political unrests, fuel costs etc. And I bet not much has changed either in other part of the region, Bali, N. Sulawesi, Borneo, Philippines and more.

So, please get over yourselves and be mindful next time you ask for discounts, or giving up your dive trip because apparently you are trying to save money to buy another "iSomething." When your dive shop or boat operator had to discount, something or someone had to be given up. And, usually it will be the cheerful boat staff, the nice office attendant, that cool Dive Guide who will have to do more and get less... Just because some of you are stingy for a 5-10 bucks discount.

With a little planning, you don't have to miss your dives or spend too much for some great diving. Take advantage of many operators offer, multiple trip discounts can add up your savings. It's more affordable to travel by air today than the past, thanks to Air Asia, Tiger Airways and many others regional airlines in learning how to earn without taking from the travelers. I know this because I use these airlines regularly. Want an example? Here's what a little planning result for my next diving trip, using only Air Asia. and please don't even try to tell me that I don't watch my spending because I'm a Yank. I am Vietnamese by birth, and we as people don't waste money by paying full price for anything if we can help it :-)

• 24th June - 12th July (Flight: AK823 & AK836, Phuket to KL to Phuket, fare 2,383 THB Return)
  
• 24th - 28th June (Flight: KL - Tawau AK5154, fare 87.50 RM one way)
  
• 29th June - 1st July (Flight: Tawau - KK AK6127, fare 50.50 RM one way)
  
• 2nd - 3rd July, (Flight: KK - KL AK5109, fare 84.00 RM one way)
• Prices for flights are inclusive of fees, 15kg baggage allowance, Goinsure Premium and Advance Seat Selection.
• Total: approx. 4,603 THB or 460 RM (135 USD)

The cost of diving is pretty much the same in Semporna and Sabah as in Thailand. Though I highly doubt the boat service will match Phuket standard. However, I am a Scuba diver and a lover of the sea. I care deeply about the dive industry. So, I'm going to dive on published price during this trip and many more this year.

I plan to spend more of any money I save in the diving industry in 2009. Yes, I am cutting down on my eating habits (most expensive in my monthly budget :-) so that I can dive, and support the dive businesses around the region. If you are passionate about the sea, about diving, I challenge you to do the same... Get in the water, it's good for your soul!