This book is Pre -tsunami. & Pre-enviromental-ban for Sipadan

CONS:
1) This edition is basically the same as the 2nd edition. If you have #2 then you don't really need #3. Just call ahead and make sure the LDS info is correct.

2) Although some of the information may have been updated since the 2nd edition, sloppy editing ruins the book. Maps are not on the page indexed and are not on the page referred to in the paragraph. You'd really expect better editing and not just #2 regurgitated with add-on info.

3) Many of the contributors also have their own Dive Guide/Book published, so you may find some duplicate info.

4) Doesn't list all major dive shops in the area, (but it comes pretty close). Doesn't list dive shops on the smaller islands (not even reputable ones).

5) Publishing company extremely rude (Periplus Singapore) and unhelpful to the public when called at the number listed.

PROS:... Read more

Picking this up was a spur of the moment decision and one I'm quite happy with. As only an occasional diver (pesky right eustacian tube) there isn't much chance I'll get to even a quarter of the sites listed here but by golly there are a lot. All sorts of mouth water bits of info are slung the readers way and if you want some inspiration for your next dive holiday then flicking through this book is certainly a great way to make your credit cards quake in fear.

As to specifics, the book is well set out, nicely presented with lots of lovely photos and has plenty of information for budding dive holiday takers. Of course in any work of this kind there is always going to be the issue of information becoming out of date and therefore you really shouldn't take every contact detail etc provided here as gospel, but for heavens sake you are going to do some checking of this sort of stuff before you go so it's unlikely to ruin your holiday.

There is a reference section... Read more

Very informative, nice photos too. Aided me in deciding where I'm going to go in that part of the world next summer. Arrived quickly and suitably priced.